Cliff Hawkins/Getty ImagesOnce they’ve called it a day, most sports stars either disappear back into obscurity, land a regular job, or spend time enjoying their well-earned riches. However, some end up pursuing second careers that ultimately prove to be more rewarding than any time in competitive sport. Here’s a look at 20 of the most successful former athletes who made it even bigger after quitting their respective sports.
Alex Snow
Jay Ward/Getty ImagesAlex Snow enjoyed success on the rugby field as a lock forward for both British team Harlequins and the England A team. However, his biggest career move came when he swapped the locker room for the boardroom and entered the world of stockbroking. It was certainly a lucrative move, anyway, as in 2011 his firm Evolution was reportedly sold to Investec for a whopping sum of around $350 million.
Bill Gammell
SNS Group via Getty ImagesBill Gammell, a former Scotland rugby player, turned a career-ending injury into a business opportunity, creating a substantial fortune far surpassing the wealth typically associated with sports. Leveraging his background as an investment banker’s son, he established Cairn Energy. A strategic investment in Rajasthan propelled his oil and gas company to an estimated value of $2 billion. Adding to his achievements, Gammell was honored with a knighthood in 2006, marking his significant contributions beyond the rugby field.
George Foreman
Gary Miller/FilmMagic/Getty ImagesDepending on your age, you will know George Foreman as a master in the boxing ring — where his greatest achievement is widely considered to be his victory over Joe Frazier in 1973 to win the heavyweight championship of the world. Otherwise, you may know him as a grill master. Foreman’s savvy investment in this compact, fat-reducing grill not only revolutionized home cooking but also cemented his status as an entrepreneurial icon. This venture significantly amplified his fame and fortune beyond the boxing ring, making the George Foreman Grill synonymous with healthy eating and convenient cooking
Franco Harris
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsFranco Harris, a legendary running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, played in the NFL for 13 years during the 1970s, a time when football careers weren’t as financially rewarding as they are now. After hanging up his cleats, Harris ventured into the business world, establishing a bakery known for its nutritionally enhanced doughnuts. This post-football career move has led to Harris being valued at approximately $3 million today.
Tim Horton
Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty ImagesTim Horton, renowned for his stellar career in the National Hockey League (NHL), made a remarkable transition from ice hockey legend to entrepreneurial success by co-founding the now-famous coffee and fast-food chain, Tim Hortons. After establishing his first store in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario, Horton leveraged his fame and business acumen to expand the brand. Today, Tim Hortons has grown into one of Canada’s most iconic and beloved franchises, serving millions of customers daily.
Imran Khan
Carl Court/Getty ImagesImran Khan was a celebrated cricketer who led Pakistan to its first and only Cricket World Cup victory in 1992, and made his post-career transition into politics, culminating in his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2018. Known for his charismatic leadership on the cricket field, Khan used his sports fame as a platform to launch his political career, founding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in 1996. Over the years, he became a vocal critic of corruption and advocate for change in Pakistan, eventually leading his party to victory on a promise of a “New Pakistan.” His tenure as Prime Minister ended in 2022.
Peyton Manning
Donald Miralle/Getty ImagesPeyton Manning has dived headfirst into the business world with a variety of ventures since retiring from the NFL. He gained widespread recognition through his humorous Nationwide commercials alongside Brad Paisley. Manning has also formed partnerships with major brands such as Nike, Buick, Papa John’s, and DirecTV, leveraging his likable personality and sense of humor. These qualities have kept him in the spotlight as a sought-after endorser well beyond his football days. Moreover, his media company, Omaha Productions, is making significant strides, showcasing his influence and staying power in the business and entertainment sectors.
Dave Whelan
Matt McNulty/Getty ImagesWhen Dave Whelan broke his leg while playing for Blackburn Rovers aged 23, it signaled the slow decline of his soccer career. Eventually, however, Whelan was able to turn the rather paltry $600 sum he was eventually awarded as a retirement package by the British club into hundreds of millions of dollars. How? By transforming a humble fishing store into JJB Sports, one of the U.K.’s most successful sporting goods retailers.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Amy Sussman/Getty ImagesDwayne “The Rock” Johnson, initially famous as a WWE superstar, dramatically broadened his fame by transitioning into a Hollywood icon. His venture into acting propelled him to global stardom, with leading roles in major blockbuster hits like “Furious 7,” “San Andreas,” and “G.I. Joe: Retaliation.” — among many more.
Gary Player
Bettman/Getty ImagesOne of golf’s greatest legends, Gary Player expanded his legacy beyond the greens through his successful business endeavors and contributions to golf course design. With a career boasting nine major championships, Player leveraged his fame and expertise to become a leading figure in golf course architecture, creating over 400 courses worldwide — amassing him $20 million.
