Former Athletes Who Now Have Jobs You Wouldn’t Believe
Pro athletes often seem set for life, but that’s rarely how it plays out. Careers are short, injuries hit hard, and contracts don’t always guarantee long-term wealth.
What comes next isn’t always glamorous or even related to sports. Many end up working everyday jobs that would surprise anyone who once saw them on national TV. These roles show how unpredictable life after pro sports can really be.
Vin Baker Manages a Starbucks
Credit: The Providence Journal
Vin Baker earned more than $100 million across a 13-year NBA career and made four All-Star teams. Substance abuse issues erased most of that wealth. Former team owner Howard Schultz offered him a role at Starbucks, where Baker worked his way up to store manager in Rhode Island.
Spike Dudley Works as a Financial Planner
Credit: Youtube
Known for flying through tables in ECW and WWE, Spike Dudley didn’t bank the kind of pay that top stars did. He pivoted early, earning credentials to guide others through money matters. He now works with clients, including athletes, on long-term financial planning, a far cry from body slams and steel chairs.
A.J. Francis Drove for Uber
Credit: Instagram
Despite signing a six-figure deal, A.J. Francis started driving Uber in Miami while waiting for roster updates. He kept at it even after joining Washington because he valued flexible work and steady pay. It also gave him something to do in a career full of downtime.
Jimmy Wang Yang Runs a Party Bus Business
Credit: Youtube
After bouncing between wrestling promotions, Jimmy Wang Yang briefly did pest control before launching a very different business: a party bus. He owns and drives “Jimmy’s Redneck Party Bus,” carting groups to concerts and events himself.
Chris Nowinski Became an Author and Advocate
Credit: Facebook
Nowinski played football at Harvard and wrestled in WWE before concussions ended his in-ring career. That injury changed his path. He wrote a book, helped produce a documentary, and co-founded the Concussion Legacy Foundation. He’s now one of the most prominent figures pushing for research on head trauma in sports.
Bryant Reeves Runs a Cattle Ranch
Credit: Youtube
Drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies and nicknamed “Big Country,” Bryant Reeves had a short NBA career but a big contract. After retiring, he moved back to Oklahoma and now runs a cattle ranch with his family. He spends most days working outdoors with livestock.
Deuce McAllister Works in Broadcasting
Credit: Youtube
Deuce McAllister was a Saints fan favorite, but a failed car dealership left him in deep debt. Instead of trying for a front office job, he found steady ground in broadcasting. He hosts radio segments, offers football commentary, and speaks at events. He’s making a new name for himself without leaving sports entirely.
Mark Wohlers Sells Real Estate
Credit: Facebook
Known for his 103 mph fastball, Wohlers had a solid MLB career. Then his house burned down. That moment pushed him and his wife to become real estate agents. They now run Team Wohlers in Georgia, showing homes and working with clients directly.
Dermontti Dawson Became a Corporate Executive
Credit: Instagram
Dermontti Dawson earned seven Pro Bowl selections and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Steelers. Financial trouble followed retirement and led to bankruptcy. After short stints as an NFL intern and scout, he transitioned into an executive role at a promotional products company.
Vince Young Works at the University of Texas
Credit: Instagram
Vince Young had one of college football’s greatest moments with Texas, then won NFL Rookie of the Year. But off-field spending and lawsuits took a toll. He returned to his alma mater for a salaried role in community outreach, where he helps students and families with advice.