Dallas, November 26, 2025
A rising trend in North Texas sees former professional athletes transitioning into entrepreneurship, applying their competitive spirit to create thriving businesses. Notable figures such as Troy Aikman and Avery Johnson exemplify this shift. By leveraging the discipline and resilience gained from sports, these athletes are not only achieving personal success but also contributing to the economic growth of the Dallas area. The melding of athletic rigor with business acumen showcases the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in this vibrant region.
Dallas, Texas – A growing number of former professional athletes in North Texas are transitioning from sports to entrepreneurship, leveraging their competitive drive to build successful businesses.
Former Athletes Turn Entrepreneurs
In North Texas, former professional athletes are channeling their competitive drive into entrepreneurial ventures. This trend is evident in the region’s business landscape, where athletes are applying the discipline and resilience honed on the field to achieve success in various industries. As these individuals make strides in business, they also contribute to the economic vitality of Dallas and surrounding areas, showcasing the benefits of entrepreneurial innovation.
Notable Athlete-Entrepreneurs in North Texas
Several former athletes have established successful businesses in North Texas, setting an example for aspiring entrepreneurs. Some notable names include:
– Troy Aikman: The former NFL quarterback co-founded Eight Beer, a light brew aimed at health-conscious consumers.
– Avery Johnson: The ex-NBA point guard runs Avery Capital, a Dallas-based private equity firm focused on real estate assets.
– Garrett Mills: A former NFL tight end, Mills serves as CEO of Dallas-based Uncommon Brands, overseeing restaurants like Fuego Tortilla Grill and The Rice Box.
– Lucious Williams: A Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Williams founded Dikita Enterprises, a Dallas-Fort Worth-based company.
– Sayif Saud: A former MMA fighter, Saud owns Fortis MMA, a Dallas-based gym.
– Roger Staubach: The former NFL quarterback launched The Staubach Company, a real estate firm, which he sold to JLL in 2008 for $613 million.
– Ian Kinsler: The ex-MLB second baseman co-founded Warstic, a baseball bat company.
– Michael Johnson: The Olympic sprinter established Michael Johnson Performance, a training facility.
– Odessa Jenkins: A former Women’s Football Alliance player, Jenkins founded the Women’s National Football Conference.
– Tiffany Hagge: A former Team USA Hockey player, Hagge co-founded Citation Capital, a private equity firm.
These athletes have successfully transitioned their skills from the sports arena to the boardroom, demonstrating that with determination and strategic thinking, they can thrive in various business contexts.
Leveraging Athletic Discipline in Business
Athletes often apply the discipline and resilience developed in sports to their business ventures. This approach has led to significant success, with some athlete-led businesses becoming more lucrative than their playing contracts. Investors recognize the value of athletes’ work ethic and competitive drive in the business world. This groundwork not only boosts their businesses but also serves as an inspiration for others in the community.
Conclusion
The trend of former professional athletes transitioning into entrepreneurship in North Texas highlights the region’s dynamic business environment. These individuals demonstrate that the skills and discipline acquired in sports can translate into successful business endeavors. By supporting local businesses and encouraging more entrepreneurs to emerge, Dallas can continue to build a resilient economy rooted in innovation and determination.
As the landscape of entrepreneurship continues to evolve, staying engaged with and supporting local ventures is vital to fostering economic growth in Dallas and beyond.
FAQ
- What is the trend of former professional athletes in North Texas?
- A growing number of former professional athletes in North Texas are transitioning from sports to entrepreneurship, leveraging their competitive drive to build successful businesses.
- Can you provide examples of athlete-entrepreneurs in North Texas?
- Notable examples include Troy Aikman, who co-founded Eight Beer; Avery Johnson, who runs Avery Capital; and Garrett Mills, CEO of Uncommon Brands.
- How do athletes’ skills translate into business success?
- Athletes apply the discipline and resilience developed in sports to their business ventures, leading to significant success and sometimes surpassing their playing contracts.
| Athlete | Sport | Business Venture |
|---|---|---|
| Troy Aikman | NFL | Eight Beer |
| Avery Johnson | NBA | Avery Capital |
| Garrett Mills | NFL | Uncommon Brands |
| Lucious Williams | Negro Leagues Baseball | Dikita Enterprises |
| Sayif Saud | MMA | Fortis MMA |
| Roger Staubach | NFL | The Staubach Company |
| Ian Kinsler | MLB | Warstic |
| Michael Johnson | Track & Field | Michael Johnson Performance |
| Odessa Jenkins | Women’s Football | Women’s National Football Conference |
| Tiffany Hagge | Hockey | Citation Capital |
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