When the world’s most famous sportsmen and women retire, you might imagine that they go on to lead quiet lives. For many, it is the beginning of a whole new, equally successful time. From reporting, to acting, to entrepreneurship, many former athletes go on to enjoy significant success in their second careers. Here, we look at four prime examples.
1. Bill Bradley
Following his retirement from the New York Knicks, Bill Bradley’s No. 24 jersey was retired. However, his success did not end there. After over a decade in the NBA, during which he earned an Olympic gold, a Universiade gold medal, and was named an NBA All-Star, the two-time NBA champion entered politics.
He ran for the US senate in 1978, and he was subsequently reelected in 1984 and 1990. Bill Bradley left the senate in 1997. In 2000, he ran as a candidate in the Democratic presidential nomination, but he lost to Vice President Al Gore.
Bill Bradley attended Princeton, majoring in history. He was present when the Civil Rights Act was passed by the Senate in 1964. He was identified by Van Breda Koff and others who knew him as someone who was likely to make it to either Governor of Missouri, or president by the age of 40.
Bradley studied European political and economic history at Oxford. Later in life, he recounted a conversation with congressman Mo Udall, also a former basketball player. Udall suggested to Bradley that his career in professional sports could prepare him for a second career in politics, depending on how he chose to spend his non-playing time.
During his tenure in office, Bill Bradley specialized in complex reform initiatives, including the overhaul of the federal tax code in 1986. This important piece of legislation simplified the tax system, reducing the tax rate schedule to two brackets: 15 percent and 28 percent, as well as doing away with many types of deductions. He was also involved in federal budget reforms to reduce the deficit, as well as legislation relating to lead-related health problems in children, and reform of child support enforcement.
2. Eddie George
Eddie George was a four-time Pro Bowler in the NFL and a Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State. Following his retirement, George went on to enjoy considerable success as an actor on Broadway. He was later appointed head coach for the Tennessee State Tigers.
Born September 24, 1973, George rose to fame as a running back, playing first for the Tennessee Oilers/Titans, then the Dallas Cowboys. In 2011, Eddie George was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, having acquired numerous awards throughout a successful career in the NFL. His accolades included NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, First-Team All-Pro, and four-time Pro Bowl.
George married the American singer, actress, and author Tamara Johnson in 2004. Following his retirement from professional football, he appeared in the popular musical Chicago on Broadway, playing the hustling lawyer, Billy Flynn. Today he is head coach for the Tennessee State Tigers, having signed a five-year contract with the team in a deal worth a reported $2 million.
3. Kerri Strug
One of the most celebrated gymnasts in American history, Strug is best known for braving an ankle injury in the 1996 Olympics to secure a gold medal for her country. Over the course of her career, she went on to win a second Olympic gold, as well as three world championship medals.
Following her retirement from professional sport, Kerri Strug attended Stanford University, earning a master’s degree in sociology. In 2020, the working mother of two was appointed program manager at the US Justice Department’s Office of Juvenile Justice. She was a spokesperson for the Children’s Miracle Network and the Special Olympics, as well as authoring two books.
4. Shaquille O’Neal
Commonly known as “Shaq,” this four-time NBA champion and three-time Finals MVP earned almost $300 million throughout his 19-year career in professional basketball. Standing 7’1” tall and weighing 325 pounds, O’Neal was a Titan among Titans.
Following his retirement from sports, he made a succession of savvy investments, including investing in Google before it had really gained traction. In addition to his tech interests, Shaquille O’Neal also owns a real estate investment firm, as well as building an empire of 150 Five Guys restaurants, and a 40-strong chain of 24 Hour Fitness gyms.
With a net worth estimated at around $400 million today, O’Neal is not only one of the world’s wealthiest former athletes, but one of the most generous. The Miami Heat All-Star regularly makes sizeable donations to a variety of worthy causes. He has pledged $1 million in funding to the Boys and Girls Club of America, partnering with Microsoft Corporation to create tech centers in Clubs across the country.