Warren Sapp earned $82 million during a 13-year playing career in the NFL, which ended in 2007. By the spring of 2012, even though he was still making $116,000 per month as a TV analyst, he filed for bankruptcy.

It’s astonishing. And he’s not alone. A 2009 report from Sports Illustrated found 78% of retired NFL players have gone bankrupt or are under financial duress within two years of retirement, despite their lofty salaries as players. And other aspects of retired players’ lives are often just as troubled, according to research conducted by Six Seconds and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). Many struggle to maintain positive relationships, deal with physical and mental health issues, addiction, and more.

By our culture’s standards, no one could be more “successful” than pro athletes. They are famous millionaires! But beneath that shiny exterior – the huge houses, fancy cars and abundant social media following – a much darker reality lurks. This disparity begs us to ask the question: What is success? If millions of dollars and adoring fans doesn’t lead to life success, what does? Six Seconds’ research with former players offers some insights on this fundamental question.

It’s been a decade now since that research by Six Seconds and the NFLPA painted a troubling portrait of many retired players’ lives. Since then, stories continue piling up about the off-the-field struggles for current and former players, despite their tremendous “success” in making it to the NFL. From the discovery of CTE, a degenerative brain disease found in dozens of former players, to problems with mental health, addiction and violence, it’s a perfect time to reexamine the experiences off the field of these ‘successful’ superstars. 

By our culture’s standards, no one could be more “successful” than pro athletes. They are famous millionaires! But research paints an alarmingly different portrait of NFL stars’ lives off the field, especially after they retire

Is Football a Way Out of Poverty?

A majority of NFL players come from impoverished backgrounds, according to a study from Burkmont Analytics. African-Americans make up 70% of the league, and many grow up in violent neighborhoods and single parent homes.

Marvin Smith, a former NFL linebacker who coauthored the research study with Six Seconds, says the lack of opportunities in these inner city communities creates a situation where “kids see football and basketball as the only way out of the hood.” But there are a few serious problems with this mindset. First of all, the chances of making the NFL are miniscule – less than 1% – meaning about 9 out of every 10,000 high school seniors playing football eventually get drafted by an NFL team. And even then, if you’re one of those talented and lucky few, it turns out that making the NFL is no guarantee of life success. The players may look “successful,” signing huge contracts and showing off fancy cars on Instagram, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A closer look reveals a startlingly different, and uglier, reality – especially once players retire.

Remarkably short careers

An important caveat to understand is that pro football players, on average, have remarkably short careers. Famous players like Tom Brady and Drew Brees, who are playing well into their late 30s and early 40s, are not the norm. The average NFL career is between 3 and 6 years, depending on who you ask. Even if a player plays 15 years, which is considered a very long and successful career, they are normally retired from the NFL by age 35. The average player is retired long before they turn 30. 

Retired NFL players are 4x as likely to be addicted to painkillers, and less likely to achieve life success than non athletes, according to research. Fascinating insights on money, fame & happiness.

What predicts retired players’ success?

The study found a massive correlation between emotional intelligence skills and life success for retired players. EQ predicted 60% of the variation in life success scores, like the quality of players’ relationships, ability to avoid substance abuse, and overall wellbeing. In short: If you want players to be successful in life, emotional intelligence is key. Gene Upshaw, former Executive Director of the NFLPA, called emotional intelligence “an important ingredient in helping professional athletes live healthy and successful lives.” Marvin Smith, the former NFL linebacker who coauthored the study, calls the situation of retired players a “tragic waste that can be easily prevented by teaching some basic emotional intelligence skills.”

What are the most common emotional intelligence skills? Check out the Six Seconds Model of EQ.

CTE, the degenerative brain disease found in Junior Seau’s brain and in dozens of other diseased players, causes symptoms like impulsive behavior, apathy and depression. This may even amplify the need for emotional intelligence skills, and make it even more urgent for players to develop them. That, for now, is merely speculation. The scientific community has just scratched the surface of understanding this disease. But the fact that emotional skills skills are strongly correlated with life success has a solid scientific backing.

Research into retired NFL players: EQ predicted 60% of the variation in life success scores, like the quality of players’ relationships, ability to avoid substance abuse, and overall wellbeing.

For a deeper look at how the researchers measured the players’ emotional intelligence and the different life success factors, you can download the full case study for free below.

In light of this research, the next essential question becomes: can you teach emotional intelligence? According to a growing body of research, the answer is yes. And that is why this research is so valuable, says Six Seconds’ CEO Josh Freedman:

Study limitations

This study looked at 30 former NFL players, which is a small sample size. Upshaw, the former head of the Players Association, hopes this is only the beginning of this type of research: “We’re looking forward to have the study expanded, and using the information to focus on areas of development.”

About Six Seconds and Sportstech

Six Seconds is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people to create positive change by practicing emotional intelligence. With offices and representatives in 25 countries and members in 167 countries, the Six Seconds community extends the globe. From schools where children love to learn, to corporations where people thrive, to programs ​rebuilding lives, Six Seconds’ solutions are life-changing – and empower people to take ownership of a positive future. For more information, please visit www.6seconds.org/about

Sportstech International is a full service sports management firm specializing in human asset management and helping athletic teams optimize their people so teams are more successful.

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