n 12 seasons as a defensive back for the National Football League, including stints with the Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers, Ryan McNeil often earned more than $1 million a year. The 36-year-old could have retired when his NFL career ended in 2005, but his second act was already under way. In 2001, McNeil had started the Professional Business & Financial Network, an Atlanta-based networking organization for pro athletes.
Three years later, the six-employee company launched OverTime Magazine, a bimonthly sent to 45,000 readers, mostly current and former professional athletes. OverTime covers lifestyle topics, personal finance, and the business ventures of athletes. “We want to help enlighten individuals about business, so when opportunities come their way they are more prepared to participate,” he says. Last year the company had sales of $725,000.
McNeil isn't finished. He's starting two more companies under the PBFN aegis: a speakers' bureau for athletes and a marketing company to help players build brands around their images. Next will be an athletes' career development Web site. “We've identified niches in the sports space and we are... looking for links that connect them all,” McNeil says. “There is so much potential here.”
More at:http://www.pbfn.org/
Via-Businessweek
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