The roar of the crowd, the thrill of victory, the relentless pursuit of greatness—these are the hallmarks of a professional athlete’s life. We marvel at their physical prowess, their strategic minds on the field, and the sheer determination that propels them to the top of their game. But what happens when the final whistle blows, the cheers fade, and the jerseys are hung up for good? For many, the answer isn’t retirement to a quiet life, but a startling transition into the cutthroat world of entrepreneurship, proving that the drive to win extends far beyond the arena. These are the individuals who seamlessly shift their focus and competitive spirit into building companies that echo their athletic triumphs.
It’s a phenomenon that’s catching on, and for good reason. Athletes are natural entrepreneurs. They’re inherently resilient, adaptable, and often have access to unique opportunities, building extensive networks over the course of their careers. A Forbes study even found that 75% of athletes who start businesses report finding a greater sense of purpose post-retirement. This isn’t just about famous names lending their likeness to mega-brands; it’s about everyday professional athletes who quietly, yet powerfully, build businesses and wealth, demonstrating an inspiring versatility that’s often overlooked.
While there are endless lists of rich and famous athletes who used their fame to launch a product or made savvy investments with vast fortunes, we’re here to dive into the more surprising, lesser-known, and utterly fascinating side hustles that showcase the true depth of their ambition. From fitness innovations born of personal need to ventures in art, film, and finance, these athletes prove that the same grit and determination that made them sports stars can also make them wildly successful in the business world. Get ready to explore a different kind of scoreboard, where these champions are racking up wins in entirely new arenas.
1. Chris Gronkowski: The Ice-Cold Shaker Innovator
When you hear the name Gronkowski, you likely think of bone-jarring tackles and Super Bowl rings. But Chris Gronkowski, an NFL alumnus, has carved out his own unique niche far beyond the gridiron, transforming a simple everyday problem into a multi-million-dollar solution. His venture, Ice Shaker, isn’t just another fitness product; it’s a testament to identifying a gap in the market and relentlessly pursuing an answer, a trait undoubtedly honed during his playing days.
Chris noticed a common frustration among fitness enthusiasts: shaker bottles couldn’t keep drinks cold for hours. Combining his NFL earnings with the lessons gleaned from his entrepreneurial family – yes, those Gronkowski brothers are a resourceful bunch – he set out to create a better product. The result was Ice Shaker, an insulated bottle designed to maintain the chill of your post-workout shake or hydration drink for extended periods, a small but significant improvement that resonated deeply with consumers.
His strategic thinking didn’t stop at product development. Chris famously appeared on *Shark Tank*, securing investments from business titans Mark Cuban and Alex Rodriguez. This high-profile endorsement not only validated his product but also provided the crucial capital and mentorship needed for explosive growth. The infusion of expert guidance propelled Ice Shaker onto a national stage.
Following its *Shark Tank* appearance, the brand experienced remarkable success. Ice Shaker expanded its presence into major national retailers like Target, making its innovative bottles accessible to a much broader audience. This strategic retail placement, combined with a strong product, quickly translated into significant financial gains, with the company boasting over $3 million in revenue just two years after its televised debut. It’s a fantastic example of an athlete seeing a need, filling it, and then scaling that solution with business savvy.
2. Jessica Mendoza: Championing Wellness and Equality Beyond the Diamond
Jessica Mendoza isn’t just an Olympic softball legend; she’s a trailblazer who redefined what’s possible for female athletes post-retirement, not just in commentary booths but also in the dynamic world of health and wellness investment. Her journey from the Olympic field to becoming one of the first women to analyze MLB games for ESPN is inspiring enough, but her quiet yet impactful business ventures truly showcase a versatile and forward-thinking mind.
After an illustrious Olympic softball career, Jessica seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting, breaking barriers and setting new precedents. However, her entrepreneurial spirit led her beyond media. She became a strategic investor in health and wellness startups, choosing ventures that align perfectly with her athletic background and personal values, particularly those focused on promoting healthy living and fitness.
