40 Former Pro Athletes Who Now Work Normal Jobs main image
Scroll Down To Continue

40 Former Pro Athletes Who Now Work Normal Jobs

Shaquille O'Neal: The Business Mogul

Shaquille O'Neal: The Business Mogul
Shaq may have dominated the basketball court, but these days, he's making big moves in the business world. From investments to endorsements, Shaq is a savvy entrepreneur who knows how to hustle both on and off the court.
Derek White/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Michael Jordan: The Entrepreneur

Michael Jordan: The Entrepreneur

The GOAT himself, MJ, may have retired from basketball, but he's still making waves as a successful entrepreneur and owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Plus, his Air Jordan brand is still flying high, proving that his legendary status extends far beyond the basketball court.

Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Andre Agassi: The Philanthropist

Andre Agassi: The Philanthropist

After hanging up his tennis racket, Andre Agassi has dedicated himself to philanthropy and education. He founded the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, which focuses on improving education for underprivileged children—a true ace in the game of giving back.

Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

George Foreman: The Grill Master

George Foreman: The Grill Master

George Foreman is a heavyweight in the business world. His line of George Foreman Grills has become a household name, proving that he can knock out the competition both in and out of the ring.
 

Jeremy O'Donnell/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Magic Johnson: The Business Tycoon

Magic Johnson: The Business Tycoon

Magic Johnson is still making magic happen in the business world. From real estate to healthcare, Magic is a successful entrepreneur who knows how to score big in the business game.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images Sports/Getty Images

Tim Duncan: The Coach

Tim Duncan: The Coach

The Big Fundamental himself, Tim Duncan, may have stepped away from the basketball court, but he's still using his skills as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs. He's also involved in philanthropy and community service, proving that he's a champion both on and off the court.

Ronald Cortes/Getty Images Sports/Getty Images

David Beckham: The Fashion Icon

David Beckham: The Fashion Icon

After a legendary soccer career, David Beckham has transitioned into the world of fashion and philanthropy. He's a successful entrepreneur and fashion designer, with his own clothing line and ownership stakes in soccer clubs. Plus, he's a dedicated philanthropist, using his platform to make a positive impact on the world.
 

Monica Schipper/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

John Urschel: The Math Whiz

John Urschel: The Math Whiz

John Urschel may have retired from the NFL, but he's still using his smarts on and off the field. He's pursuing a Ph.D. in mathematics at MIT, proving that he's just as skilled with numbers as he is with a football.

Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Venus Williams: The Entrepreneur

Venus Williams: The Entrepreneur

Venus Williams is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the tennis court. In addition to her successful tennis career, she's also a savvy entrepreneur and fashion designer, with her own clothing line and interior design firm. Game, set, match—Venus does it all!

Jacopo Raule/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Herschel Walker: The Renaissance Man

Herschel Walker: The Renaissance Man

Herschel Walker is still staying active—literally and figuratively. He's a successful businessman, author, and competitive mixed martial artist. Talk about a multi-talented athlete!

Alex Wong/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Tony Gonzalez: The TV Analyst

Tony Gonzalez: The TV Analyst

After an illustrious NFL career, Tony Gonzalez transitioned smoothly into a career in broadcasting. He's now a respected TV analyst, providing expert commentary and analysis on football games and events.

Cooper Neill/Getty Images Sports/Getty Images

Joe Namath: The Restaurateur

Joe Namath: The Restaurateur

Broadway Joe may have hung up his football helmet, but he's still making waves in the restaurant industry. He's the owner of a successful restaurant in New York City, serving up delicious food and drinks to hungry fans.

Al Pereira/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Chris Bosh: The Author

Chris Bosh: The Author

Chris Bosh retired from the NBA, but he's still making moves off the court. He's a published author, with books on topics ranging from basketball to entrepreneurship, proving that he's got skills both on and off the court.
 

Mike Windle/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Kurt Warner: The Philanthropic Athlete

Kurt Warner: The Philanthropic Athlete

Kurt Warner is making a difference in the lives of others. He's heavily involved in philanthropy and charity work, using his platform to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the world.
 

Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Greg Norman: The Golf Course Designer

Greg Norman: The Golf Course Designer

Greg Norman may have stepped away from professional golf, but he's still shaping the game as a golf course designer. He's designed courses all over the world, bringing his passion for the game to golfers everywhere.

Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images Sports/Getty Images

Dominique Dawes: The Gym Owner

Dominique Dawes: The Gym Owner

Dominique Dawes may have hung up her gymnastics leotard, but she's still flipping and tumbling as the owner of a successful gymnastics gym. She's dedicated to helping young athletes reach their full potential and achieve their dreams in the sport.

Kris Connor/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Drew Brees: The Sports Commentator

Drew Brees: The Sports Commentator

Drew Brees is still staying connected to the game as a sports commentator and analyst. He provides expert analysis and commentary on football games and events, sharing his insights with fans everywhere.

Cindy Ord/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Tiki Barber: The Media Personality

Tiki Barber: The Media Personality

Tiki Barber may have retired from the NFL, but he's still making headlines as a media personality and broadcaster. He's a respected commentator and analyst, providing expert insights on football and sports-related topics.

Bruce Glikas/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Jerry Rice: The Fitness Guru

Jerry Rice: The Fitness Guru

Jerry Rice is staying fit and active as a fitness guru and trainer. He's passionate about health and wellness, inspiring others to live their best lives through exercise and nutrition.

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Martina Navratilova: The Tennis Coach

Martina Navratilova: The Tennis Coach

Martina Navratilova may have retired from professional tennis, but she's still sharing her expertise with the next generation of players as a tennis coach and mentor. She's passionate about passing on her knowledge and love for the game to aspiring athletes.
 

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images Sports/Getty Images

Jim Brown: The Actor

Jim Brown: The Actor

Jim Brown is in the entertainment industry as an actor and performer. He's appeared in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing his talent and versatility on the big screen.
 

Greg Doherty/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Nadia Comaneci: The Gymnastics Coach

Nadia Comaneci: The Gymnastics Coach

Nadia Comaneci is coaching and mentoring young athletes as a gymnastics coach. She's passionate about passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of gymnasts.

Matthew Lewis/Getty Images Sports/Getty Images

Ken Griffey Jr.: The Baseball Executive

Ken Griffey Jr.: The Baseball Executive

Ken Griffey Jr. is still making moves in the sports world as a baseball executive. He's involved in player development and scouting, helping to shape the future of the game.
 

Mary DeCicco/Major League Baseball/Getty Images

Billie Jean King: The Advocate

Billie Jean King: The Advocate

Billie Jean King may have hung up her tennis racket, but she's still fighting for equality and social justice as an advocate and activist. She's passionate about using her platform to promote positive change and empower others to make a difference.

CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images

Nastia Liukin: The Entrepreneur

Nastia Liukin: The Entrepreneur

Nastia Liukin retired from competitive gymnastics but still makes headlines as an entrepreneur and businesswoman. She's the founder of her own line of gymnastics apparel and accessories, proving that she's a champion both on and off the mat.
 

Jamie Squire/Getty Images Sports/Getty Images

Manny Pacquiao: The Politician

Manny Pacquiao: The Politician

Manny Pacquiao may have retired from the boxing ring, but he's now a formidable force in politics, serving as a senator in the Philippines from 2018 to 2022. Beyond his athletic prowess, Manny channeled his energy into legislative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of his fellow citizens, especially in areas such as education and poverty alleviation.

patrickroque01, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Randy Johnson: The Photographer

Randy Johnson: The Photographer

Randy Johnson traded his baseball glove for a camera lens, transitioning from MLB pitcher to accomplished photographer. With a keen eye for detail honed on the mound, Randy captures breathtaking images of landscapes and wildlife, showcasing his talent and passion for the visual arts.

MLB's Randy Johnson visits - Camp Humphreys, South Korea - 20 NOV 2014/USAG- Humphreys/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

Danica Patrick: The Entrepreneur

Danica Patrick: The Entrepreneur

Danica Patrick shifted gears from the racetrack to the boardroom, carving out a successful career as an entrepreneur. Beyond her racing days, Danica now invests in and launches startups, particularly those focused on promoting sustainability and empowering women in male-dominated industries like tech and automotive.

Zach Catanzareti, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mark Hamilton: The Doctor

Mark Hamilton: The Doctor

Mark Hamilton traded his baseball cap for a doctor's coat, transitioning from the diamond to the medical field. As an orthopedic surgeon, Mark applies the same precision and dedication he once displayed on the field to help patients recover from injuries and regain their mobility.

