These Sports Icons Are Still Around—and You Probably Didn’t Know It
Sports legends don’t just disappear after their glory days. They just slip under the radar while the world moves on to the next big thing. Some of the greatest athletes to ever do it are still around, living quiet lives away from the spotlight, and you might be surprised to hear their names again. So, who’s still kicking, swinging, or simply enjoying retirement?
Kerry Bascom
Credit: UConn Magazine
Kerry Bascom laid the foundation before UConn became a women’s basketball powerhouse. She was the program’s first true superstar who led the Huskies to their first Big East titles and NCAA tournament appearances. After basketball, she stepped out of the spotlight, but her impact never faded. Geno Auriemma often credits her with kickstarting UConn’s dynasty.
Joe Kleine
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Kleine’s NBA career lasted longer than most—15 seasons of setting screens, grabbing rebounds, and being the guy every coach wanted on their bench. He may not have been a household name, but he played alongside legends like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Larry Bird.
Terry Bradshaw
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Terry Bradshaw isn’t just a four-time Super Bowl champion—he’s also an entertainer. The Hall of Fame quarterback became a TV personality, country singer, and even a reality show star. These days, he’s still cracking jokes on FOX’s NFL pregame show, where he’s been a staple for decades.
Jayne Torvill
Credit: Youtube
British ice dancer Jayne Torvill made history with Christopher Dean at the 1984 Winter Olympics by scoring a perfect 6.0 for their unforgettable “Boléro” routine. Their performance changed the sport and set a new standard for artistry and technical skill. Long after their competitive days ended, Torvill stayed in the public eye as a coach and TV personality.
Christopher Dean
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Where Jayne Torvill goes, Christopher Dean isn’t far behind. After retiring from the Olympic competition, Dean stayed active in the sport as a coach and choreographer by helping new generations of skaters refine their skills. The sport looks very different today because of what Torvill and Dean accomplished together, and their legacy isn’t fading anytime soon.
Anton Ferdinand
Credit: Instagram
The Ferdinand name is well known in English soccer, but while Rio got the bigger headlines, Anton Ferdinand had his own solid career. As a longtime Premier League defender, he played for clubs like West Ham and Sunderland. Since stepping away from professional soccer, Ferdinand has remained active in sports media and pursued figure skating.
Larry Csonka
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Larry Csonka was the heart of the Miami Dolphins’ legendary 1972 undefeated team. Football in the ’70s was rough, and Csonka thrived and led Miami to two Super Bowl titles. After football, he became an outdoorsman. He hosts, hunts, and fishes while staying far from the chaos of the NFL.
Charlie Ward
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After leading Florida State to a national championship in 1993, Charlie Ward skipped football and had a solid decade-long career in the NBA as he played point guard for the New York Knicks. Since his playing days ended, he’s focused on coaching and mentoring young athletes.
Magic Johnson
Credit: Instagram
Magic Johnson’s NBA career ended over 30 years ago, but he’s never really left the public eye. Aside from being one of basketball’s most outstanding point guards, he’s also a businessman, a philanthropist, and a part-owner of multiple sports franchises. In 2025, he added another honor to his list—the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Alonzo Mourning
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Mourning was a defensive powerhouse who anchored the Miami Heat through the ’90s and early 2000s. He won an NBA championship, battled back from a life-threatening kidney disease, and became one of the most respected figures in the game. He’s still involved with the Heat by working in player development and mentoring young athletes.
Udonis Haslem
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Udonis Haslem spent 20 seasons with the Miami Heat and became the definition of a franchise legend. He wasn’t the quickest player, but his leadership and loyalty set him apart. He took in a front-office role to help the organization and guide young players. Haslem’s not putting up rebounds anymore, but he’s still ensuring the Heat’s culture stays strong.
Marshawn Lynch
Credit: X
Marshawn Lynch was never your typical NFL player. As a Super Bowl champion with a punishing running style, he became just as famous for his off-field personality as his “Beast Mode” dominance on the field. Since stepping away from football, he’s been all over the place—business ventures, acting, and even occasional TV analyst gigs.
Fedor Emelianenko
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Fedor Emelianenko is an MMA legend known for his cold, emotionless dominance in the ring. The Russian heavyweight retired in 2023 after a career that saw him take on—and defeat—some of the biggest names in MMA. Though his days of knocking people out are over, his presence in the fight world remains strong.
Lance Armstrong
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His name still sparks debate, but one thing is sure: Lance Armstrong is still here. He might have kept a lower profile, but he’s still staying active by hosting podcasts and staying involved in the endurance sports world. He’s far removed from the days of Tour de France dominance but occasionally resurfaces.
Jason Brown
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Jason Brown had an NFL career, a multimillion-dollar contract, and a future most athletes dream of. Then, at 29, he walked away from football to become a farmer. Brown left the NFL to start First Fruits Farm in North Carolina, where he grows food and donates much of it to needy people.