For some athletes, the sports career was only the beginning. Their businesses, entertainment careers, investments, or unexpected second acts eventually became almost as recognizable as their achievements in competition.
1. Shaquille O’Neal Became a Business Empire
Shaq became one of basketball’s biggest personalities long after leaving the NBA.
He built a huge portfolio of businesses and investments, including restaurant franchises, his Big Chicken brand, media projects, advertising partnerships, and ownership stakes. His ability to turn a giant personality into a business brand helped redefine what retirement could look like for a superstar athlete.
2. Serena Williams Became a Venture Capital Investor
Williams didn’t simply move into endorsements after tennis.
She launched Serena Ventures, an investment firm focused heavily on startups and founders who have historically received less venture funding. She has also moved into sports ownership, media, fashion, and other businesses, creating a career that extends far beyond her 23 Grand Slam singles titles.
3. Arnold Palmer Helped Invent Modern Athlete Marketing
Palmer became one of golf’s biggest stars, but his influence extended far beyond the course.
His partnership with sports agent Mark McCormack helped establish the modern athlete-marketing industry. Palmer became a recognizable brand through everything from clothing to beverages, showing that an athlete’s name could become a business asset in its own right.
4. George Foreman Became a Kitchen Appliance Icon
Foreman was already a heavyweight boxing legend when he attached his name to an indoor grill.
The George Foreman Grill became a massive commercial success, eventually selling more than 100 million units. For an entire generation, the retired boxer became almost as recognizable from television commercials as from the boxing ring.
5. Tony Hawk Turned Skateboarding Into an Entertainment Brand
Hawk’s skateboarding career made him famous, but the video game series carrying his name introduced skateboarding to millions of people who had never followed the sport.
He also built Birdhouse Skateboards and continued developing businesses and charitable projects around skateboarding.
6. Magic Johnson Became a Major Business Figure
After retiring from basketball, Johnson built Magic Johnson Enterprises into a broad business operation with interests in entertainment, real estate, sports, and community development.
His investments and ownership stakes eventually included major professional sports franchises, making him one of the most recognizable athlete-turned-business figures in America.