Her business interests aren’t just random investments; they reflect a genuine commitment to the industries that supported her as an athlete. By focusing on fitness apps and products, Jessica is not only diversifying her financial portfolio but also actively contributing to the growth and innovation within a sector she deeply understands. While her specific investment revenues aren’t publicly disclosed, the value of her startup holdings has consistently grown alongside her flourishing broadcasting career, demonstrating shrewd financial judgment.
Jessica’s dual role as a prominent media analyst and a thoughtful investor in wellness underscores a powerful narrative: athletes can leverage their authentic experiences and expertise to identify and back promising ventures. She’s not merely lending her name; she’s actively participating in the evolution of an industry, proving that the competitive drive forged in sports can be incredibly effective in identifying winning business opportunities and championing causes she believes in, such as equality within sports and beyond.
3. Vernon Davis: From Gridiron Gladiator to Gallerist and Filmmaker
Vernon Davis, a formidable tight end in the NFL, might be remembered for his incredible catches and powerful runs, but off the field, he harbored a passion that few might expect from a professional football player: a profound love for art. This hidden talent blossomed into an impressive entrepreneurial journey that seamlessly blends his creative spirit with savvy business acumen, venturing into both the visual arts and film production.
His passion for art wasn’t a post-retirement whim; it began during his active NFL career. Davis dedicated his earnings to opening the Vernon Davis Art Gallery, a space dedicated to showcasing his own artistic creations. This move was a bold statement, demonstrating that athletes possess multifaceted interests and talents that can be cultivated into legitimate business enterprises, far removed from the physicality of their sport. It revealed a side of the athlete rarely seen by the public, challenging stereotypes.
Not content with just one creative outlet, Vernon diversified his entertainment ventures by co-founding Between the Linez, a film production company. This expansion into filmmaking highlights his desire to collaborate with industry professionals and explore storytelling from a different perspective. The company quickly gained traction, securing a significant $10 million in funding for its inaugural film, a clear indicator of Davis’s ability to attract serious investment and talent.
Vernon’s trajectory from football star to art gallery owner and film producer offers a compelling narrative of personal evolution. It showcases how the discipline and goal-oriented mindset of an athlete can be channeled into entirely new, creative fields. His success in both art and film underscores the notion that true entrepreneurial spirit isn’t limited by one’s initial career path but thrives on curiosity, passion, and the willingness to learn and adapt, proving that the arts can be a lucrative and fulfilling second act.
4. Ryan Howard: Hitting Home Runs in Venture Capital
Ryan Howard, the powerful first baseman renowned for his colossal home runs in Major League Baseball, made a pivot that might surprise some: from professional slugger to venture capital powerhouse. Instead of merely investing his vast fortune, Howard chose to actively shape the future of sports and technology, applying his strategic thinking and keen eye for potential to the world of high finance. His co-founding of SeventySix Capital marks a significant entrepreneurial endeavor.
SeventySix Capital is not just any investment firm; it’s a venture capital firm with a laser focus on sports tech, esports, and fitness. This specialization allows Howard to combine his deep understanding of the sports ecosystem with a passion for innovation, identifying companies that are poised to disrupt and redefine these rapidly evolving industries. It’s an intelligent alignment of personal experience and professional ambition, proving that an athlete’s insight can be a tremendous asset in the investment world.
The firm’s portfolio speaks volumes about its impact. SeventySix Capital has made strategic investments in pioneering companies such as Nerd Street Gamers, a leader in the burgeoning esports industry, and QuintEvents, which specializes in sports hospitality. These investments are not just about financial returns; they are actively driving cutting-edge advancements, shaping how fans experience sports and how technology enhances athletic performance. Howard isn’t just a passive investor; he’s an active participant in building the future.
The scale of SeventySix Capital’s operations is impressive, managing hundreds of millions in assets. This success demonstrates that Ryan Howard’s ability to identify a winning play extends far beyond the baseball diamond. He’s translated the strategic prowess required to excel in professional sports into a sophisticated understanding of market trends and growth opportunities, solidifying his reputation as a formidable player in the venture capital arena. His journey illustrates that athletic greatness can be a springboard to profound influence in the business world.
