Some athletes put everything they have into their game- they play, they win, and they become inspirational legends for those who are fans of the sport. Others refuse to be a one-trick pony. They take the success they have on the field or court and turn it into something else entirely.
It is no coincidence that the traits often possessed by successful athletes are also traits associated with entrepreneurship and activism. Some retire from professional athleticism and use their skills, fame, fortune, or voice to make a difference. Others don’t want to wait until retirement and put in tons of hard work in their limited free time.
Some athletes have become household names, even to people who aren’t sports fans. Here are some sports stars who kick goals and score outside of the world of sports.
Shaquille O’Neal
While he’s mainly known as a basketball player, Shaq’s business portfolio is nothing to sneeze at. This man towers over us all in terms of both height and wealth.
Shaq is a real-life Barbie. His professions include basketball player, DJ, rapper, police officer, doctor, actor, martial artist, wrestler, video game character, business owner, and father. And the man has his name on anything you can think of; he owns businesses from fast food restaurants to car washes.
In addition to founding numerous franchises, O’neal has invested in a number of businesses, even Krispy Kreme!
Muhammad Ali
This outspoken boxing champion outraged many when he converted to Islam and outraged even more when he took a stance against the US war in Vietnam. His refusal to be drafted and his outspoken opinions of war, race, and America led to him being arrested and convicted. His title was taken away, and he was banned from fighting.
And yet he persisted. He continued to use his fame to be an activist, fighting for civil rights and peace, until his death.
George Foreman
Despite being a legendary boxer, George Foreman’s true mark of success lies in his entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly the success of the George Foreman Grill, a kitchen appliance that has become a household name. In addition to his boxing accolades, George Foreman has also had success as a motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist, inspiring and empowering individuals around the world. His multifaceted success outside of the ring showcases his determination and ability to excel in various fields.
Colin Kaepernick
Like Muhammad Ali and others, NFL star Kaepernick sacrificed his career in his prime years of athleticism to use his platform to do good in the world. Unlike many other activists, he didn’t take a stand; instead, he did the opposite and took a knee.
In an act of protest against racial inequality and police brutality, Colin refused to stand for the American National Anthem. And the world exploded. Whether or not people agreed with his protest, he started a widespread conversation and the “Kaepernick effect.” It is unknown whether he will come back to the NFL.
Billie Jean King
King was such a powerful tennis player that one match set the gender equality movement forward significantly. When the No.1 ranked men’s tennis star and open misogynist challenged her to a “Battle of the Sexes,” 90 million people tuned in to watch her beat him in all three matches. Both the popularity of tennis and gender equality skyrocketed after her triumph.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnie isn’t just one of the most successful sports stars ever- he’s one of the most successful people ever.
The competitive bodybuilder also found success as Mr. Universe, an actor, the governor of California, a bricklayer, a real estate mogul, a restauranteur, and a business owner.
Tony Hawk
Despite the long-running joke of nobody recognizing Tony Hawk when they see him in public, the guy is known by name to a huge number of people around the world. His name has become synonymous with skateboarding.
Hawk went from a gifted child to a gifted adult, revolutionizing the skateboarding world and using his talent to buy himself a house while still in high school. But his skills aren’t restricted to the skatepark. He’s a CEO and philanthropist who boasts a skateboard line, a clothing line, an impressive list of sponsors, a video game series, multiple amusement park rides based on him, an emoji based on his skateboard, and the creation of the Tony Hawk Foundation. He even has the bragging rights of being the first person to skate in the White House.
While most of his work revolves around skating, he has made it big beyond his professional skating career, which ended years ago. These days, he is mainly known for his funny tweets.
Venus & Serena Williams
These sisters found success as massively successful tennis stars who changed the world of tennis forever, but this wasn’t enough success for them.
We have them to thank for tennis being the way it is today. Until 2007, men were paid more than their female counterparts. Not on Venus Williams’s watch! She launched a successful campaign and, in 2007, was paid the same as her male counterpart, the first time that a female tennis player had ever received equal pay.
They paved the way for African American and female players on both the tennis court and in sports in general. Venus owns an interior design company and another company selling activewear and sunglasses, while Serena owns an investment firm, a clothing line, and a jewelry company.
Conclusion
These sports stars have shown that they are not defined by their athletic prowess alone. They have leveraged their fame, skills, and platforms to make a positive impact in various fields beyond sports.
These athletes serve as role models, proving that success in sports can be a stepping stone to success in other areas. They demonstrate the power of determination, passion, and a desire to make a difference. By utilizing their talents and platforms, they have expanded their reach and left a lasting legacy.
Their stories remind us that we all have the ability to make a positive impact, regardless of our chosen field. We can learn from their dedication, fearlessness, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world.
As we continue to celebrate and admire these sports stars for their achievements, let us also recognize and applaud their endeavors outside of the sports arena. They are true inspirations and reminders that we can all strive for greatness and use our influence to create a better world.
