After all, aren't athletes also performers? They are performers who use courts, fields, rinks or turf, as their stage. Most athletic stars have done some form of public speaking during their career. So it isn't too far-fetched for them to become motivational speakers.
Iconic sports stars are everybody's favorite hero, because they succeeded at something most of us tried at least once. As children, most of us played a sport, and maybe even dreamt of going all the way to the pros. But whatever the case may have been, we failed to accomplish that dream. The insurmountable odds to even make it the pros are shocking enough, but to be a pro star-means you are the best of the best!
Let's be honest, we all love to relive historic sporting events. So imagine hearing about it first hand from someone who was the contributing factor! Feel good sport stories about overcoming impossible odds in the face of adversity, with tons of pressure and everything on the line! It's like listening to poetry.
For example, Jim "The Rookie" Morris' Cinderella story about a retired minor league baseball player-turned high school teacher, who made it to the majors after being retired from baseball for 11 years. It was a testimony to the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform human life. Today he is a top requested motivational speaker who inspires audiences to never give up on a dream.
The success and drive of a retired star athlete, easily transcends into the business world. As motivational speakers, pro athlete success stories are commonly used to inspire major corporations and organizations with their business endeavors. Drawing personal strength from athletes who didn't just play, but excelled.
Top 4 Pro Sport Retirement Guidelines
NFL
- Full benefits are available at the age of 55, with a minimum payout of $200 a month for each season played in the NFL. That monthly payout is based on the number of seasons played, which does not amount to millions.
- NBA bases its pension on the number of years its athletes have been in the league. In 2001, it was only at $306.34 per month for each season played -- regardless of performance. This means any player would get the same $50,000 after a 15-year career.
- Their pensions, which are also determined by the length of a player's career, require at least 160 games played for eligibility. Those with less than 400 games played can collect $8,000 CDN per year beginning at age 45. Those who've played more than 400 games receive a payment of $250,000 CDN at the age of 55, in addition to $12,500 CDN per year at 45.
- The first pro sport to set up a pension, baseball originally offered up to $100 a month, depending on the number of years played. Still considered the most generous of the four major sports, some athletes were earning six-figure pensions as far back as the 1980s.
