Most people think that it’s glamorous to play in the NFL, but did you know that a report by the NFLPA revealed that a career in the league only lasts an average of three years? It goes without saying that these former players had to look for a different job after they were done playing. A huge portion of them no longer play by the age of 30, so they are still pretty young by the time they are out. Some of them have gone on to become train conductors, Uber drivers, and even teachers! We bet you won’t expect their double lives of sorts. That’s right – a couple of these NFL stars have been doing these things when they were still active in the NFL!
Ricardo Silva: Geometry Teacher
The former safety for the Detroit Lions only lasted 14 games in the league, but he has since moved on to a meaningful field. He now works as a geometry teacher! Moreover, he is part of Teach for America, which allows him to teach children at a Washington school. He was only 26 years old when he was booted from the Carolina Panthers, but he did not opt to stay on the field. Instead of playbooks, he decided to teach textbooks instead.
Ricardo Silva: Geometry Teacher
Tony McGee: Freight Emperor
Tony McGee spent 11 seasons in the league as a tight end, so we can see how he developed his mental strength. This was something that became useful even when he stopped playing. He dabbled in several business ventures after his time on the field, although none of them were successful. But he did not lose hope, and later entered the shipping industry. He was able to launch and developed the freight company HNM Global Logistics. During its first year alone, the company was able to bring in more than $1 million! Needless to say, they are still doing exceptionally well. How awesome is that?
Tony McGee: Freight Emperor
Keith Fitzhugh: Train Conductor
Keith Fitzhugh had a rather frustrating career in the NFL. He was once a top prospect from Mississippi State, but didn’t make it to an NFL team right away. He was twice cut from the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets. After he realized there was a possibility he could not make a great career in football, he became a railroad conductor instead. It is pretty amazing that he is now a terminal superintendent with the Atlanta Norfolk Southern Railway instead.
Keith Fitzhugh: Train Conductor
Vince Young: Development Officer
If you keep up with college football, there is a good chance that you remember how Vince Young helped the Texas Longhorns get the national title over the USC Trojans. This happened in 2006, the same year he was the runner-up for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Unfortunately, his NFL career was short-lived and he blew the $34 million he made while in the league. He went back to college and began a career as a development officer at the University of Texas – Austin.
Vince Young: Development Officer
Bill Lenkaitis: Dentist
As you can see, it is not all that unusual for NFL players to have a double life. However, there is something extraordinary about Bill Lenkaitis. He managed to finish his degree in dentistry from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine when the season wasn’t going on. He graduated in 1973 after studying during six off seasons. What could be more impressive than the fact that he spent his days pursuing a dental practice and playing football at the same time?
Bill Lenkaitis: Dentist
Eddie George: Theater Actor
He might have retired from the NFL, but this four-time Pro Bowl player did not fade away from the spotlight. No, we do not mean that Eddie George is a football analyst. After playing on the field, he got the opportunity to put his acting classes to use when he got on the theater stage. He has performed in numerous local Shakespeare productions. You might have even seen him on the Broadway stage when he played Billy Flynn in a production of Chicago.
Eddie George: Theater Actor
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif: Doctor
At the same time that he played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif also managed to graduate from medical school in 2018. That year, he signed a $41 million deal with the NFL club, so we don’t think he can pursue a medical practice anytime soon. Nonetheless, he is the only active medical doctor in the league. Isn’t it amazing that he is a starter on such a great team as well?
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif: Doctor
Kareem McKenzie: Counselor
This might be one of the weirdest transitions from a football career. Considering how demanding an NFL career can be, Kareem McKenzie decided to go on and become a psychologist instead. According to him, he benefited from counseling as an active player. This is the reason why he now wants to devote himself to helping out his colleagues who have left the league. Recently, he earned a Masters of Education in Professional Counseling degree. Moreover, he is now pursuing a doctorate!
Kareem McKenzie: Counselor
Terrell Owens: Model
Terrell Owens is probably one of the biggest stars the NFL has ever encountered. He is actually one of the few football players with the ability to brand himself without a hitch. He decided to go into modeling after his career in the NFL. He got a contract with NEXT Management and even appeared in many reality shows and tabloids. This is not surprising at all when you consider just how photogenic this guy is!
Terrell Owens: Model
Bill Goldberg: Wrestler
When you are a star football player, it certainly sounds like going into the WWE makes for the perfect next move. Just take a look at The Rock, who was a football standout during his high school years and played ball at the University of Miami before he made a name for himself in the wrestling scene. However, Goldberg is the first case we have heard about an NFL alumnus going into the fascinating world of wrestling. He was once known for his time with the Atlanta Falcons, so it is not all that much of a surprise to hear that his pro-wrestling career began with WCW.
