How I Reinvented Myself After Sport – And 3 Steps You Can Do Too

I remember the drive home after my pro football contract ended at Huddersfield Town AFC. Spaced-out, driving on autopilot, the 17 miles on the M62 back to Leeds felt like a lifetime. It wasn’t that I felt I was leaving football, or being told I wasn’t good enough, or even facing the end of a dream. It was about leaving behind an identity, years in the making, with its very clear expectations of who I was - at home, to my family and to my friends.

Approaching the bend in the road, a little too fast, I hesitated for a split second. My foot hovered over the brake pedal. In that heartbeat, I honestly thought, "Maybe I should just drive off the road," smashing literally into the Old Corn Mill club, rather than starting to drink my sorrows away.

The thought hung there, heavy and tempting. But then, a question: Could I be more than just a footballer? The answer, still unknown, would change everything.

I'm Ryan Gonsalves, my mission is to guide current and former elite athletes to discover fulfilling careers beyond sports, providing the guidance and resources needed to find joy, confidence, and purpose in their next chapter. I started the 2ndwind Academy to help inspire and guide athletes towards Career Clarity. Each week on the podcast, I invite sport-related guests to share their story of how they are seeking or found the career clarity to take the next step. Their unique experiences have been helping to connect the dots for careers far beyond the sporting world.

This month, I had an incredible conversation with Evan Bush and Julian Gonzalez, two former professional footballers who have successfully transitioned into new careers.

Evan is 16 years as a pro goalkeeper and counting at MLS outfit Columbus Crew. Julian left the game early and found a new path in sports psychology.

So much of what they’ve gone through and are planning for resonated with my drive home that day.

Did I Reinvent Myself After Sports?

No.

And, there is no magic blueprint to move forward. But here are steps that make the transition easier. As part of our conversation on finding career clarity for athletes on the 2ndwind Academy Podcast, Evan, Julian, and I landed on three key things that helped us move forward.

1. Start Before You’re Ready

Don’t wait until the end of your career to figure out what’s next. I started exploring new interests whilst still playing, like taking afternoon French classes (no idea why, but it kept me curious and lead onto fascinating life experiences. https://www.2ndwind.io/post/how-becoming-a-dj-playing-football-taught-me-to-speak-french

Similarly, Evan pursued an MBA during his playing career because he knew transition was inevitable.

"The more I focused on opportunities off the field, the better I performed on it," he told me.

The takeaway? Start early. Whether you’re an athlete or not, explore interests, take on side projects, or experiment with hobbies now. The earlier you start, the smoother your transition will be.

Quick Action Accelerator: Pick one thing that interests you and commit to exploring it this month - Listen to the podcast, read the blog, sign up for a class, start a side project, or volunteer.

2. Recognise Your Transferable Skills

When I moved into university and the corporate world, I thought I had to start from zero. But I quickly realised the skills that made me successful in sport - time management, discipline to stick to a plan, adaptability and leadership - we're exactly what I needed in my new career.

Julian had the same realisation: "Athletes often underestimate their skills. But once they reflect, they see how much they have to offer," he said.

The truth is, your skills aren’t just for sports - they’re life skills that can thrive anywhere.

Quick Action Accelerator: Write down three skills you’ve mastered in your current role (or sport). Then think about how they could apply to something new.

3. Build Relationships Now

Relationships are the game-changers. The connections I built as a footballer and through sporting opportunities opened doors I never expected. The people I mixed with at those French classes where typically mid to end of career individuals with no sporting connections. Through conversations I casually learned about their lives and more traditional careers. Even Evan shared how his biggest opportunities came from people he has met along his playing career: "The football world is small. The relationships you build today can shape your opportunities tomorrow."

People want to help - you just need to ask. Former teammates, coaches, mentors, they’re often one conversation away from offering advice or connections.

Quick Action Accelerator: Reach out to one person this week - a former teammate, coach, or colleague - and have a conversation about your goals or interests. See where it takes you and what opens up

By starting early, recognising your strengths, and leveraging relationships, you’ll set yourself up for success in whatever comes next!

So, what’s one skill from your athletic career or outside your typical day job that’s opened unexpected doors? Drop it in the comments, I’d love to hear your story.

Watch the conversation with Evan and Julian by subscribing to our YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@2ndwind.academy/🎧

Listen to my conversation with Evan and Julian here: Episode 132: Reinventing Careers After Sports

#AthleteTransition #CareerChange #LifeAfterSports #Leadership #2ndwindAcademy