Closing the Curtains: The End of A Sporting Career
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At their peak, athletes can appear to have the World at their feet, and sometimes that isn't very far from the truth. The rise of rich and famous superstars in sports has meant that some of these prime athletes receive as much attention off the field than they do when playing. However at some point, they inevitably experience a decline and bring an end to their careers which is a lesser talked about side.
Perhaps no matter how popular an athlete is while actively playing, it cannot translate to their after retirement lifestyle. Some athletes still maintain considerable fanbases, but am sure the name Michael Jordan leaves a lot less glamour and mystique than it did during his playing days. This is because there is something about an active momentum that is only present when one is constantly in the news and slowly fades away with retirement. leaving only memories.
Many sportsmen and women try to keep their bodies in prime shape and elongate their careers as much as possible. Advances in training regiments, diets and medicine has made it possible for athletes to perhaps achieve this with moderate success. Some have also been 'smart' with their careers - being careful not to overwork their bodies while in their primes in order to elongate it.
Some others have had ridiculously long careers that defies logic. Take for instance boxing legend Bernard Hopkins or soccer legend Romario who were both still going strong in their fifties. Sometimes the will to compete might play a huge factor in an athletes career, but what is more evident is the necessary discipline it took to maintain peak shape.
Whatever the case that brings an athletes career to a close, it does not seem many of then give much thought towards retirement until the very end. The evidence is clear, as quite a number of them are at a puzzle on what the next move should be. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with not figuring things out early, but if you have a limited time for your means of livelihood like a sporting career, it probably is best to envision life after retirement.
Particularly for the not so fortunate ones who don't amass a fortune from their careers. There are those who are so rich they may never need to work again, but the majority of athletes do not fall into that category. Fortunately many plan - some combine education or a side gig with their careers that they can fall back on post retirement.
That is not to say those who amass a ridiculous fortune don't go broke - and there are quite a few examples to give. As a matter of concern, it can appear that the really rich ones are the most poorly hit and find it very difficult to recover from such a fall. Luckily, superstar athletes are getting smarter - some taking guaranteed life endorsements from major brands which sets them up for life. People like Michael Jordan have smartly ventured into investments and have been greatly rewarded.
Making smart retirement decisions as an athlete should take priority, perhaps from day one of activity. Nobody wants to see a sad retirement story anymore.
The true professionals know when and how to bow out of the sport and don't hang around past their sell by date. I admire the top sports people who step away at their peak as they have achieved everything they can. No one wants to be remembered for not walking away and there are plenty who don't do this. If they didn't have a name behind them many would not be selected for the various teams they play in. I find that part sad as they are destroying a career of great memories.
Very true. These exhibition boxing matches for instance - where you have really old men coming into the ring to get paid is one example. When you're done, you should respectfully admit to yourself and plan life after retirement. I have great respect for Usain Bolt for instance
It's always wise to leave the stage when the ovation is high. That way, you get to retain your glory even after retirement.
One of the issues I see is people hitting depression and sometimes suicide once they finish their professional careers. Athletes absolutely need a transition plan post career
Especially with their finances. We hear some leaving management of their finances to their managers or close relative when they should be heavily involved. I think financial education should be a top focus for athletes even while active
This is from deep thoughts. Professionalism doesn't just end on the pitch, it includes planning for the future.
A lot of athletes never had good counsel and end up going broke once they retire. Only a handful have survived outside their fame.
I think though, the narrative is becoming better with more awareness among athletes and how they can combine side gigs and even invest their money.
We should get to see lesser depression cases in the future as a result of athletes going broke.
Well written. 👏
Thank you very much. It really was a disturbing trend. Take Mike Tyson for example - How did you go from earning hundreds of millions of dollars to declaring bankruptcy in a few years? Athletes really need to look into their lifestyle and investment choices
I couldn't even imagine Tyson's case. Poor management and advisory is another thing.
Hopefully, the younger generation is getting better at it.
I can see the struggles, as this sport is something that was fulfillinf the lifes of the athletes. I can see it with myself who is struggling to quit football after long years of playing :D
In many occasions it is not just the sport but also the people that you got to know and that will forget about you inevitably once you leave the sport.
Finding out the root causes of the players who hit an early "retirong bell", there might be quite a many of them.But, What I think is much reasonable as an answer, the physical disability and mental strength, stress or traumatic experiences.
As you said, Michael Jordan came out with a smart plan and that is making health Insurances to have full medical security, but since these policies are for rich people, low waged other sportsmen dont find easy way forward.
Good write, so informative and stimulatory.
There is a popular maxim that says that, it is always best to leave the stage when the ovation is loud. There is no point sticking around when you no longer cannot offer much. So, retiring respectfully is a better option.
What happens after retirement? I believe retirement plans should always be a priority for anyone working. One should always think and carefully plan out life after retirement. As an athlete, you won't be in active duties forever. There comes a time when your body won't take it anymore and the paycheck won't come as usual.
Planning ahead becomes a necessity.