For many professional athletes, their intense drive to succeed does not disappear when their playing days are over. There are countless examples of former athletes who have made the smooth transition from professional sports to the business world. We’ll look at extraordinary athletes who have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs.
Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod will go down as one of the greatest baseball players in history. Rodriguez’s storied career had many bright moments, and fans throughout the country came to watch him play for the Mariners, Rangers, and Yankees. Rodriguez won just about every individual award possible and was crowned World Series champion in 2009.
The charismatic Rodriguez has found post-career success as an MLB commentator, and he has also established a successful entrepreneurial career. Rodriguez leads a successful investment firm, A-Rod Corp, which he established during his playing days. He also owns a 31,000-square-foot fitness facility that caters to entire families. This successful venture features a regulation UFC octagon and multiple other areas for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Rodriguez has aspirations to expand the business and open up other locations in Florida.
Rodriguez was always very conscious of his career after his playing days ended. The same competitive drive that led him to success in sports has helped him succeed in his business ventures.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest athletes in the history of American sports. Jordan won six NBA championships in his career and has achieved countless other records.
Since retiring, Jordan has revolutionized the pursuit of entrepreneurial endeavors among former athletes. His Air Jordan brand was established during his playing days and achieved almost immediate success. The brand is one of the most recognizable in the world, and Jordan is still heavily involved in its operations. Jordan also owns the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats, among other ventures.
Nastia Liukin
Many people said that gymnastics was in Nastia Liukin’s DNA. Both of her parents were champion gymnasts, and Liukin found success at an early age. After winning five Olympic medals for the United States, including a gold in 2008, she found herself at the end of her competitive career at 23.
Liukin took her love of gymnastics and made a career out of using the sport to help people. She studied sports management at New York University and has used that education to obtain multiple roles in the field.
Liukin created the application Grander to help young athletes connect with their sports idols. She understands what it is like to be in their position, and she wants to give them every chance to succeed. This app provides young athletes with a safe way to connect with their heroes so they can be instructed and inspired. The product also gives athletes a chance to connect with other athletes to create a support network.
Justin Forsett
Justin Forsett earned the admiration of other players, coaches, and fans during his nine-year NFL career. This pro bowl running back continues to be a positive influence off the field, as well. He is an active motivational speaker who has also appeared on multiple news outlets. For Forsett, the tools he used to succeed in college and professional athletics are the same ones he uses as an entrepreneur.
Forsett now focuses his time on ShowerPill, a disposable, anti-bacterial body wipe. Forsett and two former Cal Berkley teammates saw a hygiene problem in locker rooms throughout the country. For many athletes, all of the workouts during the day do not leave much time for proper hygiene. They tested Shower Pill in National Football League locker rooms and expanded its use from there.
Tywanna Smith
Tywanna Smith enjoyed a career as a four-year starter for the University of Mississippi women’s basketball team while earning a bachelor’s and master’s in business administration. She then played professional basketball in Holland and Spain. Her education and professional sports career prepared her for a successful business career in the business world.
She used her financial, management, and marketing abilities during her career at Merrill Lynch and eventually founded The Athlete’s Nexus. This sports marketing and business management company aims to manage every aspect of a professional athlete’s career. Smith built a team of former athletes who know what it is like to live their lifestyle. They help with public relations, business decisions, and post-career options for themselves.
Many of the same qualities that help athletes to become successful in professional sports also enable them to thrive as entrepreneurs. All of these former athletes used their intelligence, drive, and will to establish successful careers after retiring from the sports world. They are not only an inspiration for athletes, but for anyone who dreams of building a successful business.
Jason Hanold 