Accountability in Transition: What Athletes Must Understand About Life After Sports
A candid conversation about resources, responsibility, and readiness for what’s next.
Yesterday on LinkedIn, I shared my thoughts on a conversation that’s been happening all over social media: the athlete transition.
I’ve seen countless posts from former players expressing how hard it’s been to adjust after sports, saying they weren’t prepared or didn’t have access to the right resources. And while I empathize deeply with that struggle, I also know what it looks like behind the scenes.
Because I’ve been there.
I’ve served as Director of Player Development at three major universities. I’ve watched athletes thrive because they took advantage of the resources available to them, and I’ve also seen some ignore opportunities that could have changed their lives.
Let’s talk about that tension.
The Hard Truth
Many athletic departments across the country are doing incredible work to prepare athletes for life after the game.
They’re offering:
Career development programs
Financial literacy sessions
Alumni mentorship
Mental health support
Networking events
And specialized transition programs
These are built and led by dedicated professionals, often working long hours on small salaries because they care about athletes’ futures.
And yet, when those events happen, attendance can be low.
I’ve seen it myself: 120 players on the roster, and 2 show up to meet with an NFL front office.
If you don’t show up, you can’t be prepared.
You can’t be prepared for something you don’t participate in.
Why This Matters
This isn’t about blame.
It’s about balance.
Athletes deserve empathy for the challenges they face in transition, but they also need accountability.
Accountability looks like:
Showing up. Attend the programs, workshops, and events your department puts together.
Asking questions. Don’t wait for someone to hand you a plan, be proactive.
Building relationships. Network with alumni, staff, and local professionals.
Thinking ahead. The ball will stop bouncing or the whistle will stop blowing one day. Prepare before that day arrives.
Owning your development. You are your own CEO. You can’t outsource your future.
The Example That Stuck With Me
When I was at the University of Houston, the Miami Dolphins’ Director of Player Engagement, Kaleb Thornhill, reached out. He was bringing five professionals, including a senior vice president, to talk with players about careers in sports.
I went into the locker room, made announcements, sent messages, and even put flyers on doors.
Out of 120 players, 2 showed up.
Eighty had told me they wanted to work in sports.
That’s the disconnect.
We say we want opportunities, but opportunities require action.
So What Should We Do?
Let’s move forward with solutions, not blame.
For Current Athletes
Go to at least one career or leadership event per semester.
Schedule a meeting with your career services or player development staff before the season ends.
Ask an alum or mentor what they wish they had done differently.
Create a personal development plan: education, community, career, and identity.
For Parents
Ask your child about their off-field growth as much as their stats.
Encourage them to attend development events.
Start hard conversations early about life after sport, before the transition forces them to.
For Coaches
Normalize talking about identity beyond the game.
Partner with your player development or life skills staff.
Make it safe for players to plan for life after sports without fear of judgment.
For Development Professionals
Keep doing the work.
You might not get the recognition you deserve, but you’re changing lives.
Keep creating opportunities. Someone will take them.
A Final Word
The goal isn’t to criticize athletes. It’s to challenge a mindset.
Preparation isn’t punishment. It’s protection.
If you’re an athlete reading this, hear me clearly:
You have resources. Use them.
You have people who care. Talk to them.
And you have time. Don’t waste it.
Your next chapter can be just as powerful as your playing days if you take ownership of it.
Action Steps
Make a list of three campus resources that can help your growth.
Schedule a 15-minute meeting this week with one of them.
Share this article with a teammate who needs to read it.
Subscribe to this newsletter for more tools to build your transition plan.