5 NFL players who run a successful business following retirement
Life in the NFL is now more lucrative than ever before, yet players need to be sensible with their earnings.
With countless examples of former players who have thrown away their fortune and ended up on hard times, players are now encouraged to be more mindful of life after the NFL.
This has become evident in the post-career lives of some players, with several NFL icons now living successful second lives running a business.
The NFL careers of such eminent businessmen vary in longevity and quality, yet they are all making strides in a business career.
While unlikely to be as profitable as a modern NFL contract, these business ventures allow players to secure their money and have something to focus on to stave off the emptiness retirement can bring to an athlete.
#1 – John Elway
John Elway retired from the NFL after winning two Super Bowl championships with the Denver Broncos.
It had taken him the entirety of his career in the league to finally get his hands on the Vince Lombardi Trophy. But his work away from the sport has been equally as impressive.
Having turned the John Elway Autos business into an $82 million sale before even retiring, Elway has since made more money in the business world.
Elway would continue to work inside the automotive sector, opening a Chrysler Jeep dealership in Colorado and two Toyota Scion dealerships in California.
He also opened a chain of restaurants in Denver under the banner of ‘Elway’s Colorado Steakhouse,’ which has undergone significant expansion as of 2011.
#2 – Brian Orakpo
Brian Orakpo was a dominant defensive player in the NFL, spending his career with the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans.
Having been a first-round selection in 2009, Orakpo earned a good salary in the league but has since turned his focus to a business empire revolving around cupcakes.
Alongside his former teammate Michael Griffin, Orakpo started a business called Gigi’s Cupcakes in Austin.
Orakpo saw this move coincide with his retirement and was immediately involved in picking a location and ensuring the correct permits were in their possession.
Griffin baked the cakes, and Orakpo decorated them as the business took off.
Former Titans linebacker and Texas great Brian Orakpo owns a Gigi's Cupcakes near Austin, Texas.
He just made one special to honor @texasfootball legend Cedric Benson and is giving them free to all @utaustin students and alumni. https://t.co/pyxzFhJdkf
A Microsoft Surface Pro commercial involving the cupcake business saw Orakpo’s company gain much attention, with business booming ever since.
Trademarking the name ‘Cupcake Guys,’ Orakpo and Griffin have since produced a television show for the Food Network.
Orakpo’s success has given him the confidence to open an Esports gaming facility in Texas.