In keeping with their tradition of giving New England sports figures parts in their films, the Farrelly brothers intended Drew Bledsoe to play the part that eventually went to Brett Favre. Bledsoe passed.

Cuba Gooding Jr. was considered for the role of Pat Healy.

Bill was seriously considered for the role of Pat Healy, but they decided he was too old.

Vaughn was considered to for the role of Pat Healy.

Initially, the studio was reluctant to cast Ben Stiller and the Farrelly brothers were said to have chosen Wilson instead. The studio was even more reluctant about this choice, so they went back to Stiller.