From dazzling on the field or court to building property empires, these star athletes have shown that their hustle extends beyond sports. Real estate offers them tangible assets, passive income, and longevity of wealth. Understanding how they’ve leveraged fame and fortune into property portfolios can offer inspiration and strategy—no matter your game. Want to know who’s turned touchdowns, dunks, or knockouts into deals? Here’s a look at six athletes who traded sports for smart real estate moves.
1. Roger Staubach: From Field General to Real Estate Titan
Roger Staubach wasn’t just a legendary Cowboys quarterback—he became a real estate legend, too. In 1977, he founded The Staubach Company while still playing pro football. Over the decades, it ballooned into a multi-office firm with large commercial holdings before selling for $613 million in 2008. His market-savvy move turned a playing career into lasting financial security. Staubach proves that planning for life after the game pays off—in real dollars.
2. Pat Connaughton: From Courtside to Community Builder
Milwaukee Bucks forward Pat Connaughton shifted from pro hoops to property development in a major way. He founded Three Leaf Partners and built a staggering $550 million real estate portfolio in just seven years. From apartment complexes to community-enhancing projects like a $45 million development in Wauwatosa, his efforts highlight sustainable impact. Connaughton shows how an athlete can use real estate not just for profit, but for purpose.
3. Floyd Mayweather Jr.: Winning Rounds and Real Estate Deals
Floyd “Money” Mayweather might be retired from the ring, but his investment game is still undefeated. Through Vada Properties and other entities, he’s poured more than $400 million into properties—like 62 multi-family units in Upper Manhattan—and also ventured into skyscrapers and luxury rentals. His real estate reach continues growing across major markets. For Mayweather, real estate is the next title—something he’s knocking out with confidence.
4. Shaquille O’Neal: Dunking into Property Portfolios
Shaq’s dominance on the court translated to dominance in real estate, too. Reports show he owns nine properties across Nevada, Texas, Georgia, and Florida—despite personal challenges along the way. His real estate empire underscores how athletes can parlay visibility into owner status. Shaq’s journey reminds us that property wealth is a long game filled with both triumphs and challenges.
5. Alex Rodriguez: From Home Runs to High-Rise Investments
Alex Rodriguez didn’t just hit homers—he built a real estate empire. Through A-Rod Corp and Monument Capital Management, he’s acquired over $1 billion in real estate across 16 states since the early 2000s. Residential, commercial, and development projects across big markets demonstrate his savvy. Rodriguez shows how legacy athletes can scale from symbols of success to architects of long-term wealth.
6. Than Merrill: From the Gridiron to House-Flipping Guru
Former NFL safety Than Merrill traded tackles for turnkey renovations—and reality TV fame. As co-owner of CT Homes and co-founder of real estate education platform FortuneBuilders, he starred on several seasons of Flip This House and now teaches others to invest in property wisely. His pivot from pro sports to property and television shows entrepreneurial versatility. Merrill proves that with strategic vision, the real estate field can become a new playing ground.
From Athletes to Asset Architects
These six athletes show that the drive that wins games can also build portfolios. By investing in real estate—from commercial towers to community housing—they’ve transformed fame into tangible, lasting wealth. Whether sourced from legacy or startup entrepreneurship, their property ventures remind us that winning off the field can sometimes be more rewarding. Success isn’t just about fame—it’s about building a foundation.
Which athlete-turned-real-estate mogul inspires you the most—and would you follow their real estate playbook? Let us know in the comments!
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