5. Tim Tebow: Building a Wholesome Health and Fitness Empire
Tim Tebow, a name synonymous with unwavering dedication and a commitment to his values, transcended his careers in both NFL football and MLB baseball to build a significant health and fitness empire. His transition into entrepreneurship wasn’t a surprising leap, but rather a natural extension of his deeply ingrained dedication to fitness and wellness, inspiring others to achieve their health goals through his various business ventures, which are thoughtfully aligned with his personal brand.
At the core of his entrepreneurial efforts is Tebow Nutrition, a line of supplements designed to support healthy lifestyles. This venture directly taps into his personal experience as an elite athlete, where nutrition plays a paramount role in performance and recovery. By creating his own brand, Tebow offers products that resonate with his ethos of physical well-being, providing consumers with trusted options rooted in his own commitment to health.
Beyond supplements, Tebow has partnered with D1 Training Gyms, a fitness franchise that aims to make high-quality fitness training accessible to a wider audience. This collaboration reflects his desire to expand opportunities for individuals to pursue their health ambitions, much like he did throughout his athletic career. D1 Training Gyms offers a structured, results-driven approach to fitness, mirroring the disciplined environment that professional athletes thrive in.
This commitment has yielded impressive financial results. D1 Training Gyms reported a substantial $40 million in system-wide revenue in 2022, highlighting the significant market demand for quality fitness solutions and Tebow’s effective strategy in this sector. His success is a testament to how an athlete’s personal values and passion can be translated into a coherent and highly profitable business model, proving that authenticity can be a powerful driver in the competitive health and fitness industry.
6. Abby Wambach: A Winning Playbook for Leadership and Equity
Abby Wambach, a revered figure in U.S. women’s soccer and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is celebrated not just for her prowess on the field but also for her powerful voice and leadership. After an illustrious playing career, Wambach didn’t retreat from the spotlight; instead, she leveraged her experience as a captain and an advocate to build businesses centered on leadership development and promoting equity, particularly for women in sports.
One of her key entrepreneurial endeavors is Wolfpack Endeavor, a business focused on leadership training. Drawing directly from her experiences leading championship teams, Wambach helps companies cultivate inclusive cultures and empower their employees. She translates the invaluable lessons learned on the pitch – about teamwork, resilience, and strategic thinking – into actionable insights for corporate environments, demonstrating the direct transferability of athletic skills to the business world.
In a move that perfectly aligns with her mission to elevate women in sports, Abby Wambach also became an investor in Angel City FC, a women’s soccer team. This investment is more than just financial; it’s a commitment to fostering growth and providing opportunities within women’s professional sports, an area she championed throughout her career. Her involvement provides not just capital but also credibility and powerful advocacy, helping to build a stronger foundation for female athletes.
The impact of these ventures is undeniable. Angel City FC quickly gained significant traction, raising over $100 million in funding and generating an impressive $12 million in revenue in its very first year. This success showcases the potent combination of mission-driven entrepreneurship and strategic investment. Abby Wambach’s ventures prove that athletes can extend their legacy beyond playing statistics, becoming influential figures who drive social change and create profitable enterprises that reflect their deepest convictions.
7. Torii Hunter: Constructing Wealth with a Grand Slam in Real Estate
Torii Hunter, a celebrated MLB outfielder known for his Gold Glove defense and consistent hitting, chose a notably grounded path for his post-playing career: real estate. While not as flashy as launching a sneaker line or a tech startup, Hunter’s methodical approach to property investment demonstrates a profound understanding of long-term wealth building, leveraging his substantial earnings to create a robust and steady income stream well beyond his time on the baseball diamond.
Hunter began his foray into real estate during his active MLB career, showcasing remarkable foresight and financial discipline. Rather than waiting until retirement, he strategically invested in properties in high-growth areas across the U.S. This proactive approach allowed him to learn the market dynamics and build a diversified portfolio while still earning a professional athlete’s salary, setting him up for future financial independence.