Eliot J. Schechter/Major League Baseball/Getty Images

Dwayne Woodruff: The Judge

Dwayne Woodruff: The Judge

Dwayne Woodruff went from tackling opponents on the football field to presiding over cases in the courtroom as a respected judge. Woodruff balanced football and law, attending law school at night while playing for the Steelers. He later co-founded a prominent law firm. Woodruff mentors Black youth, hosts recruitment events, and advocates against violence, making a lasting impact.

George Gojkovich/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

Jesse Ventura: The Governor

Jesse Ventura: The Governor

Jesse Ventura traded the wrestling ring for the political arena, becoming the governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003. Known for his outspokenness and unconventional approach, Jesse challenged the status quo. Most recently, he’s joined forces with a bakery to launch his own brand of THC edibles.

Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Drew Bledsoe: The Winery Owner

Drew Bledsoe: The Winery Owner

Drew Bledsoe traded touchdowns for grapevines, founding his own winery, Bledsoe Family Winery, after retiring from football. With a vineyard nestled in the heart of wine country, Drew produces award-winning wines, embodying the same dedication and precision that made him a star quarterback.

Paul Marotta/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Adrian Dantley: The Crossguard

Adrian Dantley: The Crossguard

Adrian Dantley may have left the basketball court behind, but he still plays a vital role in his community as a crossing guard. While he ensures the safety of schoolchildren on their daily commute, you can also find him officiating youth games in Maryland.

Focus on Sport/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

Darko Milicic: The Apple Farmer

Darko Milicic: The Apple Farmer

Darko Milicic swapped his basketball jersey for overalls, finding fulfillment as an apple farmer in his native Serbia. While he specializes in apples now with 125 acres of apple trees, his passion is cherries. He says the return is tremendous, and the market is wide open for cherries—it’s what he wants to do. 

Srdjan Stevanovic/Euroleague Basketball/Getty Images

Ron Baker: The Hospital Project Manager

Ron Baker: The Hospital Project Manager

Ron Baker transitioned from shooting hoops to managing hospital projects, applying his strategic thinking and leadership skills to improve healthcare facilities. His LinkedIn bio states, “Currently I am a Project Manager/Sports Medicine leader for Ascension Via Christi. I serve on two boards: United Way On The Plains & Sunrise Christian Hoops Academy.”

Juan Navarro/Euroleague Basketball/Getty Images

Jimmy King: The VP

Jimmy King: The VP

Jimmy King retired from professional basketball, but he's still making moves as a vice president at a leading sports management agency. Leveraging his insider knowledge and network, Jimmy helps guide the careers of up-and-coming athletes, ensuring they reach their full potential both on and off the court.

Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Bob Pettit: The Accountant

Bob Pettit: The Accountant

Bob Pettit left the basketball court behind, but he found a new arena for his talents as an accountant. Bob Pettit worked in the banking industry for 23 years before entering financial consulting in 1988. In 2006, he retired from Equitas Capital Investors, a financial consulting company that he co-founded.

The Sporting News Archives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Vin Baker: The Starbucks Manager

Vin Baker: The Starbucks Manager

Vin Baker, a former NBA star, struggled with alcoholism, losing millions and his career. His life changed for the better when he was given the chance to work at Starbucks, becoming a manager. He eventually moved on to coaching with the Milwaukee Bucks and advocating for addiction recovery.

Milwaukee Bucks players break bread with Veterans at Milwaukee VA's Transitional Residence House/Milwaukee VA Medical Center/Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal/Flickr

Bryant “Big Country” Reeves: The Cattle Farmer

Bryant “Big Country” Reeves: The Cattle Farmer

Bryant “Big Country” Reeves traded slam dunks for wrangling cattle, finding solace and fulfillment as a cattle farmer. He owns a 15,000-square-foot ranch in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. You can see more of him embracing the quiet aspects of farm life in the documentary Finding Big Country

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

Mo Vaughn: The Mentor

Mo Vaughn: The Mentor

Mo Vaughn retired from baseball, but he's still swinging for the fences as a mentor and philanthropist. Through his foundation, Omni New York LLC, Mo provides support and guidance to at-risk youth, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams, just as he did on the diamond.

Ballpark Cape Cod League Prospects, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons