These Sports Superstars Had It All, But Then They Lost It All

To be a professional athlete means entering a world of high-stakes decisions. Some rise to the challenge, succeeding in both the game and life. But others become athletes who lost everything.

Athletes who squander their finances with ill-informed choices. If you’re an aspiring player, you may think twice after hearing about these athletes who lost everything.

Vince Young

After a six year NFL career playing primarly for the Tennessee Titans, Young retired in 2014, and fell into a world of financial hardships.

After spending nearly all of his money accured in the league, at least $34 million a year, he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy that year. He also defaulted on a loan he insisted was instilled under shady circumstances.

Vin Baker

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Baker, a four-time All-Star, played for multiple teams during his NBA career. After he retired, he lost nearly $100 million in a series of financial troubles abetted by his alcoholism. In 2015, he took a job managing a Starbucks in Rhode Island.

He credited this decision, alongside newfound sobriety, to cleaning his act up. He’s now the assistant coach to the Milwaukee Bucks.

William Perry

William “The Refrigerator” Perry, nicknamed for his intimidating size, played in the NFL for ten years. Sadly, after retiring, Perry had many health issues including alcoholism, diabetes, and Guillain–Barré syndrome, a nerve disorder.

These factors, combined with a series of poor planning decisions, resulted in a loss of most of Perry’s earnings. He currently lives off of social security earnings, and even sold his Super Bowl ring to get by.

Terrell Owens

Hall-of-famer Terrell Owens, who played as a wide receiver for 16 seasons, garnered lots of controversy for his flamboyant on-and-off-field behaviors. His touchdown dances routinely resulted in fines, and he lived a life of luxury.

All of this meant that Owens’ career-long earnings of $80 million were completely gone by the time he retired.