5 Retired NFL Players Who Are Winning After Football
After years of paid professional play, there comes a moment when retired NFL players have to transition into a new season in life, post-NFL. This transition is smoother and more lucrative for some compared to others. Preparation for opportunities takes some thought and analysis, no matter where you are in your football journey.
Here are a few interesting retired NFL players who found success after playing in the league.
Which Retired NFL Players Became Successful After Their Career Ended?
1. Calvin Johnson
After nine incredible seasons with the Detroit Lions, “Megatron” shocked fans when he retired early in 2015 due to injuries. But Calvin Johnson didn’t just walk away — he pivoted.
Johnson co-founded Primitiv, a cannabis wellness brand based in Michigan, with former teammate Rob Sims. But this wasn’t just a business move — it was personal. He teamed up with Harvard researchers to study the impact of cannabis on CTE and chronic pain.
Lesson: Don’t just recover from your pain — profit from the solution. If something affected your playing days, you might be the best person to fix it for others.
2. Michael Strahan
Strahan’s post-football career is a masterclass in reinvention. After dominating on the field, he took over the screen — from co-hosting Good Morning America to anchoring FOX NFL Sunday, to producing his own shows and clothing lines.
His media empire proves that personality, consistency, and hustle translate. Strahan didn’t become a “TV guy.” He became a brand.
Lesson: Use your voice. Your reputation and relatability have real value. Don’t be afraid to step into rooms outside of sports and own your lane.
3. Terry Crews
Yes, that Terry Crews. Before becoming a Hollywood powerhouse, he played for the Rams, Chargers, and other teams in the ‘90s. Post-retirement, he flipped into acting and broke out in Friday After Next, then exploded with roles in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Everybody Hates Chris, and those iconic Old Spice ads.
Now, he’s a host, author, and advocate for men’s mental health and healing.
Lesson: Pivot hard. Your second act can be radically different. What matters is how much you’re willing to bet on yourself.
4. Tim Tebow
Love him or hate him, Tim Tebow never stopped showing up. After short NFL and MLB stints, he built a media career with ESPN/SEC Network and became a New York Times bestselling author. He also founded the Tim Tebow Foundation, which focuses on vulnerable populations, especially children with special needs.
Tebow leveraged his brand and values to build a legacy far beyond sports.
Lesson: Lean into your values. People connect with purpose-driven brands, and your authenticity is your superpower.
RELATED: TIM TEBOW NET WORTH & CAREER EARNINGS
5. Alan Page
Alan Page is proof that being smart and strategic can change everything. While still playing in the NFL, he earned a law degree — and later served as a Justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court for 22 years.
Page also co-founded the Page Education Foundation, which provides scholarships to students of color.
Lesson: Prepare while you play. Your cleats won’t last forever — but a sharp mind and strategic vision can carry you into history.
🧠 Takeaways for Every Athlete:
- Start thinking now. You don’t have to wait until the final snap to plan your future.
- Brand matters. What people remember about you off the field becomes your leverage.
- Purpose + Profit = Power. Don’t just chase money — chase legacy.
