NFL players earn millions, but as history shows, fame and fortune don’t always come with a financial advisor. Between bad investments, lavish spending, and some truly questionable business decisions, these stars went from gridiron glory to bankruptcy court.
Here are 10 NFL players who filed for bankruptcy — and serve as reminders that money management is just as important as a good offensive line.
10. Jamal Lewis
He rushed for over 2,000 yards in a single season, but couldn’t outrun his financial troubles. Lewis filed for bankruptcy in 2010, citing business debts and a few too many failed investments.
9. Bernie Kosar
The former Browns QB was a hometown hero with a cannon for an arm. Unfortunately, some sketchy real estate deals and trusting the wrong people left him throwing passes in bankruptcy court.
8. Clinton Portis
He ran through defenses like a freight train but couldn’t dodge bad financial advisors. Portis once considered hunting one of them down — literally — after losing millions.
7. Vince Young
He famously racked up a $5,000 tab at Cheesecake Factory… regularly. Between overspending and trusting the wrong crew, the former No. 3 overall pick filed for bankruptcy in 2014.
6. Chris McAlister
Once a Pro Bowl corner for the Ravens, McAlister went from locking down receivers to reportedly living with his parents. He filed for bankruptcy claiming he couldn’t even afford to support his daughter.
5. Andre Rison
Nicknamed “Bad Moon,” his financial situation lived up to it. Lavish spending, unpaid child support, and a house famously burned down by Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes — it was a recipe for bankruptcy.
4. Lawrence Taylor
LT was a force of nature on the field and… a total hurricane off it. Legal trouble and tax issues piled up, eventually leading him to file for Chapter 11 in 1998.
3. Warren Sapp
Despite earning over $80 million during his career, Sapp filed for bankruptcy in 2012. The court documents included 240 pairs of Jordans and a lion skin rug — so yeah, the spending was aggressive.
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2. Johnny Unitas
Even legends weren’t immune to money woes. After retiring, Unitas filed for bankruptcy following a string of failed business ventures, including a chain of bowling alleys.
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1. Michael Vick
After the dogfighting scandal cost him his NFL career and endorsements, Vick filed for bankruptcy in 2008 while in federal prison. To his credit, he eventually paid off nearly all of his debts — a rare comeback story in more ways than one.
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