Life After the Gridiron: Eddie George Tackles Athlete's Finances

From the gridiron, to Broadway and now Wall Street, is there anything that former NFL running back Eddie George can’t do? He joined the FOX Business Network’s Maria Bartiromo to discuss his new business venture in finance.

George, who played college ball for Ohio State, won the Heisman Trophy in 1995, and was then drafted in the first round to the Tennessee Titans in 1996. He had a very successful career, before hanging up the cleats in 2005.  He began acting soon thereafter as a way to battle depression and made his Broadway debut in January of this year, playing the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago.

“The Arts was a way for me to find my next passion, for me to find my voice and I fell in love with the story telling,” he said.

Now, George is tackling athlete’s finances as the managing partner of a new financial management firm.

“I wanted to do something that gave me the freedom to still pursue my acting endeavors, but also, I can build a business. And wealth management was the next best thing because now I can help other athletes from a ‘cradle to grave’ model from the time they come into the NFL [and] certainly thereafter maintain/sustain their wealth, but also give them insight into finding their next passion, their second act,” he said.

Even though George speaks from experience, convincing players to not spend their first paycheck is “easier said than done,” and it starts with understanding the different roles between an agent, investment advisor and a CPA.

He also helps athletes while they are at school, teaching classes about the business of professional sports for Ohio State.

“If you’re going to come into a multi-billion dollar business you need to understand how it functions, and who in essence has the power, and ultimately, it should be you.”