Bill Goldberg: Wrestler
Ed Newman: Judge
Now this one is just bizarre, full stop. Ed Newman and Tony Nathan, best known for playing for the Miami Dolphins, decided to take their teamwork somewhere else. Newman now works as a judge, with Nathan as his bailiff. During their time on the field, the former cleared a path to let his friend get through. Things haven’t changed now as they dish out justice. It’s definitely out there, but it is also heartwarming at the same time. Apparently, defendants have even asked for their autographs!
Ed Newman: Judge
Drew Bledsoe: Winery Owner
New England Patriots fans were probably a little sad but ultimately glad when Drew Bledsoe got injured in 2001. We say this because it allowed backup Tom Brady to launch his incredible career on the field. Despite everything, Bledsoe made a lot of money during his NFL career. He decided to use part of his earnings to start his own winery in his hometown. If you are ever in the Washington area, you might want to check out the Doubleback Winery!
Drew Bledsoe: Winery Owner
Charles Tillman: FBI Agent
The former cornerback for the Chicago Bears has gone on to be an FBI agent. It was in September 2018 that they reported he enrolled at the Training Academy located in Quantico, Virginia. Honestly, it makes a lot of sense for an NFL player to become an agent. Apparently, the two-time Pro Bowler player was interested in joining the FBI even before his playing days. He would often observe and work together with law enforcement during the offseason. He earned his degree in criminal justice from Louisiana – Lafayette. Interestingly, his father was also an army sergeant.
Charles Tillman: FBI Agent
Steve DeOssie And Fred Smerlas: Steak Emperors
Steve DeOssie and Fred Smerlas both graduated from Boston College. Aside from that, they also share the fact that they played in the NFL and now have a business together. They had a mutual love of steaks and created the Rhode Island-based Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse. It is now a must-see if you ever find yourself in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Aside from this, Smerlas has gone into politics whereas DeOssie has remained in the NFL spotlight. You will find the latter on NBC Sports Boston a lot of the time.
Steve DeOssie And Fred Smerlas: Steak Emperors
Dermontti Dawson: Sales Exec
When it comes to centers, Dermontti Dawson is one of the greats. The Hall of Famer also happens to be a seven-time Pro Bowler. In 2000, he got an injury and realistically knew it probably meant the end of his NFL career. However, he did not let himself wallow in sadness and occupied himself with non-related things. He entered real estate as a developer, earned $69 million in terms of assets, and filed for bankruptcy. He has since shifted to sales and now works as the Vice-President of Sales at Prime Time Plus, a promotional product company. Not bad!
Dermontti Dawson: Sales Exec
Wayne Chrebet: Banker
A fresh college graduate, Wayne Chrebet started out undrafted and under-sized. As a walk-on, he managed to make it to the New York Jets and crafted a name for himself! Unfortunately, his NFL career ended on an abrupt note after he suffered a severe concussion. He was not allowed to come back to the field. He then went on Wall Street, which was an effective move. He had to start over as an underdog once more, but hard work saved the day yet again. He took on several major positions at Barclay’s Capital and Morgan Stanley. Recently, he worked on a management team with assets worth $2 billion that joined Stifel Financial Corp.
Wayne Chrebet: Banker
Dave Middleton: Ob-Gyn
It was in 1955 when Dave Middleton became the first pick for the Detroit Lions. Aside from being an excellent football player, he was also incredibly smart. He was attending the University of Tennessee College of Medicine while playing ball. He graduated after his draft to the NFL. He was considered to be among the best receivers in the league and played six seasons with the Lions. After he retired from the sport, he started an obstetrics and gynecology practice in Michigan.
Dave Middleton: Ob-Gyn
Myron Rolle: Doctor
Isn’t it impressive to hear about NFL players who are doctors at the same time? Feel free to refer to the NFL player as Dr. Myron Rolle. Although he did not participate in any regular season games with the Tennessee Titans, he was one of just three Rhodes scholarship recipients in the league. He decided to leave his career in football to attend Oxford University. He earned his degree from the FSU School of Medicine and is now a neurosurgery residence.
Myron Rolle: Doctor
Brian Orakpo: Cupcake Businessman
How cool is it to hear that Brian Orakpo started his very own cupcake shop? This might be one of the most fascinating career transitions we have ever heard of. His business partner is a former NFL player as well. You will find his shop, Gigi’s Cupcakes, in Bee Cave, Texas. He came up with the idea as a normal person who adores cupcakes. We are sure he enjoys having something to keep him busy after his time in the NFL!
