30 Legendary Athletes Who Became Business All-Stars When they retired from the game, they were just getting started.

By Entrepreneur Staff

Elsa | Getty Images

When their game days end, sports stars might be hanging up their gear, but they are far from sitting back and relaxing.

Dave Meltzer, CEO of Sports 1 Marketing and host of The Playbook podcast. "These athletes already prepared themselves for life after sports, building brands and giving back to communities and groups -- all of which are vitally important to long-term success."

Check out this list of the most innovative sports legends who are continuing to win long after their playing days are over.

Start Slideshow

Derek Jeter

Shaquille O'Neal

Peyton Manning

Dwayne Johnson

Magic Johnson

George Foreman

Ronda Rousey

Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Michael Jordan

Michael Phelps

Kobe Bryant

Alex Rodriguez

Tony Hawk

Warren Moon

Shawne Merriman

Michael Strahan

Jordan Palmer

Wladimir Klitschko

Steve Nash

John Elway

Curtis Martin

Steve Weatherford

Baron Davis

Deion Sanders

Mia Hamm

Jamal Mashburn

Rob Dyrdek

John Randle

Roger Staubach

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

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