Often people wonder if famous athletes are as successful after their playing careers as they were during. Many stories have been told about the misfortunes that have cost athletes millions. A vast number of retired players have not been able to find the same type of success post career in the business world. However, there are a few that have become just as successful as businessmen. Here are several players that have had continued success in their post-playing careers.
Earvin “Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson’s basketball career was the stuff most players dream about. He led Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA Championship, was the 1st overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft, led the Los Angeles Lakers to the 1980 NBA title, became the 1980 rookie of the year. Johnson went on to win 5 NBA championships, 12 All-Star game appearances, a 3 time league MVP, 3 time Finals MVP, 9x NBA All NBA first team, and was voted to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
After Magic’s playing career, his success as a businessman has been remarkable. His business ventures include a record label called Magic Johnson Music, a conglomerate company that has a net worth of $700 million with subsidiaries that include Magic Johnson Productions, a promotional company; a nationwide chain of movie theaters called Magic Johnson Theaters, and Magic Johnson Entertainment which is a film studio. He has a minority ownership in the Lakers, Dodgers and was an owner of the L.A. Sparks WNBA basketball team.
Shaquille O’Neal
Considered to be one of the games most dominating forces in NBA, Shaquille O’Neal is one of greatest players in NBA history. With his ferocious dunks and many nicknames, he dominated the NBA for over a decade. He was the 1993 Rookie of the Year, 4× NBA champion 3× NBA Finals MVP, NBA Most Valuable Player, 15× NBA All-Star, 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP, 8× All-NBA First Team, 2× All-NBA Second Team, 4× All-NBA Third Team, 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team and Basketball Hall of Fame.
Since retiring in 2011, O’Neal has become a successful businessman. Aside from being a NBA analyst, he boasts a 10% ownership stake in Five Guys Burgers restaurant, investments in IPO Google Stock, 40 24 hour fitness, 150 Car washes, 17 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels restaurants, Las Vegas Nightclubs, City Plex movie theater in Newark, NJ, and The Met Miami apartment complex. He also sponsored or owned stock in Muscle Milk, vitamin water, fruity pebbles and Loyal 3.
Michael Jordan
The G.O.A.T, ”Air “Jordan is also a very accomplished businessman. As a player, he hit the shot in the 1982 NCAA championship game to give North Carolina the victory and was the 1984 national college player of the year. He went on to become a 1984 Olympic gold medalist and the 1984-85 NBA rookie of the year.
His basketball accomplishments include being a 6× NBA champion, 6× NBA Finals MVP 5× NBA Most Valuable Player 14× NBA All-Star 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP 10× All-NBA First Team All-NBA Second Team , NBA Defensive Player of the Year ,9× NBA All-Defensive First Team , NBA All-Rookie First Team 10× NBA scoring champion 3× NBA steals leader 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion No. 23 retired by Chicago Bulls, No. 23 retired by Miami Heat 3× AP Athlete of the Year, 2× USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year, Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year and NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Michael is also known by many as one of the world’s more marketable athletes. His sponsors include McDonald’s, Nike, Coca-Cola, Chevrolet, Gatorade, Ball Park Franks, Rayovac, Wheaties, Hanes, and MCI. He is the primary owner of the Charlotte Bobcats and has a minority ownership stake in the Miami Marlins. He also owns a car group with several dealerships, several restaurants and he is the third richest African American in the U.S.
Derek Jeter
One of the most decorated Major League Baseball players in the modern era, Jeter is revered by teammates and loved by fans. He began his Major League career in 1992, selected 6th overall in the draft by the New York Yankees. He made his first career start in 1995. During a 20 year professional career he was named a 14× All-Star, 5× World Series champion, 2000 World Series MVP, AL Rookie of the Year, 5× Gold Glove Award, 5× Silver Slugger Award, 2× AL Hank Aaron Award, Roberto Clemente Award.
He has since become one of the most successful athletes off the field as well. Aside from various TV ads and movies, Jeter is the Co-Founder of the Players Tribune. He has investment interests in Whistle Sports Network, a video network company, he is a brand development officer for Luvo Inc, and is CEO and part owner of the Miami Marlins.
John Elway
Elway is an NFL Legend. Possessed with a rocket arm and supreme poise, Elway was the king of comebacks. During his 16 year career with the Denver Broncos, he became famous for his game-winning comeback drives, the most notable one being “The Drive”. A former number one overall draft pick in 1983, he will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
During his career, Elway went on to become a 2× Super Bowl champion with 5 appearances, a Super Bowl MVP, voted 9× Pro Bowls, First-team All-Pro, a 2× Second-team All-Pro, the NFL’s Most Valuable Player (1987), 2 AFC Offensive Player of the Year awards 1992 NFL Man of the Year.
As a businessman, his accomplishments include, CEO and Co-Owner of the Colorado Rush, General Manager & executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos. He owns two steakhouse restaurants, was the previous owner of 5 car dealerships, and currently owns Toyota Scion dealerships, a Chrysler Dealership and a Chevrolet Dealership.
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