Why Every Professional Athlete Needs a Career Plan

Being a professional athlete means committing your life to reaching the pinnacle of physical and mental performance. For many, the journey is fueled by dreams of victory, world championships, and records etched into history. But what happens when that journey is cut short?

I learned this lesson the hard way. As a competitive athlete, I had the highest aspirations in my sport. I gave it everything—until I injured my lower back. Determined to return, I pushed through rehab only to reinjure myself twice more. Reality hit me like a freight train: my competing career was over.

I had a professional education, but the path I originally planned for myself shifted completely. The career I ultimately pursued lasted over 29 years and has been rewarding in many ways. But when my athletic career ended so abruptly, it was a massive shock to the system.

Being an athlete wasn’t just something I did—it was who I was. Sports had saved my life, quite literally, during my teenage years and beyond. Growing up was a rough survival game for me, filled with trauma. Sports were my lifeline. It gave me an outlet, a way to channel the chaos, and a purpose to keep going.

When every action of your waking hours is dedicated to becoming the world’s best athlete—winning gold medals, breaking world records—it becomes the ultimate physical, mental, and spiritual formation of life on this earth. It’s not unlike what soldiers experience in combat zones. The intensity, the purpose, the drama of that life is so consuming that stepping away feels almost impossible.

But you have to. What’s the alternative? Roll over and die? Hell no. That’s not an option. You have to find a new purpose, a new mission, and a challenge big enough to reignite your fire and keep you moving forward.

For me, this was one of the biggest “battles” I’ve ever faced. It was a long, grueling process, but it was just one of many battles in my life. I’ve faced the kind where the iron “shit” is flying through the air. And while what doesn’t kill you may leave scars, those scars—on your body and your soul—can become powerful symbols of survival and growth.

The key is to learn to use those scars for good—both for yourself and, if possible, to help others.

Injuries Are Unpredictable

No matter how hard you train or how carefully you prepare, injuries are almost an unavoidable risk. While some athletes recover and return stronger, others, like me, face career-ending setbacks. Having a plan ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected. In sports, your whole career can end in split second. What the hell then?

Athletic Careers Are Short

Even for those who avoid injuries, athletic careers often peak in your 20s or 30s. With decades of life ahead, athletes need to consider what comes next—financially, professionally, and personally.

The Mental Transition Can Be Tough

When you’ve spent your life chasing athletic greatness, stepping away can feel like losing your identity. A clear career plan helps bridge the gap, giving you purpose and direction as you transition to a new phase of life.

Your Skills Are Transferable

Athletes develop incredible skills: discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. A career plan helps identify how to leverage these traits in fields like coaching, business, or media.

Control Your Narrative

Without a plan, life after sports can feel like a void. A proactive approach allows you to shape your post-athletic journey rather than being defined by its abrupt end.

Are You Really Prepared?

Here’s the truth: Regardless of how well you prepare for life after sports, it will test you. You will face challenges, and there will be drama. But the better prepared you are, the easier the transformation will be.

Your life as an athlete is not wasted—it’s a goldmine of lessons, experiences, and skills that can be hugely beneficial in many ways. The question is: Are you ready for what comes next?

If you’re not, it’s time to get your “skates on” and start preparing now. Trust me, it will save you from a lot of trouble down the road.