For professional athletes, the dream is playing at the highest level - competing in packed stadiums, earning a lucrative salary, and seeing years of hard work pay off. But what happens when the game ends? The reality is that the window for competing at an elite level is incredibly short. While athletes spend their entire youth training for their careers, the average professional playing career barely lasts long enough to build a stable future.
Let’s take a closer look at the numbers, the challenges, and why coaching is one of the best ways to stay in the game long after the final whistle.
The Shortest Careers in Any Industry
Athletes train their entire lives for a career that often lasts only a few years. The numbers speak for themselves:
NFL: The average career lasts just 3.3 years. Due to the physical demands of football, injuries often cut careers short, and roster turnover is high. Unlike MLB and The NBA, player’s contracts are not guaranteed.
NBA: With fierce competition and new talent entering the league every year, the average NBA career lasts 4.8 years.
MLB: Baseball players have more longevity, but even in a sport with less physical wear and tear, the average career is just 5.6 years.
NHL: The average hockey career lasts around 5 years, with the sport’s intense speed and physicality taking a toll.
Soccer: The global game offers opportunities in various leagues, but at the highest level, the average career lasts 8 years.
Olympic athletes face even greater uncertainty - many dedicate years to training only to compete at the highest level for a single Olympic cycle. Some only get one shot at their dream.
Financial Reality: Big Paychecks Don’t Always Last
Now, let’s break down the financial realities. While we hear about massive contracts in pro sports, the experience for most athletes is different. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for professional athletes is $70,280 per year - far from the multi-million-dollar deals of superstars. For context, the median household income in the United States in 2023 was $80,610.
Plus, many players earn well below this mark, especially in leagues with smaller contracts.
Even for those who earn millions, the financial challenges of transitioning out of sports are significant. Studies have shown that:
- 78% of former NFL players experience financial stress within three years of retirement.
- 60% of NBA players go broke within five years of leaving the league.
- Many former professional athletes struggle with identity loss, depression, and difficulty transitioning into new careers.
Athletes dedicate their entire lives to their sport. Once that’s taken away, the financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Many former athletes feel lost when their playing careers end. They’ve built their identity around their sport, and suddenly, they’re forced to start over. Some struggle to find a new purpose.
The Best Next Step: Coaching
While playing careers may be short, knowledge and experience last a lifetime. Many former athletes find their next calling in coaching - giving back to the sport they love while building a sustainable career.
Coaching isn’t just about drawing up plays or running drills, it’s about passing down knowledge that only someone who has competed or coached at the highest level can offer. Athletes want to train with people who have been in their shoes - who know what it takes to reach the top.
And now, with virtual coaching, it’s easier than ever for former athletes to build a coaching business. No need to relocate. No need to commit to a full-time coaching job. Set your own schedule. Work with athletes on your terms. Share your knowledge, build your legacy, and create a new revenue stream.
Your Next Chapter Starts Now
You dedicated your life to your sport. The endless hours spent training. The personal sacrifices you made with friends and family. You’ve gained knowledge and experience that most young athletes can only dream about. Why let that go to waste? Coaching is a way to stay in the game, give back, and build a lasting career and future for yourself.
At Propel Pro, we’re giving former professional, Olympic, and elite collegiate athletes the chance to turn their expertise into a thriving coaching business. No sign-up fees. No overhead. Just unprecedented access to the next generation of athletes who need your guidance.
Your playing days may be over, but your impact on the game is just getting started. Sign up now to get started.
