Popular and Unusual Hobbies Athletes Pursue After Retirement

For many professional athletes, retirement marks a dramatic shift in daily routine. The regimented schedules, intense physical demands, and constant competition that shaped their lives for years suddenly give way to a quieter pace. Yet, the competitive spirit rarely disappears. 

Many athletes turn to new interests to stay active, express creativity, or explore passions they never had time for during their careers. From fitness pursuits to entrepreneurial ventures, retired athletes often discover new hobbies that enrich their lives long after their time on the field or court has ended.

Most Popular Hobbies 

One of the most common activities retired athletes gravitate toward is coaching. Whether at the professional, collegiate, or youth level, coaching provides a way for former stars to pass down their knowledge, stay connected to their sport, and inspire new generations. The transition feels natural for many, as leadership, mentorship, and strategy have long been part of their athletic identities.

Fitness and wellness also remain central to many retired athletes’ lifestyles. Without the pressure to perform at elite levels, they often explore forms of exercise they didn’t previously have time for. Activities such as cycling, swimming, yoga, and golf become appealing ways to remain active while adopting a more balanced approach to physical health. Golf in particular has become a staple hobby for many former athletes, as it offers a blend of competition, social interaction, and relaxation.

Entrepreneurship has also become a popular path. Retired athletes frequently leverage their name recognition and industry relationships to start businesses in areas like apparel, nutrition, training facilities, or personal branding. Others step into media roles, becoming commentators, analysts, or podcast hosts. This allows them to share their expertise and stay tied to the game, even if they’re no longer suiting up.

Creative pursuits have become increasingly common as well. Freed from the relentless schedules of professional sports, many retired athletes discover passions in writing, music, photography, or acting. These hobbies not only provide artistic fulfillment but also offer emotional outlets that may not have been prioritized during competitive years.

Unusual Hobbies

While many athletes choose predictable post-career paths, others explore hobbies that might seem unconventional or unexpected. These activities often provide mental stimulation, unique challenges, or emotional rewards that differ from anything they experienced in their sport.

Car restoration, for example, has become a niche passion for some retired athletes who enjoy working with their hands and immersing themselves in mechanical detail. The patience and precision required can be a calming shift from the intensity of professional sports. Similarly, activities such as beekeeping, woodworking, or long-distance hiking allow former competitors to reconnect with nature and adopt routines built around mindfulness rather than adrenaline.

Another unusual hobby that has gained traction among former athletes is online poker. The strategic depth and psychological nuance of poker make it appealing to individuals accustomed to high-pressure decision-making. Many former sports professionals, including some retired NFL players, have found the game to be a surprisingly natural fit. Poker requires discipline, emotional control, and the ability to read opponents, skills that many athletes have honed throughout their careers.

Online poker in particular offers accessibility and convenience, allowing players to engage from home while still participating in competitive environments. Some athletes enjoy the challenge of mastering a new game, while others appreciate the mental stimulation poker provides after stepping away from the physical demands of their sport. The community aspect, tournaments, and analytical nature of poker create an environment where former athletes can satisfy their competitive instincts in a completely different arena.