1. Now is the most acceptable time in history for athletes to be business minded

It used to be taboo to talk about off the field interests.

5-10 years ago, athletes would have been reluctant to come on my podcast because decision makers would perceive them as not “focused”, “they’re too worried about other things”.

Now, it’s en vogue. It’s not only accepted but since the pandemic, social justice issues, CBAs, and the legalization of NIL, it’s been glorified. It’s cool to talk business as an athlete now.

2. More athletes are entrepreneurs now than ever before

The athlete-entrepreneur, regardless of industry is erupting. We know many former collegiate athletes are known to succeed in the corporate world and thrive in the C-suite of large companies. But the pandemic gave active athletes TIME…

There is more risk takers, more builders, and more belief that despite a non-traditional business background they can build a viable business.

Some have lots of money they made during their careers and have their internal teams to do most of the legwork while they fill in the gaps. Others didn’t make a lot of money and have begun another career of incredible sacrifice to get their company off the ground.

Despite different scenarios it still sets up lesson #3… which is the coolest in my opinion.

3. Athlete-Entrepreneurs go through the exact same shit you go through

I had no idea in 2021, but I realize now more than ever that entrepreneurship is the great equalizer.

It does not matter how many points you averaged, how many instagram followers you have, you still have worry address running a team, competitors, banking, legal, tax, and most importantly building something your customers want.

This is tricky for many famous athletes. They’re blinded from reality! Their fame and likeness alone cannot build a great business.

4. Less famous athletes struggle to raise money from investors

I see this almost weekly. We didn’t spend time chasing internships and mingling with investors during our college career. We were in the gym…

Speaking from experience, it takes time to build an authentic network. If you don’t have a software engineering background, don’t have warm intros, and are a first time entrepreneur, it can be a struggle to raise from angels and VCs.

Plus, there’s still the “dumb jock stigma” athletes have to shake off.

5. NIL is the new MBA

If you’re over 40 years old this should make you cringe. I know, I know, business school. 

Over the next decade less ex-athletes will get MBAs. If they continue getting paid this much money in college, they will be forced to learn about financial literacy, taxes, marketing, and management in undergrad. Faster than you did, and you paid $100,000 for it. They are getting paid $200,000+ to learn…

Crazy world we live in eh?