After the Final Whistle: Building a Career Beyond the Gridiron

For athletes, competing at the highest level and dedicating years to perfecting their sport is more than just a career–it’s a calling. But with many professional athletes retiring by age 30 or younger, the question becomes: what’s next after the fourth quarter? 

Just because you’ve left the field doesn’t mean your playmaking days are over. The drive, discipline, and passion that fuel athletic success are just as powerful out of the locker room. With LSU Online, former athletes can channel these same qualities into a new kind of challenge that builds a lasting, fulfilling career beyond the field. 

With flexible, career-aligned programs and tailored support, LSU Online helps athletes transition into the workforce with confidence. Because life after the game can be just as rewarding, and LSU Online is here to help make it happen.  

Post-Game Career Options 

Athletes devote years of their lives to mastering their sports, and it’s only natural to want to stay connected even after hanging up the helmet. Career paths such as coaching, athletic training, and broadcasting offer a happy medium for former athletes looking to stay close to the action. LSU Online programs like BS in Sport Administration and MS in Sport Management can provide the additional skills and credentials to thrive in these fields. 

But the athletic mindset also transfers beyond the end zone. Many former athletes succeed in business, entrepreneurship, and finance through their years of discipline, resiliency, and strong work ethic. LSU Online programs including BS in Finance, MBA, and MS in Finance can help unlock new areas of leadership, growth, and career opportunities. Just as players transition from rookie to veteran, former athletes can move from the locker room to the boardroom, taking on leadership roles with the same tenacity they brought to the field.  

For those with strong analytical skills and a strategic mindset, fields like tech and data analytics offer exciting possibilities. Programs like the MS in Analytics equip former athletes with the tools to lead in a data-driven world. Trading shoulder pads for spreadsheets doesn’t mean giving up your competitive edge—it’s just lining up in a new formation.  

Same Game, New Field 

The playbook may change, but the fundamentals stay the same. The quick decision-making, leadership, and focus under pressure that define great athletes are just as in-demand and vital in today's job market. Whether you were a quarterback calling audibles or a lineman holding your position, those same traits can help you lead projects, manage teams, and thrive in a professional setting.  

Former pros like Will Rackley, a former Jacksonville Jaguars lineman, have translated their on-field expertise into off-field success. Rackley now analyzes business operations at staffing firm Atrium and takes on corporate challenges instead of his opponent on the line of scrimmage. 

Let LSU Online Become Your Biggest Cheerleader  

In the stadium, athletes rely on coaches and strategy to win. Outside of the stadium, LSU Online provides the same support with Enrollment and Student Success Coaches who are there for you while you pursue a degree or certificate. 

LSU Online provides access to flexible online formats that fit your lifestyle. And with multiple start dates throughout the year, athletes don’t have to wait for the next season to begin their next chapter. 

LSU Online is built to meet you where you are—and help take you where you want to go. Former Tiger Anthony Johnson knows this firsthand. After stepping away from football, he turned to LSU Online to finish what he started. “Choosing LSU Online was the best option for me and my family.” 

Ready to Start Your Next Season?  

Whether you're stepping off the turf or heading back to the huddle for a new strategy, LSU Online ensures you're never out of the game. It's time to lace up for your next season and aim for the career touchdown you've trained for. Explore flexible, career-aligned degrees that let you leverage your strengths, expand your playbook, and drive toward a new kind of end zone. 

Are you ready to start your next season? Explore all degrees to learn how to turn your next chapter into your best one.