The world of the NFL is not just about touchdowns and tackles; it’s also home to some of the most astute investors in the sports world. As the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit approaches, let’s shift the spotlight from the gridiron to the boardroom, where these athletes make huge financial plays.

Peyton Manning: Building An Empire

Famed former quarterback Peyton Manning has also proven his mettle in business. Manning’s Omaha Productions is fast becoming a titan in sports media, valued at over $400 million, thanks to strategic investments and popular content across ESPN+, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. With Peter Chernin’s $10 million investment, Manning’s venture is on a fast track to a billion-dollar valuation, a testament to his business dealings and Omaha’s diversified content.

Joe Montana: A Touchdown In The Cannabis Industry

Joe Montana, the legendary San Francisco 49ers quarterback, extended his playmaking ability to the cannabis industry with a significant stake in Nabis, one of California’s leading pot companies. Montana’s venture capital firm, Liquid 2 Ventures, was an early investor in Nabis, which now commands 22% of the legal weed market in California. Montana’s investment intuition has seen Nabis thrive in a challenging market, proving his knack for finding open opportunities off the field.

Patrick Mahomes: Diversifying Beyond The Field

At just 28, Patrick Mahomes is not only one of the highest-paid athletes globally thanks to his $500 million deal as a quarterback with the Kansas City Chiefs but also a savvy investor. Owning stakes in Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals, Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City, National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current and the Alpine Formula 1 Team, Mahomes has an impressive portfolio. His investments in Whataburger, Whoop and Hyperice highlight his ambition and versatility as a businessman.

Aaron Rodgers: The Venture Capitalist

Aaron Rodgers, known for his precision as a quarterback (now with the New York Jets), applies the same meticulousness to his investments. Through RX3 Growth Partners, Rodgers has built an impressive portfolio, including Super Coffee, Manscaped and Therabody, showcasing his ability to identify and support promising startups, further solidifying his status as a venture capitalist force.

Russell Wilson: An Entrepreneurial Spirit

Russell Wilson has parlayed his NFL success, currently as a quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers, into various business ventures, from co-owning European bread company Eat the Ball to investing in tech startups like TraceMe, which Nike later acquired. Wilson’s involvement in bringing a National Basketball Association team back to Seattle and investments in companies like VICIS and the Molecule mattress brand underscored his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation.

Tony Romo: Fantasy Football To Real Estate

Tony Romo went from being a quarterback with the Dallas Cowboys to a post-NFL career with investments in the National Fantasy Championship and Fan Controlled Football, blending his love for the game with business. His charitable work through The Tony Romo Foundation and investments in real estate, including Hotel Saint George, showcase Romo’s broad investment interests and commitment to making a difference.

Kelvin Beachum Jr.: Investing In The Future

Kelvin Beachum Jr., an offensive tackle currently with the Arizona Cardinals, is a formidable presence on the football field and in the tech investment scene. With stakes in over 20 startups, Beachum is deeply invested in the future of manufacturing, agriculture, and robotics. His philanthropic efforts with World Vision and Feeding America, alongside his recognition as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, highlight his commitment to making a positive impact on and off the field.

Join us at Benzinga's 2024 NFL Draft event in Detroit on April 25 for an opportunity to see how athletes turn their sports success into business ventures. This one-day event at Campus Martius offers insights from sports legends like Donovan Edwards and Frankie LaPenna on leaping over the field to the boardroom.

Secure your ticket now for an inspiring experience at the intersection of sports and business. Don't miss out — tickets are selling quickly!

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