Some of the truly great athletes of our time have managed to find even bigger success outside of the athletic realm. Here are six great athletes who managed to start successful businesses either during or after their playing days were done.
- Derek Jeter
One of the most successful athletes from an on-field and marketing perspective, Jeter has established himself as being a smart businessman. He helped to found The Players Tribune and topped that off by becoming the CEO of the Miami Marlins in 2017.
- Shaq
What hasn’t Shaq done? He’s been a spokesman for Reebok. He’s on the board of advisors for Tout. He even has a Krispy Kreme franchise. This actor/rapper/player/sheriff has done all there is to do not just in sport or business, but in life.
- Peyton Manning
One of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time, Manning has made the most of his on-field success. The Hall of Fame quarterback has worked with brands such as Buick, Nike, Nationwide, and DirecTV. He also owns 30 Papa John’s franchises, partnering to invest in 21 franchises in the Denver area alone.
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
The former WWE Champion and Miami Hurricane has had quite the ascension. He is not only one of the most popular actors on the planet, but he is the founder of Seven Bucks Productions as well. There may be no more popular man on the planet than The Rock.
- Erving “Magic” Johnson
The multi-time NBA Champion and Hall of Fame basketball player is also a hugely successful entrepreneur. He is part owner of the Los Angeles Football Club, the Los Angeles Sparks, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has his own line of movie theaters as well.
- George Foreman
The former boxing heavyweight champion proves that you need just one good punch. His George Foreman grill was a massive hit, selling millions of units and launching him back into the spotlight after his career in the ring finished up in the 1990s.