Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.
10 of the most inspirational second careers of professional athletes
10 of the most inspirational second careers of professional athletes
Gabbi ShawMay 28, 2020, 01:27 IST
Magic Johnson has become an activist and a businessman.Lisa Blumenfeld/ Getty Images
When athletes retire, many focus on business ventures, careers in Hollywood, or endorsement opportunities.
Dwayne Johnson has become the world's highest-paid actor since leaving wrestling behind.
Becky Hammon became the first full-time female assistant coach in all four of the major US sports.
We hear the phrase "second act" a lot in regards to athletes. Almost all of them retire before they've even hit middle age — they have decades left to do something productive with the money they've made and the fame they've accrued.
Kobe Bryant, though his second act was cut short this year, was in the process of using his retirement to make a difference. He broke barriers in Hollywood, formed a foundation with his wife to help people experiencing homelessness, and founded a sports academy.
Keep scrolling to learn more about 10 athletes who didn't let retirement slow them down.
Kobe Bryant's second act was tragically cut short, but before his death, he won an Academy Award, founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation, and launched the Mamba Sports Academy.
Kobe Bryant in 2016.
Ben Margot/AP
Mo Vaughn is a managing director of a real estate company that renovates dilapidated housing and keeps it affordable.
Mo Vaughn in 1995.
Sporting News/Getty Images
Advertisement
Mary Carillo started out as a professional tennis player, and she is now a Peabody Award-winning journalist.
Mary Carillo in 2016.
Paul Marotta/Getty Images for WICT
Magic Johnson has become a prominent HIV activist in the years since his retirement.
Magic Johnson.
Lisa Blumenfeld/ Getty Images
Advertisement
Jim Bunning is the only person to have been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame as well as the US Senate.
Jim Bunning.
Scott J. Ferrell/Congressional Quarterly/Getty Images
Before his death in 2010, Manute Bol was involved in activism in his home country of Sudan.
Manute Bol in 2009.
PETER MARTELL/AFP/Getty Images
Advertisement
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson used wrestling to jump-start a career in Hollywood. He was the world's highest-paid actor in 2016.
Dwayne Johnson.
Getty Images
Bill Bradley pivoted from the NBA to three terms as a US senator and a run for the presidency.
Bill Bradley in 2007.
Jamie McCarthy/WireImage/Getty Images
Advertisement
Becky Hammon, a former WNBA player, became the first female assistant coach in any of the big four American sports leagues.
Becky Hammon in 2015.
Lou Rocco/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
After 13 years in the NFL, Jack Kemp made his way into the White House and on to a presidential ticket.
Jack Kemp in 1996.
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images