Brian Orakpo: Cupcake Businessman
Matt Elam: Shoe Salesman
Matt Elam was a safety and the first pick of the Baltimore Ravens back in 2013. During the offseason, he was also a businessman. He now works as a shoe salesman at Finish Line and expressed his desire to open his own sports merchandise store in the future. According to him, he wants to first get to know the retail industry in order to learn as much as he could and be a good boss when the time comes.
Matt Elam: Shoe Salesman
Ty Law: Businessman
Ty Law is best known for his time as a cornerback in the NFL. It turns out that he is a skilled person in more ways than one. The New England Patriot player decided to be creative after his retirement and opened the Launch Trampoline Park, which is an entertainment facility chain for children. It now boasts of more than 25 locations and a huge client base. It must have been a desire to do something after his football career because he definitely does not need the money. The 15-year NFL alum certainly made a fortune during his time on the field, after all.
Ty Law: Businessman
Bernard Reedy: Car Ride Driver
This is yet another incredible one. When Bernard Reedy is not working out on the football field, he spends his time working as a driver for Car Ride! Paid $11 per hour, he helps transport people in wheelchairs. According to him, it inspires him. If he ever feels down and thinks there is a roadblock ahead of him, he likes to think about his clients and their attitudes towards life. How amazing is that?
Bernard Reedy: Car Ride Driver
Dan Fortmann: Surgeon
Once the guard for the football team at Colgate University, Dan Fortmann went on to join the Chicago Bears. In the beginning, a lot of people felt skeptical of the draft decision thanks to his size, although he succeeded in proving everyone wrong. During his time with the Bears, he was also working towards a degree from the University of Chicago Medical School. He graduated in 1940, became a surgeon, and eventually took over as the team doctor for the Los Angeles Rams.
Dan Fortmann: Surgeon
John Brallier: Dentist
John Brallier made a name for himself as one of the first professional football players in the world. This happened when he joined the first formal team of the United States all the way back in 1895. Originally, he was not planning to join since he was worried about making a living wage. In the beginning, he was paid only $10 a game. He was one of the first football players to receive a paycheck! After he retired in 1907, he started practicing dentistry.
John Brallier: Dentist
Tony Adamle: Doctor
When Tony Adamle was active in the NFL, everyone knew that he was a force to be reckoned with. He received his degree in medicine from the Western Reserve University at the same time he was playing as a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns. He brought the team five championship titles before he retired and started a sports medicine practice. He was also the Kent State University team doctor, which is fitting because this was where he studied for his undergraduate degree.
Tony Adamle: Doctor
Brandon Copeland: Financial Analyst
As we have already mentioned, a career in the NFL does not usually last for a very long time. Brandon Copeland was ahead of the game because he prepared a plan B if the inevitable happens. During the off-season months, he works as a Weiss Multi-Strategy Advisers analyst. According to him, he is aware that football won’t be in his life forever, so he decided to arrange a seamless transition into a different career. He also saves 90% of the income he makes and wants to start working the moment his NFL career wraps up.
Brandon Copeland: Financial Analyst
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix: Judicial Intern
Although he is well-known for his rather unusual name, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix also has a pretty unusual job on the side. The Pro Bowler got his degree in criminal justice from Alabama and has since been coordinating with a local judge to get a deeper understanding of the way the justice system works. The talented safety is a judicial intern who wants to join the FBI or police force after his days in the NFL.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix: Judicial Intern
Les Horvath: Dentist
Les Horvath is still the one and only winner of the Heisman trophy to be a licensed physician. It is not hard to see why no one else has achieved this – it is incredibly hard to juggle football and medical school! In 1945, the former Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns quarterback got his degree in dentistry from Ohio State University. Among other things, he was also the first Ohio State footballer to win the Heisman. When he was done with football, he pursued a dental practice.
Les Horvath: Dentist
A.J Francis: Uber Driver
Although it is important for him to spend a lot of his time training for the NFL, AJ Francis actually works as a driver for Uber during his free time. He likes to do it, apparently. He typically makes around $40 – $50 per hour and claims he enjoys the extra income. Clearly, he is yet another smart guy who does not want to depend too much on his NFL career. We think it is admirable that he drives for Uber on the side!
A.J Francis: Uber Driver
Jordy Nelson: Farmer
When it is the off-season, Jordy Nelson of the Oakland Raiders spends 12-hour days on the family farm in Kansas. Although he boasts of tens of millions of bucks in his bank accounts, he drives the combine and then cuts the wheat for five to six weeks every year. There are times when he rounds up their 1,000 cows as well. According to him, he was a farm kid before he got into football!
