Best Career Paths for Former Athletes: Top Job Opportunities

being an athlete to starting a new career can feel challenging, but countless opportunities exist that extensively use an athlete’s unique skills. Former athletes bring determination, resilience, and teamwork to any job – qualities employers love. Many ex-athletes find fulfilling careers in coaching, sports management, media, business, and tech. So, if you’re wondering what’s next after sports, here’s a guide to some of the best career paths that fit perfectly for former athletes.

Table of Contents

Coaching and Training

Coaching or training might be your next big move if you’ve got a passion for the game and want to stay close to the action. Think about it: as a coach, you get to pass on everything you’ve learned, help the next generation grow, and keep that competitive fire alive. Former players frequently start at high schools or colleges, showing young athletes what it takes to reach the next level. It’s a way to give back, make a real impact, and stay connected to the sport you love.

Maybe you’re more into the flexibility of personal training or fitness coaching. This route lets you set your schedule, work one-on-one with clients, and even build a following online. Certifications like those from NASM can help you start a personal trainer career. From gym sessions to Instagram fitness tips, you can turn your athletic skills into a thriving business. For former athletes who live and breathe fitness, this career path is all about making a difference while staying true to what you love.

which carrer path to pursue after retiring from professional sports

Sports Management and Administration

Behind every sports team are a couple of managers handling logistics and business operations. If you enjoy the strategic side of sports, consider sports management as a career path. It’s brilliant for former athletes who know how the industry works and can bring insider knowledge to the role.

Team Management

Work directly with sports organizations, managing everything from schedules and budgets to travel arrangements and player welfare. Teams in the NBA, NFL, and MLS often look for managers who understand the demands of an athlete’s life.

Sports Marketing and Promotions

Plenty of former athletes find rewarding careers in sports marketing, working for companies like Nike, Adidas, or Under Armour. You’ll use your sports experience to market products and promote the athletic lifestyle here.

Athletic Director

This role is common at the college and high school levels. Athletic directors manage sports programs, coordinate events, and oversee coaching staff. It’s an excellent fit for ex-athletes wanting to participate in multiple sports.

Broadcasting and Media

Sports broadcasting is a top-notch choice for former athletes who wish to stay close to the game. With the rise of digital platforms and streaming, there’s more demand than ever for commentators, analysts, and sports journalists.

Sports Commentator: Former athletes frequently make ideal sports commentators, providing insights and first-hand experience to viewers. Think of athletes like Tony Romo, who transitioned seamlessly from playing in the NFL to calling games for CBS.
Sports Analyst: Sports networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports often hire former athletes as analysts. You can break downplays, offer predictions, and share insider perspectives on the game.
Podcasting and YouTube: With platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, former athletes can reach fans directly. Starting a podcast or YouTube channel to share insights, interview other athletes, and discuss sports trends is a great way to build a brand.

Sales and Business Development

If you thrive on competition and love meeting new people, sales and business development offer the perfect post-sports career. It’s like game day energy – but in the business world. Companies are constantly looking for former athletes because they bring that competitive edge, focus, and confidence that helps close deals and build solid relationships. You’ve already got the resilience to handle rejection and the drive to keep pushing toward goals – skills that translate flawlessly into sales.

Some ex-athletes jump into corporate sales, where hitting targets feels like scoring points. Others go for partnership management or sponsorships, using their sports background to build significant brand relationships. If you’ve had endorsement experience, this is an excellent way to stay in the sports world by helping brands connect with fans.

And if you’ve got the entrepreneurial itch, starting your own business might be the way to go. Athletes like LeBron James with SpringHill Entertainment and Venus Williams with EleVen have turned their sports success into thriving brands. For former players with that “go big or go home” mindset, entrepreneurship can be an incredible way to create something new and impactful.

Health and Wellness Careers

Numerous former athletes are drawn to health and wellness careers. With a background in fitness and a passion for health, athletes can bring their expertise to roles that help others live healthier lives.

Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine

Athletes know the importance of physical therapy firsthand. With additional education and certification, former athletes can become physical therapists, athletic trainers, or sports therapists. Programs like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) offer certifications.

Nutritionist or Dietitian

Athletes often have an in-depth understanding of nutrition and performance. With the right certification, former athletes can work as nutritionists or dietitians, helping clients – especially athletes – eat right and fuel their bodies.

Yoga and Mindfulness Instructor

Some athletes, like former NBA player Baron Davis, have transitioned to wellness-focused careers. Many athletes discover yoga, meditation, and mindfulness during training and pick to help others find balance after their athletic careers.

Education and Motivational Speaking

Athletes know a thing or two about overcoming obstacles and staying motivated. Numerous candidates find fulfillment in careers that allow them to share their stories, whether in schools, at events, or through corporate training programs.

Motivational Speaking: Athletes like Michael Phelps and Abby Wambach have found success as motivational speakers. By sharing lessons about discipline, resilience, and mental toughness, you can reach a wide range of audiences, from students to corporate executives.
Teacher or Professor: Teaching can be a rewarding option for those who enjoy mentoring. Former athletes with degrees can become PE teachers or even college sports professors, where they can inspire the next generation of athletes.
Life Coach: Certified life coaches help people achieve personal or professional goals. Life coaching can be a natural fit for athletes who have learned to overcome mental and physical challenges. For instance, organizations like the International Coach Federation (ICF) offer certifications in this field.

Technology and Analytics

In the era of data-driven sports, technology and analytics are becoming essential in the sports industry. Former athletes interested in numbers and strategy can find rewarding roles as sports analysts, data scientists, or even in tech startups focused on sports innovations.

Sports Data Analyst

Many sports teams hire former athletes as analysts to provide insights on game footage and performance metrics. Companies like Hudl, Sportsradar, and Prozone offer software for video analysis and player tracking, making it easier to dive into the analytics side of sports.

Product Development and User Experience

Athletes can bring valuable insights to sports tech companies developing products for players and fans. Working in user experience or product development for companies like Nike or Fitbit lets you help create tech that improves performance or fan experience.

Esports Coaching and Analysis

As esports grows, many former athletes are exploring roles in coaching and analysis within esports teams. Analyzing gameplay, teaching strategy, and tracking performance is also valuable in the digital arena.

Find Your Passion Beyond the Game

While leaving a sports career can be challenging, it’s only the start of new opportunities. Whether you go into coaching, broadcasting, health, business, or technology, the qualities you’ve built as an athlete – perseverance, discipline, teamwork – will serve you well. These career paths allow former athletes to transition smoothly, keeping their love for sports alive while exploring new fields. Keep in mind that your skills, experience, and passion can take you far beyond the game.