Over the years, many NFL players have expanded beyond their sports endeavors into entrepreneurship, investing, brand-building, and business strategies.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the average NFL career across all positions lasts up to 2.66 years.
Following retirement from their sports career, veterans explore various fields to expand their fortunes further.
According to data from LinkedIn, over 3000 former NFL players pursue entrepreneurship after retiring.
Chris Gronkowski, a former NFL player, revealed to Forbes that his success in business surpassed his NFL career within four years of his retirement.
Furthermore, according to reports, 78% of retired NFL players experience bankruptcy or struggle financially after two years of leaving the league.
Not wanting to be part of the statistics, Gronkowski created Ice Shaker, an insulated stainless steel shaker that did not absorb odor.
The entrepreneur also disclosed that the company brought in over $3 million in sales in the first year of its launch.
In addition to Chris Gronkowski, many former NFL players have stepped into the business world.
Here is the list of NFL players who have transitioned their career to business after their football careers:
1. Terrence and Torry Holt (Holt Brothers)
The Holt brothers had a remarkable career in the NFL, with Terrence playing as a safety and Torry as a wide receiver.
Upon retiring, the athletic siblings duo moved back to their native Raleigh, NC, with their families.
There, they founded the Holt Brothers, Inc., which includes Holt Brothers Construction, Holt Brothers Football, and the Holt Brothers Foundation.
In 2014, Terrence and Torry launched a construction company to offer top-quality development services.
Bringing 17 years of expertise to the field, the siblings have completed 150+ projects, generating project value up to $980 million.
Similarly, the business provides football camps for young athletes and operates a non-profit organization to support cancer patients.
As a result, the firm is estimated to generate an annual revenue of $9.3 million, with a revenue of $232,000 per employee.
Consequently, the Holt brothers are speculated to have a net worth ranging between $5 to 10 million, owing to their thriving ventures.
2. Isaiah Kacyvenski
Born on October 3, 1977, Isaiah J. Kacyvenski is a former linebacker in the NFL for the Seattle Hawks.
Currently, Kacyvenski is the Founder and Managing Partner of Will Ventures, a capital investment firm specializing in sports technology.
Reportedly, Will Ventures closed a $150 million fund in 2022, highlighting the firm’s considerable financial standing.
Before Will Ventures, he held the position of Founder and Managing Director at the Sports Innovation Lab.
Similarly, the veteran worked for MC10, a company that manufactures wearable devices, taking on the role of the Global Head of Business Development and Chairman of the MC10 Sports-Medicine Advisory Board.
3. Russell Okung
American former professional football player Russel Okung played offensive tackle in the NFL for 11 seasons.
Born on October 7, 1988, Okung played for several esteemed teams including the Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, and others.
Apart from his athletic success, he is well-known as a tech enthusiast, having invested in several start-ups.
In 2016, he founded the Greater Foundation, which works to equip youth with marketable technology skills.
Furthermore, Okung launched Bitball, a sports league venture that pays participating athletes Bitcoin.
In April 2020, he formed Okung Ventures, an investment company supporting and investing in the technology and cryptocurrency sectors.
According to sources, Okung’s initial investment of $6.5 million has dramatically increased to $20.9 million due to a rise in cryptocurrency.
4. LaVar Arrington
LaVar RaShad Arrington is a former professional football linebacker who played for prominent teams, such as the Washington Redskins and New York Giants.
However, his notable career ended in 2007 due to a serious motorcycle accident in suburban Maryland on June 18 of that same year.
Following his departure from professional football, he founded a sports agency called Leap Management, LLC, in 2008.
Likewise, in 2010, Arrington launched a football training system called Xtreme Procision (XP).
Xtreme Procision offers football training camps and products designed to aid aspiring athletes in their further development.
Although the financial value of his ventures has not been publicly disclosed, they have considerably contributed to his estimated net worth of $20 million.
5. Marshawn Lynch
Nicknamed “Beast Mode,” Marshawn Lynch is an American actor and former running back in the NFL.
Following the conclusion of his professional career in 2019, Lynch has established himself as a successful entrepreneur.
Moreover, he co-owner an indoor football team called FCF Beasts, alongside Todd Gurley and Marcus Peters.
In 2021, Lynch also established a cannabis brand called Dodi Blunts, which distributes blunts to dispensaries.
Similarly, the former athlete has established his most successful venture, Beastmode Apparel, a streetwear brand.
After Lynch signed a second stint with the Seattle Seahawks, the company reported $150,000 in revenues, underscoring his prominence as an entrepreneur.