Jordy Nelson: Farmer
Malcolm Jenkins: Designer
It started out as a desire to always look his best during road trips and ended up the way he makes a living. Malcolm Jenkins is now the proud owner of his very own designer menswear. In the beginning, he had a bow tie brand called Rock Avenue. However, he decided to take it a step further when he opened a physical store in Philadelphia. Although he is still active in the NFL, he likes to consider himself a hands-on boss who likes to pick the fabrics for the company.
Malcolm Jenkins: Designer
Raghib Ismail: Motivational Speaker
Raghib Ismail did not have a conventional NFL story, to say the least. He made a name for himself when he skipped the NFL draft and headed north to join the Canadian Football League. Nonetheless, he eventually made it to the NFL and even played nine seasons with four different clubs. He is now a motivational church speaker. Apparently, it will cost you around $5,000 to $10,000 to book him for your event! Whoa.
Raghib Ismail: Motivational Speaker
Dermontti Dawson: Independent League Club Owner
Dermontti Dawson spent 12 seasons playing in the NFL and made a fortune of around $25 million. Sadly, he made poor business decisions and ended up with a lot of debt to his name. It is a good thing that he pulled himself out of his financial troubles. He is now spending his days as one of the owners of the Washington Wild Things, which is an Independent League baseball team.
Dermontti Dawson: Independent League Club Owner
Bernie Kosar: Motivational Speaker
Bernie Kosar played for 13 seasons in the league. He was able to make around $19 million over the course of his NFL career, although he burned through it and was bankrupt by 2009. He now spends his time working as a motivational speaker, particularly about topics on leadership. He is also involved with the self-named Kosar’s Wood-Fired Grill, which is located at the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park. Not too shabby!
Bernie Kosar: Motivational Speaker
Muhsin Muhammad: Wild Wing Café Part-Owner
After playing a total of 14 seasons with both the Chicago Bears and the Carolina Panthers, his tendency to pay for things with his credit card got to him. This is why he decided it was time to look for more income. It was in 2012 that he went on to become a part-owner of @Wild Wing Café, a franchise that boasts of 32 locations. According to him, being part-owner of this restaurant chain can be exhausting. He also said he spends most of his time working on the company.
Muhsin Muhammad: Wild Wing Café Part-Owner
Luther Elliss: Nutrition Program Promoter
After he decided it was time to say goodbye to football, Luther Elliss filed for bankruptcy. Over the years, he basically lost everything including his savings and home. He knew he had to do something about his dire situation, so he went and got a 9-5 job. He spends a lot of his time promoting the children’s health initiative called Fuel Up To Play 60. The program aims to improve the lives of children and helps adoption groups.
Luther Elliss: Nutrition Program Promoter
Deuce McAllister: Events Speaker
Not a lot of people realize that Deuce McAllister made 49 touchdowns and rushed for more than 6,000 yards during his time in the NFL. He was able to amass $70 million during his league days, although he made some poor financial decisions. He opened a car dealership, which did not become successful. After this failure, he started public speaking at all kinds of events. If you want to get him as a speaker, you will have to pay him $5,000 to $10,000!
Deuce McAllister: Events Speaker
Fred Smerlas: Entrepreneur
Fred Smerlas became a five-time Pro Bowl player during his time with the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Buffalo Bills. He might have millions in his bank accounts, but he prefers to work a day job. He is the owner of Fred and Steve’s Steakhouse, which is located in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Aside from that, he also owns a telemarketing contractor called All-Pro Productions. He also works to raise funds for firefighters, police, and other authorities in Massachusetts.
Fred Smerlas: Entrepreneur
Dan Marino: Pizza Entrepreneur
You would not expect a Hall of Famer to have a 9 to 5, but Dan Marino likes to exceed expectations. The retired quarterback did not like the idea of loafing around after he quit the NFL. He owns Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, which has 62 locations in Florida and the Northeast. He spends most of his time improving the pizza chain and helping out in different aspects of it. According to him, he doesn’t really do day-offs.
Dan Marino: Pizza Entrepreneur
Brett Favre: Restauranteur
Brett Favre has 508 touchdowns and 71,838 yards to his name, which is enough to impress most people. He could have stopped working and lived a beautiful life if he wanted. However, he surprised everyone and opened Brett Favre’s Steakhouse in Green Bay instead. It was in 2017 that they changed the restaurant’s name to the Hall of Fame Chophouse. Rumor has it that the food is amazing. As a treat, fans will appreciate all the Brett Favre gear inside!
Brett Favre: Restauranteur
Archie Manning
Archie Manning is the father of Eli and Peyton Manning. He himself spent 15 years in the league! He was even chosen to be an inaugural member of the College Football Playoff Postseason Selection Committee. Unfortunately, he had no choice but to step down because of his health concerns. He is now busy running Manning’s. If you are interested, the New Orleans joint offers the amazing Archie Burger!
Archie Manning