Although football players are paid a lot to be on the field, it’s not forever like other athletes. For this reason, players must find a way to prepare themselves for retirement. Some athletes have gone into coaching or acting, while other footballers have become successful entrepreneurs to start their own businesses. For this episode, let’s look at 10 NFL players who are also successful business owners.
Marshawn Lynch has had a successful career in the NFL, making five Pro Bowl appearances, leading the NFL in rushing twice, being a two-time All-Pro team selection and winning a Super Bowl championship. Now retired, Lynch serves as the owner of an indoor professional football team called the FCF Beasts. But in doing so, Lynch’s most successful venture is Beastmode Apparel. In the year In 2019, the organization announced $150,000 in earnings immediately after Lynch signed a second season with the Seattle Seahawks.
Drew Brees: Nine Brands
As a football player, Drew Brees had a decorated NFL career amassing five All-Pro team selections, 13 Pro Bowl appearances and helping the New Orleans Saints win Super Bowl XLIV. But as good as Brees is on the field, the same can be said for his off-field performances. Brace and his wife Brittany are co-founders of the online clothing store Nine Brands. The sector launched in 2012 with 9% of its revenue going to the Brace Dream Foundation and some funds being donated to Hurricane Isaac recovery.
Lance Briggs: Double Nickel Smokehouse
Lance Briggs had 12 productive seasons in the NFL, playing his entire career with the Chicago Bears. He collected seven Pro Bowl appearances and three All-Pro selections. After closing Snickers, Briggs opened a family-friendly BBQ restaurant called Double Nickel Smokehouse, a nod to his NFL jersey number. His restaurant serves smoked brisket, salmon, short ribs, local beer, wine and cocktails.
Charles Woodson: Twenty-four
When it comes to defensive backs, Charles Woodson is one of the best. He is a Defensive Player of the Year, Player of the Year, and a Hall of Famer who helped the Green Bay Packers win Super Bowl XLV. Woodson combined a solid career with a wine that is also worthy of the Hall of Fame. Woodson has a wine label called Twenty Four, which is highly rated on the market. In fact, Wine Spectator had only positive things to say about Woodson’s wines.
Making an impact on the field is a noble task. However, forging a successful career in football and business is a whole different level. John Elway, a two-time Super Bowl champion and NFL MVP, holds the record for the largest trade deal by an NFL player. Elway earned $82.5 million after selling auto dealership chain John Elway Bus. Under the John Elway bus, its partners include Chevrolet, Chrysler, Cadillac, Toyota, MINI and many others.
Gale Sayers: Sayers Technology Services
Gayle Sayers had a productive NFL career. He won NFL Comeback Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards. Sayers is a five-time All-Pro selection who has appeared in the Pro Bowl four times. But in addition to making an impact on the field, Sayers has made his presence known in the IT industry. With Sayers Technology Services, Sayers has acted as a consultant to various businesses in providing IT solutions.
Isaiah Kasivenski: MC10
Isaiah Kasivenski played seven years in the NFL, with stints with the Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams. But while his football career hasn’t been very successful, Kasivenski is making an impact on sports through his company MC10. With a pre-med degree from Harvard University, Kasivenski used his expertise to develop several high-tech products such as Checklight. Checklight is a sports impact indicator worn on the head.
Like father, like son, that famous phrase certainly applies to Super Bowl champion and MVP Nick Foles. Foles’ father, Larry, is a respected figure in the restaurant industry, serving as one of the founders of a restaurant chain called Eddie V’s. The younger Foles is reportedly one of the owners of Mexican restaurant ATX Cocina.
Tom Brady has been praised for his longevity and long list of accomplishments in the NFL, including seven Super Bowl championships, five Super Bowl MVPs and three NFL MVPs. Because of his expertise in staying healthy in a grueling league like the NFL, finding TB12, Inc., a health and wellness company, was perfect for him. Performance concerns.
Michael Griffin and Brian Orakpo: GG Cupcakes Franchise
Playing in the NFL won’t last forever. As a result, two former teammates who played for the Tennessee Titans combined their efforts to open a GG Cupcake franchise in Austin, Texas. Michael Griffin and Brian Orakpo decided to work together with their friend Brian Heinson. Despite a rough start, especially during the Outbreak, Griffin and Orakpo eventually make a successful transition from Titans teammates to The Cupcake Guys.