Football has always provided a gateway to education, opportunity, and career advancement. So, why do so many football players have a hard time adjusting to finding their passion and a career after football? Football players have mental, physical and self-esteem strength that is valuable in any field, and there are certain professions tailor-made to fit an athlete after his playing days are over.
Here’s our Top 5!
Coaching/Scouting:
You had to assume this would be on the list, right? Coaching and scouting has long been an ace in the back pocket of former football players. If you don’t mind the long hours, the travel, and the lack of job security, it’s a great gig! Coaching and Scouting allows you to stay around the game and continue with most of the same perks you enjoyed as a player (Respect, Tickets to Games, Travel, Etc), and make good money at the highest levels.
Media:
The media industry literally has jobs set-aside just for former football players. All 3 of the major U.S. sports leagues (NFL, NBA and MLB) have media training available for their athletes as a post career option. Obviously, the competition for these media spots is fierce, but no different than playing a competitive sport. Sports’ writing is a career option under utilized by former football players. If you have a knack for it, the market is wide open for first hand inside experience and analysis. Start a sports Blog, visit your local newspapers sports editor, and start to get your feet wet early if you want to go the media route.
Sales:
Most former athletes have serious work ethics in their DNA and expect compensation for production. As an employee with a set wage or salary, you may not fully get paid your worth in sweat equity, but being in Sales allows you to work more on a commission/incentive laden compensation plan. The harder you work, the more you make!
Sports Agent/ Sports Public Relations:
It’s a bonus to see a Sports Agent or PR person with actual experience as an athlete. At the top of the sports entertainment industry, it get’s difficult to find people who really have the athletes best interest in mind. This is another perfect way to stay close to the game of football without having to necessarily get hit!
Becoming a sports agent requires league certification. Becoming a PR or Marketing person for a professional agent does not. Research some of the people in your area in these fields and reach out to gain more info.
Here’s a hint: LinkedIn is great for this sort of approach.
Entrepreneur:
Some football players improvise on the field to make that big play. Well, off the field, those players are called Entrepreneurs. Becoming an Entrepreneur gives former players the freedom to be their own boss, utilize their network, and formulate their post football career towards their passion. The hours are demanding, and you will definitely have to improvise at times… But the potential gains of being an entrepreneur may give you the same excitement as a huge game on the gridiron!
(Before You Go Pro is more than a blog. We are also a mentoring program that works with aspiring college football players across the country. Click the link below to schedule a FREE consultation today)
