Young professional athletes are already building their post-retirement careers on LinkedIn. Instead of treating career building as something that happens after their time on the field ends, many pro athletes are sharing their skills while they’re still playing. According to LinkedIn, the number of pro athletes on the platform has grown by 31% since 2021—making it easier for them to link their personal brand and on-field performance to meaningful career growth. They’re setting up meetings, exploring brand deals, connecting with executives and investors, and actively shaping their off-field identities. Some are even leaning into it with a bit of humor, like athletes updating their profiles to signal they’re “Open to Work” while still very much employed by their teams. In many ways, this shift feels inevitable. Gen Z athletes have grown up hearing cautionary tales about stars who struggled financially after their careers ended, so they’re seeking out long-term security early. (Front Office Sports)
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