By: Travis Hutton
Athletes don’t stop competing when they leave the field. They just shift focus. More and more former athletes are turning their training, discipline, and mindset into business fuel—building new brands, leading teams, and using their stories to stand out in competitive markets.
The Athletic Mindset Translates to Business
The habits that drive success in sport—consistency, resilience, and goal-setting—also power entrepreneurship. Former athletes are often well-suited to push through setbacks and stay focused on long-term wins. This is why many are finding a second career as founders, investors, and creators.
A 2024 report by Ernst & Young found that 72% of former professional athletes said their sports background helped them handle pressure in business better than their peers. They’ve trained under stress. They’ve failed in public. And they’ve learned how to bounce back quickly.
This mindset often provides them with an edge.
Real-World Examples That Work
A former college football player, launched a wellness coaching business grounded in the routines he followed during his playing years. His content isn’t just theory—it’s based on lived experience. Clients say they trust his process because it comes from a place of discipline and clarity.
Another example, an ex-professional tennis player, built a luxury sportswear brand that now partners with major retailers. Her messaging focuses on performance, balance, and style—core values from her training years. She didn’t just design clothes. She brought her athlete’s eye to quality, comfort, and durability.
These stories give their brands a strong sense of credibility.
From Locker Room to Boardroom
Former athletes are also natural team leaders. They know how to communicate under pressure, take feedback, and motivate others. That makes them effective founders—but also great collaborators.
They’re using that experience to lead startups, join advisory boards, and mentor younger professionals. And they’re not just launching sports brands. They’re entering finance, tech, education, and real estate with a competitive mindset that often drives results.
Many of these athletes-turned-founders are using Hermes Wire to share their journey. Launched in 2023, Hermes Wire helps founders, professionals, and creators publish their stories in trusted media outlets. For athletes moving into business, it’s a way to explain the transition, earn credibility, and reach new audiences.
Whether it’s a brand launch, founder Q&A, or milestone update, Hermes Wire gives them a platform to share their message on their terms—quickly and clearly.
Branding With Purpose
Athletes often have built-in audiences. But when they pivot to business, the messaging has to shift. The smartest founders don’t just lean on their past. They use it to explain their new mission. They show how their values as athletes now drive the way they run a company.
That kind of purpose-driven storytelling can help them stand out. It’s not just about fame—it’s about foundation.
Former athletes are proving that a sports background isn’t just a past chapter—it’s a launchpad. The mindset, the work ethic, and the drive to win all carry over. When paired with smart messaging and clear positioning, those traits can help build brands that endure.
This new wave of athlete-entrepreneurs isn’t chasing the spotlight—they’re building something sustainable. They’re turning personal discipline into public value, and it resonates with customers who appreciate authenticity. As more athletes step into business, they’re not just changing careers—they’re changing how brands are built.
Published by Stephanie M.