His portfolio encompasses both residential and commercial properties, a smart diversification strategy that mitigates risk and capitalizes on different market segments. By focusing on tangible assets that appreciate over time and generate rental income, Hunter cultivated a reliable pathway to wealth. This contrasts sharply with the often-volatile nature of investment in startups or brand endorsements, offering a more stable foundation for enduring prosperity.
Today, Torii Hunter’s real estate ventures boast an estimated portfolio value in the tens of millions. This quiet, yet highly effective, entrepreneurial journey underscores a crucial lesson: not all successful athlete businesses need to be directly tied to sports or celebrity endorsements. By applying discipline, strategic planning, and a long-term vision, Hunter turned his earnings into a substantial and sustainable source of wealth, proving that real estate can be a solid, low-profile grand slam for athletes looking for financial security and growth after their playing days.
Continuing our deep dive into the entrepreneurial prowess that often goes unnoticed, we uncover more inspiring stories of athletes who’ve seamlessly traded their jerseys for business suits, proving that the drive for excellence isn’t confined to the playing field. These individuals demonstrate an incredible versatility, leveraging their discipline and strategic minds to build impressive ventures in a surprising array of industries. From creative arts to financial planning and technology, their success stories illuminate how athletic grit translates powerfully into the competitive business world.
8. Clint Dempsey: The Soccer Star Who Scored in Music and Entertainment
Clint Dempsey, renowned for his tenacity on the soccer pitch and his prolific scoring record for the U.S. Men’s National Team, might be remembered for his athletic feats. However, off the field, he cultivated a lesser-known yet equally passionate career in the realm of creative ventures. His journey into music production and entertainment investment showcases a side of the athlete that few fans ever saw, revealing a deep artistic sensibility that thrived alongside his demanding sports career.
Dempsey’s love for music wasn’t a casual hobby; it was a profound interest that he pursued even during his active playing days. This passion ultimately led him to embark on a career in music production post-retirement, where he applied the same dedication and creative energy that characterized his soccer career. He proved that the rhythm of the game could translate into the rhythm of a studio, crafting sounds and projects that resonated with his personal vision.
Beyond the beats, Clint also expanded his entrepreneurial portfolio by investing in various entertainment and sports ventures. These strategic investments weren’t just about financial growth; they aligned with his broader interests in fostering creativity and innovation within industries he understood and admired. While the specific revenues from these ventures aren’t publicly disclosed, they are reportedly tied to multiple profitable projects, underscoring his shrewd business acumen and his ability to identify promising opportunities.
9. Lauryn Williams: Sprinting Towards Financial Wisdom for Fellow Athletes
Lauryn Williams stands out not only as an Olympic track and field medalist, with achievements in both summer and winter games, but also as a beacon of financial literacy for her peers. Her transition from the lightning-fast world of sprinting to the meticulous realm of financial planning was born from a personal experience with financial mismanagement, which she courageously transformed into a mission to empower other athletes.
Recognizing the unique financial challenges faced by young athletes, who often come into significant money at a young age without adequate guidance, Williams decided to become the solution she wished she had. She diligently pursued and obtained her certification as a financial planner, demonstrating the same dedication to mastering a new field as she did to her athletic training. This commitment laid the groundwork for her impactful firm, Worth Winning.
Through Worth Winning, Lauryn provides tailored financial advice, helping dozens of athletes and young professionals annually to build and preserve their wealth. Her firm offers services with fees ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per client, indicating the value and expertise she brings to a niche market. Her success highlights a critical need within the athletic community for informed, empathetic financial guidance, proving that an athlete’s unique perspective can be an invaluable asset in business.
10. Marques Colston: Catching Business Opportunities in Tech and Healthcare
Marques Colston, a New Orleans Saints receiving legend, was known for his quiet consistency and incredible hands on the football field. After a stellar NFL career, he took his disciplined approach and strategic thinking from the gridiron to the world of business, carving out a remarkable niche in business consulting and innovative healthcare investments. His journey exemplifies how the meticulous planning required in sports can translate into significant entrepreneurial success.
