Four Key Lessons for Athletes Building Beyond the Game

Earlier this week my firm, Champion Venture Partners, partnered with Kennesaw State University to host a panel discussion titled “The State of Sport: Private Equity in College Athletics.”

The panel brought together industry experts, campus administrators, student athletes, and other key stakeholders to explore how private investment is transforming the collegiate sports ecosystem and creating opportunities for athletes and institutions alike.

As part of the conversation, we discussed how athletes—both college and professional—can think strategically about leveraging their skills, resources, and access to create lasting success beyond their athletic careers. It doesn’t matter if you’re a college athlete navigating NIL opportunities or a pro player managing sponsorships and contracts, one truth remains constant…

Your time in the game is temporary, but your platform can create opportunities that last a lifetime.

Yes, athletes have more access than ever to tools, resources, and networks. But, building success beyond sports requires more. It demands strategic thinking, self-awareness, and the ability to balance short-term wins with long-term goals.

Here are four key insights to help you maximize your platform and position yourself long-term success.

Insight #1: Recognize the Power of Your Platform

As an athlete, you have built-in visibility, credibility, and access to influential networks. College athletes now have the ability to monetize their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), while professional players often find themselves at the table with industry leaders, sponsors, and investors.

But these advantages don’t automatically translate into long-term success—they require intentionality.

Athletes are natural leaders, brand builders, and innovators. The key is learning to channel those skills beyond the game.

The best athletes I’ve seen leverage their platforms to build relationships and explore opportunities while they’re still competing. They understand that their visibility is a tool to open doors, create partnerships, and gain valuable experience.

Make it actionable: Don’t wait for your career to end to think about your next steps. Start building relationships and exploring opportunities now.

Your platform is most powerful when paired with strategic action.

Insight #2: Think Beyond Quick Payouts

For college athletes, the rise of NIL has been transformative, creating new income streams and business opportunities.

For professional athletes, endorsement deals and sponsorships are often seen as markers of success. But focusing solely on short-term earnings can lead to missed opportunities for long-term growth.

The athletes who truly thrive beyond sports take a different approach. They view NIL deals, endorsements, and even investments as tools to build something bigger—whether it’s equity in a business, partnerships with lasting impact, or ventures that align with their personal brand and values.

Make it actionable: Treat every deal as a stepping stone, not a destination. Ask yourself: How can this opportunity position me for future success?

Align your decisions with your long-term vision, not just your immediate goals.

Insight #3: Build Financial and Business Literacy

One of the most significant gaps for many athletes is financial and business education. NIL, sponsorships, and contracts can bring substantial income. But without the knowledge to manage it effectively, those earnings can disappear quickly. This is where education and mentorship make all the difference.

Success off the field requires the same preparation and discipline as success on it.

During my transition from the NFL into business, I became a licensed financial advisor and helped manage significant assets for athletes and entrepreneurs. What I’ve seen consistently is that athletes who take the time to learn the fundamentals, like budgeting, investing, negotiating, are far better equipped to succeed over the long term. They don’t see themselves as passive clients — they makes themselves into active CEOs.

Make it actionable: Educate yourself early. Seek mentors, take courses, and build a team of trusted advisors who prioritize your interests. Your athletic career is finite, but the financial decisions you make today can set the stage for a lifetime of stability and growth.

Insight #4: Use Your Skills to Build a Legacy

Athletics provides a unique foundation of skills: resilience, discipline, teamwork, and leadership. These skills are invaluable when applied to building something that extends beyond the game.

Whether it’s entrepreneurship, philanthropy, or investing in your community, the most successful athletes think beyond the immediate and focus on creating lasting impact.

Your athletic career is a chapter, not the whole story. The legacy you build is what lasts.

I’ve seen athletes transition from sports into areas like business, media, and education by applying the same mindset that made them successful in their sport.

For me, that has meant investing in businesses that align with my values, teaching leadership and entrepreneurship, and advising organizations focused on athlete development and education. The possibilities are endless, but it all starts with defining what success means to you beyond the field or court.

Make it actionable: Define your vision early. What impact do you want to have on the world? Use your time as an athlete to set the foundation for the legacy you want to build.

Final Thoughts

Athletes today have more opportunities than ever to take control of their careers and build lasting success. Whether you’re navigating NIL deals as a college player or exploring investments and endorsements as a professional, the key is to think strategically, act intentionally, and focus on the long term.

Your platform is powerful. But only if you use it to create opportunities that reflect your values, leverage your skills, and set you up for success far beyond your playing days.

The game may be temporary, but if you leverage it the right way, you’ll lay the groundwork on a legacy that outlasts you.

Ready to take the next step?

Every great transformation begins with a single step. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, building a business, or redefining your path, Separation Playbook provides the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts you need to create sustainable success:

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