From Benchwarmer to Business Owner: Success Stories from Unexpected Places
In the world of sports, the spotlight often shines on star athletes—the top scorers, MVPs, and first-round draft picks. But what about the benchwarmers, the athletes who don’t always make the highlight reels? While their roles on the team may not always stand out, their grit, determination, and perseverance often translate into success beyond the field. In fact, many former “benchwarmers” have gone on to become highly successful business owners, proving that you don’t need to be a superstar athlete to excel in life after sports.
One such story is that of Isaiah Kacyvenski, a former NFL linebacker whose journey from being overlooked to thriving in business is a testament to resilience. Kacyvenski played at Harvard University, a school not exactly known for producing NFL talent. He wasn’t a star recruit, and his journey to professional football was marked by hard work and determination. Despite his relative anonymity on the college football scene, Kacyvenski’s grit earned him a spot in the NFL, where he played for eight seasons. But it’s what he did after football that truly stands out. Kacyvenski co-founded the Sports Innovation Lab, a company that leverages data and research to help sports organizations adopt new technologies. Today, his company is a leader in sports technology, proving that even athletes without star power can find incredible success in the business world.
Similarly, Bill Bradley, a former professional soccer player, didn’t become famous for his time on the field. After playing in Europe for teams like FC Zwolle in the Netherlands, Bradley returned to the U.S., realizing that his real talent lay in leadership and business. Instead of staying in the sports world, Bradley shifted his focus to entrepreneurship. He founded Trumaker, a custom men’s clothing company that focuses on personalized service and high-quality materials. His experiences as a soccer player taught him the importance of discipline and teamwork, which he carried into the business world. Under his leadership, Trumaker became a successful brand, with Bradley using the lessons learned as a bench player to create a thriving company in an entirely different field.
Even in the competitive world of baseball, unexpected success stories emerge. Doug Glanville, a former MLB player, carved out a niche as a business leader after his playing days were over. Although Glanville had a solid career, he was never a household name. After retiring, he turned his attention to writing, broadcasting, and business consulting. Glanville became a regular contributor to The New York Times and ESPN, using his platform to speak on issues that impact athletes both during and after their careers. He later launched his own consulting firm, which provides strategic advice to sports organizations, leveraging his experiences on the field to help others succeed off it.
These stories aren’t just about luck or being in the right place at the right time. They’re about hard work, persistence, and learning from experiences that, on the surface, may seem unrelated to entrepreneurship. In each case, the former athletes didn’t let the limitations of their sports careers define their future. Instead, they used the tools they developed through sports—dedication, discipline, and the ability to overcome adversity—to fuel their success in business.
One of the most well-known examples of an athlete-turned-business-owner is Magic Johnson. Though certainly no benchwarmer on the basketball court, Johnson’s transition from NBA legend to business mogul illustrates how athletes can use their platform to build successful businesses. After retiring from basketball, Johnson founded Magic Johnson Enterprises, a company that has holdings in everything from movie theaters to sports teams. While his success in basketball helped him gain initial traction in the business world, it was his focus on underserved communities and his sharp business acumen that propelled him to even greater heights. His story underscores the idea that success in business isn’t just for those with a golden athletic career; it’s for anyone with vision and determination.
In a slightly different vein, Sarah Spain, a former collegiate track and field athlete, has used her athletic background as a springboard to success in media and entrepreneurship. Spain wasn’t a star in her sport, but her ability to connect with people and understand the mindset of athletes led her to a career in broadcasting and business. She became a well-known ESPN personality and later co-founded the Chicago Red Stars, a professional women’s soccer team. Spain’s story shows how being a part of the sports world—even if you aren’t a standout on the field—can open doors to unexpected business opportunities.
These stories highlight a critical truth: success isn’t always about being the best athlete or the most celebrated player. Often, it’s the benchwarmers—the athletes who quietly persevere, who face challenges head-on without the accolades—who develop the grit and resilience needed to thrive in business. Sports teach valuable lessons about discipline, teamwork, and handling setbacks, all of which are essential traits in entrepreneurship.
For athletes who don’t become the next LeBron James or Serena Williams, the world doesn’t end when their playing days are over. The same traits that helped them persevere through difficult practices, limited playing time, and countless obstacles can be applied to life after sports. Whether it’s starting a tech company, founding a clothing brand, or entering the media industry, athletes possess a unique set of skills that translate well to entrepreneurship.
In the end, it’s not where you start or even where you are in the spotlight that matters. It’s the journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the drive to continue pushing forward that make the difference. For these former athletes, the transition from benchwarmer to business owner was more than just a career change—it was the natural next step in their journey toward success.