Colston co-founded Dynasty Innovation, a consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses scale and optimize their operations. This venture leverages his deep understanding of systems, strategy, and teamwork—skills undoubtedly honed during his years of playing professional football. Dynasty Innovation thrives on applying a disciplined, results-oriented approach to corporate challenges, much like a coach devising a game plan.
In addition to his consulting work, Marques has become an active investor in healthcare startups. His interest in this vital sector is focused on advancing medical technologies and improving patient outcomes, showcasing a profound commitment to making a tangible difference. Dynasty Innovation itself generates an impressive $1 million annually from its consulting services, a clear indicator of Colston’s firm grasp on effective business strategies and his ability to drive growth.
11. Keith Smith: Building a Secure Future Through Triple Net Lease Real Estate
Keith Smith, an athlete whose name might not be as universally recognized as others on this list, quietly built a robust financial future in a corner of real estate investing that many might overlook: triple net lease (NNN) properties. His story is a testament to the power of specialized knowledge and strategic, low-management investments, demonstrating that financial security doesn’t always require a high public profile.
After gleaning valuable insights from mentors, Keith astutely focused his real estate endeavors on the triple net lease space. This particular investment model is fascinating because it places the burden of taxes, insurance, and maintenance squarely on the tenant, which is often a large, stable business like a major retail chain or restaurant. This arrangement frees the landlord from the typical headaches of property management, offering a truly passive income stream.
The beauty of NNN investing, as embraced by Smith, lies in its stability and minimal responsibility for the property owner. It offers a steady, predictable cash flow, which is a dream for anyone seeking long-term financial independence. Keith Smith’s success highlights that astute financial planning and a focus on less glamorous, but highly lucrative, investment avenues can create substantial wealth, proving that some of the best plays are indeed the quietest ones.
12. Jacob Turner: Helping Athletes Avoid Financial Fouls with Moment Wealth
Jacob Turner, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, witnessed firsthand the rollercoaster of financial success and struggle that many athletes experience after their playing careers. Inspired by the need for sound financial guidance within the sports community, he pivoted his career to become a certified financial planner, founding Moment Wealth to help athletes build and secure their wealth long after they leave the field.
During his MLB career, Turner observed that while some athletes successfully managed their newfound fortunes, others found themselves grappling with fast money and uncertain futures. This stark reality motivated him to equip himself with the knowledge and tools necessary to guide his peers. His firm, Moment Wealth, is specifically designed to address these unique financial challenges, offering bespoke advice that resonates with the athletic experience.
Jacob’s dedication to Moment Wealth reflects the athlete’s mindset: proactive, strategic, and committed to long-term success. By providing comprehensive financial planning, he helps athletes navigate complex investment decisions, plan for retirement, and build legacies that extend beyond their athletic achievements. It’s a powerful example of an athlete transforming personal observations into an impactful and meaningful business venture, ensuring that their “moment” of wealth lasts a lifetime.
13. Tony Hawk: The Pro Skater Who Mastered the Business Grind
Tony Hawk, affectionately known as “The Birdman,” isn’t just the most recognizable name in skateboarding; he’s a phenomenal entrepreneur whose ventures have revolutionized how the sport is perceived and consumed globally. Turning pro at the tender age of 14, Hawk didn’t just invent over 80 tricks; he carved out an empire that stretches from equipment manufacturing to one of the most successful video game franchises in history, proving his mastery extended far beyond the half-pipe.
Hawk’s entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Birdhouse, his highly successful skateboard company, and the launch of Hawk Clothing, his own apparel line. These early ventures showcased his understanding of his sport’s culture and his ability to create products that resonated deeply with his fanbase. He also forged lucrative deals with major brands, solidifying his presence in various markets, from theme parks to satellite radio.
