Life after the NFL doesn’t always highlight reels or Hall of Fame speeches. For some former stars, retirement came with reality checks, missteps, and more than a few humbling experiences.
These former NFL players found that the post-football world can be rough, whether it was failed business ventures or personal struggles. After the final whistle blew, let’s count down the ex-NFL stars brought back to earth.
14. Vince Young
Young was supposed to be the league’s future, but things unraveled fast after he left the game. Multiple financial issues and a brief stint working for his alma mater showed how far he’d fallen.
13. Mark Brunell
Brunell made over $50 million in his career but filed for bankruptcy due to failed real estate ventures. It turns out that being a savvy quarterback doesn’t always translate into savvy investing.
12. Terrell Owens
T.O. was one of the most dominant receivers ever, but his post-career finances didn’t match the hype. He admitted to being broke, despite earning nearly $80 million during his career.
11. Bernie Kosar
A Cleveland legend on the field, Kosar dealt with serious financial and legal troubles after hanging up his cleats. Even being beloved in Ohio couldn’t shield him from bad business calls.
10. Ray Rice
After his infamous off-field incident, Rice was essentially blackballed from the league. His career ended abruptly, and public perception never recovered.
9. JaMarcus Russell
He was paid like a superstar before ever becoming one, and it never quite clicked. Life after football included weight struggles and constant reminders of being one of the league’s biggest busts.
8. Fred Smoot
Known for his swagger and the infamous “Love Boat” scandal, Smootfaced faced legal trouble in retirement. A failed real estate business and fraud charges humbled him fast.
7. Titus Young
Young had promise on the field, but couldn’t outrun his issues off the field. His post-NFL life spiraled into a series of arrests and troubling behavior.
6. Lawrence Phillips
Once considered one of the most talented running backs in college, Phillips’ life after football was filled with serious legal troubles. His story ended tragically and remains one of the saddest in league history.
5. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football was a rock star in college and a media magnet in the NFL, but the fame didn’t last. Between partying, personal struggles, and career flameouts, the real world hit him hard.
4. Ricky Williams
Williams famously walked away from football to find inner peace, but not before dealing with criticism, legal battles, and financial instability. He eventually found balance, but getting there took a humbling path.
3. Michael Vick
Vick went from superstar to prison inmate after one of the biggest scandals in sports history. He returned to the league and rebuilt his image, but his fall from grace was unforgettable.
Read More: 15 Quarterbacks Who Were Not Drafted High Enough
2. Darren Sharper
Sharper’s post-career life became defined by criminal charges that shocked fans and former teammates alike. From respected safety to convicted felon, his downfall was swift and severe.
Read More: 11 NFL Quarterbacks Whose Bank Accounts Didn’t Survive Retirement
1. Clinton Portis
Once one of the most electric backs in the league, Portis hit a financial wall after retirement. A combination of bad investments and trusting the wrong people left him in major debt.
Read More: The 15 Most Humble Superstars in Sports History
