When it comes to chasing a bag, longevity lives longest. In our world, everyone has dreams of grandeur. It takes an unlimited supply of energy, endurance, work ethic and timeliness to make it into those top tax brackets. A great way to enter into that sphere is through athletic endeavors. Here are a few ex-NFL athletes that have racked up a bag via sports and even moreso through their side hustle ventures.
Brandon Marshall – A highly talented Wide Receiver who had several productive years in the NFL but became injury-prone early. Rather than put his body through endless procedures, this man developed an early exit plan and leveraged his personality. By accepting wisdom and surrounding himself with people who are smarter than him, B.Marsh soaked up knowledge on the daily.
Ventures: Co-Founder of Project 375 (Mental Health Advocacy), FitSpeed Founder, Inside The NFL on Showtime, I Am Athlete Podcast
Terrell Owens – well-known for his outgoing and emotional nature, T.O. was not always the wisest connoisseur. Trying to please others through material flair can be quite the slippery slope. Nearing bankruptcy, Owens needed to flip the script and that is exactly what he did.
Major Venture: Prototype 81 – a fashion-forward sports luxury line that combines fit and function. With inspiration from Lululemon, T.O. aims to provide comfort in the form of oversized clothing that falls within three different categories – Core, Active, Exclusive. Stationed in California, Owens has been able to source different fabrics within important fashion districts. Not quite financially responsible from the jump, T.O. pounced on an opportunity to utilize his persona to chase a bag and reframe his trajectory.
“I got white folks money that I won’t blow. And if you ask why, cause the white folks don’t.” (YG Big Bank)
Roger Staubach – This man is just different. From the outset of his retirement, Roger partnered with the Dallas Cowboys to create several opportunities for expansion. Given that salaries were much lower during his era, Staubach worked as a real estate broker in the offseason. By grinding, absorbing game from Henry S. Miller (Texas real-estate mogul) Staubach was able to sell his real-estate company for upwards of $640 million to a Chicago firm, Jones Lang Lasalle. He is currently the executive chairman for JLL.
Vernon Davis – riddled with concussions and injuries that could hamper his livelihood, Vernon Davis decided to prolong his career with multiple types of bags. He has starred in movies like Hell on the Border and Baywatch as well as series’ like The League and Inside Amy Schumer. Recently, his self-titled foundation raised $70,000 to feed frontline workers and children during the pandemic.
Ventures: Reel 85 Productions, Between the Lines Productions, Gallery 85 
Tony Romo – the man who infamously mishandled the field goal hold to cost the Cowboys a playoff victory against the Seahawks certainly exited much smoother than his entrance. As a mainstay on CBS, Romo prepared for announcing just like a player and watched tape prior to every outing. This allowed him to provide excellent insight and damn-near predict plays as they were unfolding. Together with Ezekiel Elliot, Tony Romo started the National Fantasy Football Convention as a “SportsCon” type venture. He continues to fight an uphill battle with the league while remaining business savvy in his encounters.
Hustlable Mention: Brian Hartline (Convenience Stores) Marshawn Lynch (Bear Gryllz, Activison, Hennessey) Michael Irvin (NFL Network) Ochocinco (Gaming, Soccer, Breaking Language Barriers)
Regardless of how you give it up, it is so important to live below your means. But, it is much easier said than done. Especially if you have never touched those types of bags before. Either way, those who live humbly and utilize their funds for investments typically outlast those who blow their wealth on material goods. Pouring back into the community, creating foundations and finding a way to stretch the bag will always be the way.
FreshNewsNow 