The NFL is a league of massive contracts, flashy jewelry, and endorsement deals galore. But for every player who retires with generational wealth, there’s another whose post-football financial situation is surprisingly underwhelming.
Whether bad investments, messy divorces, failed business ventures, or overspending, these retired NFL stars didn’t exactly ride off into the sunset with a mountain of cash. Some had huge careers and Pro Bowl credentials, but still had bank accounts that might make your cousin’s Etsy side hustle look impressive.
15. Jamal Anderson
The former Falcons star made the “Dirty Bird” dance famous, but his post-NFL finances weren’t quite as memorable. Anderson has dealt with legal issues and financial setbacks that drained much of his once-impressive earnings.
14. Bernie Kosar
Kosar had a solid career with the Browns and Dolphins, but poor financial decisions in retirement took a toll. He even filed for bankruptcy at one point, citing that his debts far outweighed his assets.
13. Clinton Portis
Portis earned millions during his playing days but later admitted to nearly going broke. He blamed bad advisors and lost investments for draining his savings after retirement.
12. Chris McAlister
A former Pro Bowl cornerback with the Ravens, McAlister once claimed he lived with his parents because he couldn’t afford child support. His career earnings didn’t stretch as far as expected once the game ended.
11. Terrell Owens
Despite being one of the most electrifying receivers of his era, Owens has been public about his financial struggles since leaving the league. Multiple child support obligations and a lack of stable post-career income contributed to his struggles.
10. Vince Young
Young signed a lucrative rookie deal and landed endorsement deals early, but financial mismanagement led to bankruptcy. Among his infamous purchases? A reported $5,000-a-week Cheesecake Factory habit.
9. Ray Rice
Rice never got a shot at a comeback after his career ended abruptly due to off-field issues. His financial status reportedly hit sharply without those playing checks rolling in.
8. Raghib “Rocket” Ismail
Once one of the highest-paid players in the game thanks to a massive CFL contract, Ismail struggled with money post-retirement. A series of bad business ventures left his fortune looking more like a fizzle than a rocket.
7. Lawrence Taylor
Taylor was an all-time great on the field, but his post-NFL life has been full of financial turbulence. Legal troubles, substance issues, and poor financial decisions chipped away at his wealth.
6. Andre Rison
Rison made headlines for his flashy play and lifestyle, but it caught up with him financially. He’s faced multiple legal issues and was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands in back child support.
5. Deuce McAllister
The former Saints running back filed for bankruptcy after a failed car dealership business. Despite a productive NFL career, his financial empire didn’t last long in retirement.
4. Warren Sapp
Sapp was a Hall of Fame defensive tackle with a big personality and even bigger paychecks, but he filed for bankruptcy in 2012. Lavish spending and unpaid bills were major contributors to his money woes.
Read More: 22 NFL Stars Who Got Rich Fast and Went Broke Even Faster
3. Mark Brunell
Brunell made over $50 million during his career but filed for bankruptcy after several real estate investments collapsed. Being a quarterback didn’t prepare him for the housing market crash.
Read More: 15 NFL Legends Who Were Forced to Retire in Their 20s
2. Adam “Pacman” Jones
Jones was notorious for his off-field issues, extending into his financial life. Despite earning millions, legal troubles and excessive spending left him far less comfortable than expected.
Read More: 14 NFL Stars Who Were Very Smart With Their Money
1. Michael Vick
Vick’s dogfighting scandal cost him his NFL career and tens of millions of dollars. He filed for bankruptcy and spent years trying to pay off debts, a stunning fall for a player once at the top of the league.
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