⏱️ 5 min read
Professional athletes often seem to live and breathe their sport, dedicating every waking moment to perfecting their craft. However, many remarkable players throughout history have successfully pursued entirely different careers before, during, or after their time in professional sports. These fascinating stories reveal the depth, intelligence, and versatility of athletes who proved they could excel in multiple fields.
Medical Professionals Who Dominated the Field
Several athletes have combined their sporting prowess with medical expertise, demonstrating exceptional intellectual capability alongside physical talent. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, an offensive lineman who won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs, completed his medical degree at McGill University while playing professional football. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he opted out of the 2020 NFL season to work in a long-term care facility in Quebec, putting his medical training to use during a critical time.
Baseball pitcher Frank Jobe revolutionized sports medicine despite never practicing as a physician during his playing days. After his athletic career, he became an orthopedic surgeon and pioneered the famous “Tommy John surgery,” which has saved countless baseball careers. His dual perspective as both athlete and surgeon provided unique insights that transformed sports medicine.
Athletes in the Entertainment Industry
The transition from sports to entertainment might seem natural given the performance aspects of both fields, but some athletes achieved genuine success in Hollywood and music long before it became commonplace. Before becoming a WWE legend and Hollywood megastar, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson played college football at the University of Miami. However, Terry Crews offers an even more interesting trajectory, playing in the NFL for several teams while simultaneously building his portfolio as an artist and eventually transitioning to a successful acting career.
NBA player Wayman Tisdale became a highly respected smooth jazz bassist, releasing eight albums and earning significant recognition in the music industry. His musical career ran parallel to his basketball success, proving that athletic and artistic talents could coexist at the highest levels.
Legal Eagles on the Playing Field
The legal profession requires sharp analytical thinking, strong communication skills, and strategic planning—qualities that translate surprisingly well to athletic competition. Steve Young, Hall of Fame quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, earned his law degree from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School. Although he never practiced law extensively, his legal education informed his business decisions and post-football career.
Brendan Haywood, who played center in the NBA for over a decade, earned his finance degree and MBA while playing professionally. He leveraged this education into various business ventures and broadcasting opportunities after retirement. Similarly, numerous athletes have used law degrees as springboards for front-office positions, player representation, or business ventures.
Military Service and Athletic Excellence
Many athletes have served their countries before or after their sporting careers, displaying courage and dedication beyond the playing field. Pat Tillman’s story remains one of the most poignant: the NFL safety walked away from a lucrative contract with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. Army following the September 11 attacks, ultimately sacrificing his life in Afghanistan.
David Robinson, “The Admiral,” served in the U.S. Navy before his legendary NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs. His Naval Academy commitment required two years of active duty, which delayed but ultimately enriched his basketball career. Roger Staubach similarly served four years in the Navy, including a tour in Vietnam, before becoming a Hall of Fame quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.
Educators and Scholars Among Athletes
Some athletes have pursued academic careers with the same dedication they brought to their sports. Bill Bradley, former NBA champion with the New York Knicks, was a Rhodes Scholar who studied at Oxford University. He later served as a U.S. Senator for New Jersey for 18 years, demonstrating how athletic discipline can translate to public service and intellectual pursuits.
Myron Rolle left football temporarily to study as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, focusing on medical anthropology before returning to complete his NFL career. He has since become a neurosurgery resident, combining his multiple passions into a career dedicated to helping others.
Business Moguls Who Started on the Field
Entrepreneurship attracts many former athletes, but some began building business empires while still competing. Magic Johnson transformed himself from basketball superstar into a successful businessman, with investments spanning movie theaters, restaurants, and real estate development. His business acumen proved as sharp as his court vision.
Roger Penske raced professionally in the 1960s before building one of the most successful automotive business empires in history. His Penske Corporation now generates billions in annual revenue across multiple industries, far exceeding his racing earnings.
The Broader Impact of Multi-Career Athletes
These examples demonstrate that athletic excellence doesn’t preclude success in other demanding fields. In fact, the discipline, work ethic, and competitive drive that make someone a great athlete often transfer directly to other professions. These individuals challenge the stereotype of the single-minded jock, revealing instead well-rounded people who simply happened to possess extraordinary physical talents.
Their stories also provide inspiration for current athletes to prepare for life after sports, recognizing that their playing careers, however successful, represent only one chapter of their lives. By pursuing education, developing business skills, or maintaining other professional interests, athletes create safety nets and open doors to fulfilling post-sport careers.