Careers for sports stars after they’ve retired from the game

Retiring from professional sport is a huge milestone for athletes. From football and rugby to basketball and tennis, stepping away from competition can be a daunting prospect. However, it also opens up exciting possibilities and many sports stars find new avenues for success and fulfilment. 

In this blog post, we look at four career paths and the retired sports stars who’ve followed them.

Sports commentators

One of the most popular career choices for retired sports stars is becoming a sports commentator. Utilising their in-depth knowledge and firsthand experience, these former athletes can provide insightful analysis during matches and events. The best commentators have excellent communication, work well under pressure and pay attention to detail. These skills are crucial for athletes on the field which makes commentating an ideal profession for former sports stars.

Famous examples include rugby behemoth Brian O’Driscoll, basketball legend Michael Jordan and the talented former English footballer, Gary Lineker.

Team coaches

After enjoying a successful career, becoming a coach seems like a logical step for retired athletes. This fulfilling role allows former players to share their expertise, technical skills and strategic insights. It also allows them to contribute to the future of their beloved sport. 

Coaching is an exceptionally popular career path for former players and as such, there are a huge number of successful examples. This includes former New Zealand rugby captain, Richie McCaw; the iconic former player and Manchester United football manager, Alex Ferguson; and the celebrated tennis player, Martina Navratilova. 

Entrepreneurship

When sports stars retire, they are often perfectly placed to capitalise on their marketability. For some, this means establishing their own brands and launching their own businesses. The skill sets of athletes include leadership, resilience, adaptability, creativity and problem-solving – traits that are also associated with successful entrepreneurs. 

Retired athletes who have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs include former rugby player Jonny Wilkinson, former footballer David Beckham and former basketball player Magic Johnson. 

Writers and journalists

From swinging a bat or carrying to ball to wielding a pen, many former athletes have embarked on writing careers. While some have gone on to write best-selling autobiographies, others have turned their talents to fiction and journalism. 

This includes former All Black Justin Marshall who has written about southern hemisphere teams and the Rugby World Cup. There’s also legendary basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who has become an accomplished fiction and non-fiction writer. Additionally, former number one tennis player, Billie Jean King, is a notable author and columnist. 

Final thoughts

Retiring from professional sports allows former stars to utilise their skills, expertise and fame in new and exciting areas. Whether in sports commentary, coaching, business or as a writer, there are a range of career paths available to former players.