However, his true game-changer arrived in 1999 with the launch of the *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater* video game franchise in partnership with Activision. This series quickly became a bestseller, redefining action sports gaming and topping charts. The timing was impeccable; the same year, Hawk cemented his legendary status by landing the first-ever “900” (two and a half spins mid-air) at the X Games, an incredible marketing stunt that perfectly amplified the game’s popularity.
With 18 different titles released, the *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater* series has grossed an astounding over $1.4 billion, firmly establishing it as one of the most successful video game franchises ever. This incredible achievement highlights Hawk’s strategic vision, not just as an athlete but as a savvy businessman who understood how to translate his personal brand and sport into a global entertainment phenomenon, demonstrating some truly badass marketing.
14. Serena Williams: Serving Up Success in Venture Capital and Beyond
Serena Williams, an undisputed titan of tennis, has amassed an extraordinary 39 major titles and enjoyed a groundbreaking 27-year career. Yet, her ambition soared beyond the tennis court, leading her to become a formidable force in the business world, with ventures spanning venture capital, multimedia production, and health and wellness. Her post-retirement journey is a masterclass in strategic diversification and leveraging a powerful personal brand.
Quietly initiating her entrepreneurial endeavors in 2014, Serena founded Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm that has since invested in over 60 startups. In 2022, the firm announced it had successfully raised $111 million, a testament to her keen eye for innovation and her ability to identify promising new companies. This move showcased her strategic business acumen, proving she could spot a winning investment just as effectively as she could hit a winning serve.
Further expanding her influence, Serena launched Nine Two Six Productions in April 2023, a multimedia company that positions her as a producer in the entertainment industry, even featuring in a small role in the 2022 film *Glass Onion*. She also co-founded Will Perform in December 2022, a startup focused on topical pain relief and muscle/skin care products, aligning perfectly with her athletic background and passion for wellness.
In addition to these dynamic ventures, Serena’s personal clothing line, “S by Serena,” launched in 2019, continues to flourish, reflecting her impeccable style and entrepreneurial flair. Serena Williams’s diverse and highly successful business portfolio underscores how elite athletes can strategically transition their drive, intelligence, and brand power into lasting economic and cultural impact, inspiring future generations both on and off the court.
**The Blueprint for Athletic Entrepreneurship: More Than Just Game Play**
As we’ve seen, the transition from professional athlete to successful entrepreneur is a path paved with resilience, strategic thinking, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. These individuals aren’t just lending their famous faces to brands; they are actively building empires, proving that the skills honed in the intensity of professional sports are incredibly transferable to the competitive landscape of business. Whether it’s the foresight of a real estate investor like Torii Hunter or Keith Smith, the financial acumen of a Lauryn Williams or Jacob Turner, or the innovative spirit of a Chris Gronkowski or Marques Colston, each story is a testament to the versatility of the athletic mindset.
Athletes succeed in business by masterfully leveraging several key attributes. Their existing brand and widespread recognition provide an unparalleled marketing edge, making it easier to attract customers and partners, as demonstrated by the phenomenal success of Tony Hawk’s video game franchise or Serena Williams’s diverse investments. Furthermore, the inherent competitive nature of athletes fuels an unwavering drive to overcome obstacles, a crucial trait for navigating the unpredictable business world. They’re no strangers to rigorous training and calculated risks, translating into disciplined financial management and a strategic vision for growth.
Moreover, athletes often possess extensive networks built over years in the public eye, opening doors to vital investments, partnerships, and mentorship. Their unique experiences and passions frequently guide their business choices, leading them to invest in industries they deeply understand and care about—from health and fitness to arts and entertainment. This isn’t merely about capital; it’s about applying their unique insights to innovate and lead. The journey of these athlete-entrepreneurs offers a powerful message: the pursuit of excellence is a universal language, capable of achieving grand slam successes in any arena, far beyond the roar of the crowd. They remind us that the greatest victories often lie in the courage to begin a new game, armed with vision and an unwavering belief in their ability to win.
