What Are the Best Career Options for Athletes Heading into the Post-Sports World?

Many sports fans may think that retired athletes have no trouble transitioning back into “regular” life. This perception is created by the few high-profile athletes who remain in the public view due to their post-athletic careers.

The truth is, one of the most difficult times in an athlete’s life is when their athletic career is winding down and they must look ahead to the next phase in their lives. This is just as difficult for those in the smaller, fringe professional sports leagues as it is for the biggest stars in the NFL or NBA.

By the time an athlete’s professional career is over they have probably spent the majority of their life playing, practicing, and thinking about their sport. Making a transition to a life away from the sports arena can be daunting, especially for those whose careers have ended prematurely due to injury or a sudden loss of their top-level skills.

What are the best career options for athletes heading into the post-sports world? Here are eight:

1. Film and TV

A number of former NFL and NBA players, for example, became successful television and motion picture actors. Shaquille O’Neal began appearing in movies during his playing days, while Jim Brown famously retired before the age of 30 to pursue a Hollywood career. More recently, former professional MMA fighter Gina Carano transitioned into acting. Neither

These, however, are outliers in that they were top professionals with household names. A few lesser-known athletes like Bob Uecker and Carl Weathers have had success in film and television, but often by playing athletes or themselves on screen. Former professional bodybuilders Lou Ferrigno and Arnold Schwarzenegger gained success by using their sculpted forms to play monsters and barbarians. This career path, however, is not one that is available for the vast majority of former athletes.

2. Professional/Collegiate/Private Coaching

Staying in their sport as a coach, general manager, or announcer is a bit more common for athletes from top professional or collegiate sports. Many very successful coaches at all levels were former players themselves.

3. Media Analyst

Analysts for radio, television, print, or internet media often come from the ranks of former athletes. Most former athletes who become media personalities or analysts are also from the top levels of their game. There are relatively few of these jobs available and they do require specialized skills. While more likely than an acting career, athletes will want to consider careers beyond their sport.

4. Personal Training

One way for athletes to both use their knowledge and stay in prime physical condition is to become a fitness coach or personal trainer. With more people becoming health-conscious than ever before, there are more opportunities for helping them achieve this. Fitness centers are ubiquitous around the country and they require experts on training and staying fit. A former athlete can also be a draw for the gym.

5. Public Relations

Another field that can benefit from a former athlete is public relations. Athletes are very often used to dealing with the press and meeting the public. PR jobs are often a good fit for those who are comfortable speaking to large groups. Also, many athletes who attended college choose communications majors and probably already have familiarity with certain aspects of public relations.

6. Teaching

Teaching may not seem like a natural fit for former athletes, but it is in many ways similar to coaching. Athletes are often natural leaders on the field, and this can translate into the classroom. Again, athletes who attended college may already have a degree that can form the basis for a teaching career.

Another possible benefit of teaching is that many schools, from grade schools to high schools, choose their sports coaches from their teachers. This can make a former athlete a more attractive hire.

7. Sales

Sales can offer a challenge that is every bit as exciting and competitive as sports. The ability to stay calm under pressure is key in the business world, and successful athletes are well equipped for handling tough situations and staying focused on the task at hand. Any notoriety achieved during their playing career can also give an athlete an advantage in sales.

8. Small Business Owner

Finally, if a retired athlete has the money and an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a small business may be a good option. Many former athletes have opened restaurants in their hometowns or the cities that they played in and have been able to capitalize on their fame to attract customers.

This path has a much greater risk than the others; most new businesses will fail within the first three years. But name recognition can be a critical factor in the success of a new venture, and athletes tend to be risk takers and enjoy facing new challenges. This is an especially good idea for athletes who may have majored in business during their university days.