Herschel Walker
George Rose/Getty ImagesHeisman Trophy winner and celebrated NFL running back Herschel Walker diversified his pursuits in his post-NFL career. After retiring from professional football, Walker ventured into business, establishing a successful food service company, and even explored the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), showcasing his athleticism by winning two professional fights. Additionally, Walker made headlines for his involvement in politics.
Alex Bernstein
Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe via Getty ImagesAlex Bernstein spent four seasons in the NFL with the likes of the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens. But the former offensive lineman found his true calling after quitting the sport when he became something of a tech giant. To date, his achievements include co-creating Oakland-based business incubator North Venture Partners and marketing software company North Social.
Charles Barkley
Mike Powell/Allsport/Getty ImagesBarkley, once an NBA MVP and 11-time All-Star, seamlessly transitioned into a prominent media personality post-retirement. His outspoken and charismatic nature found a perfect outlet as a sports analyst on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” where his insightful, humorous commentary and on-screen chemistry with co-hosts have earned him acclaim and several Emmy Awards and has made him one of the highest paid sports commentators in the business.
Dan Goldie
Photo by S&G/PA Images via Getty ImagesDan Goldie enjoyed a modestly successful tennis career, winning two singles titles and, in 1989, achieving a career-topping rank of world number 27. His business ventures, however, unarguably dwarf his sporting achievements. In fact, as well as having written a New York Times bestseller on investing, Goldie is also president of an independent financial advisor widely recognized as among the best in the whole of the United States.
Mo Vaughn
Sporting News via Getty ImagesMo Vaughn was one of baseball’s highest-paid stars during his stints with the Boston Red Sox, the New York Mets, and the Anaheim Angels. But he managed to earn even more outside the game when he founded a real estate firm focusing on fixing up low-income housing. And what’s more, Vaughn’s strong business acumen ensured that during the recession, and unlike many others in real estate, he managed to make money.
Shaquille O’Neal
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner SportsThe NBA legend, known for his dominant presence on the basketball court and four championship titles, has transformed into a savvy businessman in the world of post-retirement. Beyond his successful broadcasting career on “Inside the NBA”, Shaq has diversified his portfolio into various ventures, including restaurant franchises, real estate, and significant stakes in companies across tech, entertainment, and food and beverage industries. His investments in brands like Google, Papa John’s, and various fitness gyms further solidified his wealth. Shaq’s ability to seamlessly leverage his sports fame into a sprawling business empire exemplifies his multifaceted career and influence that extends well beyond basketball.
Arnold Palmer
Photo by John Dominis/Time & Life Pictures/Getty ImagesArnold Palmer parlayed his sporting fame into a business empire, becoming a pioneer in sports marketing. Beyond his impressive seven major championships, Palmer’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to amass a fortune through endorsements, real estate, and the beverage industry. His most notable venture, Arnold Palmer Enterprises, managed various aspects of his brand and endorsements, contributing to his net worth. Perhaps most famously, the Arnold Palmer beverage — a blend of iced tea and lemonade –became a commercial hit, symbolizing his widespread influence. By the time of his passing in 2016, Palmer’s endeavors had helped him accumulate an estate valued at approximately $875 million.
Roger Penske
Adam Cairns/The Indianapolis Star/USA TODAYFormer racing driver Roger Penske’s achievements on the track have certainly been overshadowed by those off it. After retiring as a competitor in 1965, the Penske Automotive Group and Team Penske owner built a racing empire that is now worth nearly $20 billion. In addition, he’s produced over 100 winners in the NASCAR franchise and 15 in the Indy 100.
David Beckham
Cliff Hawkins/Getty ImagesDavid Beckham is famous for many reasons: as a soccer legend, style icon, businessman, and club owner. He used his fame to co-found the soccer club Inter Miami CF and explore businesses in fashion and tech. Beckham also partnered with big brands like Adidas and H&M during his styling ventures. He’s also heavily involved in charity work in both the UK and the US.
Michael Jordan
JOHN ZICH/AFP via Getty ImagesJordan’s post-NBA ventures were nothing short of groundbreaking. With Nike, he led the creation of the billion-dollar Jordan Brand. He then diversified his investments into car dealerships, restaurants, and even became a principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets. With astute business moves and strategic endorsements, Jordan’s net worth soared, establishing him as both a legendary athlete and business mogul. His financial achievements and entrepreneurial ventures have set a new benchmark for athletes venturing into business, making him one of the richest and most influential figures in sports history.
