Q Group Conference & Seminar October 28, 2019 Kenneth L. Shropshire

Athletes Die Two Deaths: Current Thinking on Post Playing Success Kenneth L. Shropshire CEO, Global Sport Institute Adidas Distinguished Professor of Global Sport, Arizona State University Professor Emeritus, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

2019 Miami Dolphins Business Combine Today What is the post playing experience status of elite athletes and why should we care? My involvement? Why important for you? How do we “revive”? 2019 Miami Dolphins Business Combine

“The quintessential story of sport is the fact that great athletes die two deaths. They die the first death when they no longer play their sport, and then they also die, of course, like all of us do. Their second death is, in many cases, much, much later.” - Roger Kahn

The Current State of Life After College Sport

What Should be Done?(and Why I Really Care)

Who Makes it to the Pros?

Average Pro Sport Experience “Career” Length? NFL 3.5 years NBA 4.8 years MLB 5.6 years NHL 5.5 years George Blanda at 48 years old.

Who Earns Degrees? NCAA Graduation Rate Increasing NFL Players with degrees declining Greater lifetime earning capacity with degree than without Shaquille O’Neal receives his bachelors’ degree in 2000.

League and Player Revenue Snapshots NFL, MLB and NBA a combined 30 billion in annual revenue Russel Wilson is at the top in the NFL making $140 million over 4 years One year minimum $480,000 League Annual Average Player Salaries $2.7 NFL (median $860,000) $4.0 MLB $7.1 NBA

What is Being Done? Focus on Finances?

The Solution? In American society, professional and Olympic caliber athletes are often forced to forego traditional educational, personal and career development opportunities due to an overemphasis on the “athlete identity” and lack of flexible options.  There is a wide range of athlete experiences that makes it impossible to apply “one-size fits all” approaches and requires flexibility and dexterity in any comprehensive tactical methodologies to address this issue. 

Other Models? The Military Soldier Identity = Athlete Identity Purpose Loss of purpose Mayo Clinic Grief

Message for Broader Society Your purpose Career v. Experience Start young

Questions? Thank you!