MVPs Off the Playing Field

Scores of sports greats have incorporated their interests—ranging from juice to interior design—into the wide world of business

By Paula Lehman

When people think of George Foreman, boxing is not always the first thing to come to mind: The heavyweight champion is almost as famous for his George Foreman grill as he is for his athletic skills. Ever since he sold the marketing rights to the grill for a sweet $137 million in 1999, Foreman has earned more from his business ventures (which include a clothing line George Foreman Signature Collection and a line of cleaning solutions called George Foreman's Knock-Out) than what he made in the ring. More and more other athletes are following Foreman's footsteps and finding lucrative careers off the field. They're starting their own companies or investing in existing companies, showing their business savvy and entrepreneurial skills. Here are a collection of athlete entrepreneurs, some of whom have found careers in retirement and others who work their second careers in the off season or in their spare time. After all, you can't play games forever.