100% of Professional Athletes Ultimately Experience Job Termination. Odds like that make it worth taking a hard look at other percentages associated with professional athletes after the final horn has sounded on their careers.
- 25% are bankrupt within the first year of retirement
- 50% experience divorce within the first year of retirement
- 75% are bankrupt or divorced within the first five years of retirement
I recently read an article in Medicince & Social Science in Sports & Exercise about professional athletes and depression after retirement. The prevalence was astounding. This particular study used survey responses from NFL players. Out of the 1,617 usable survey responses, 557 players said they retired because they were cut, 559 said they chose to retire, and 470 sustained an injury that forced their retirement (31 surveys did not report a reason). From this number, 48% reported difficulty with pain, 28% reported trouble sleeping, and 27% reported an overall difficulty with getting older and adjusting to life after football. Those who reported a moderate to severe issue with depression also reported they were least likely to seek help. This is disturbing and would explain why the suicide rate for active and retired NFL players is six times greater than the national average.
Amongst the myriad of other percentages and stats provided by this study was a practical, and unfortunately oftentime overlooked, advice and remedy. The researchers recommended players prepare for their retirement while they are still actively playing. This would allow anticipation of their retirement, especially if their retirement occurs suddenly or earlier than expected.
My Successful Transition Plan for Professional Athletes assists current and retired athletes in preparing and entering this new phase of their lives.
You can find out more at: www.fromglorydays.com
