Despite earning millions of dollars throughout their high-profile careers, the majority of these elite sportsmen were able to spend practically all of their money within a short period of time after they left the League. According to Sports Illustrated, four out of every five retired NFL players go bankrupt within the first two years after their careers come to an end. Extravagant spending, poor investments, family obligations and divorces, as well as inadequate financial advice, caused these celebrities to lose millions of dollars. Here are 17 of the NFL’s most dominant players who have experienced the ultimate loss.
Infamous NFL Players Who Lost Everything
Warren Sapp
He was a defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders during his NFL career. He declared bankruptcy in 2012, and his creditors included everyone from the Internal Revenue Service to the mothers of his children. It was a loan for a failed business effort to create affordable homes in St. Lucie County that compelled Sapp to take the drastic step of terminating his employment. According to the Tampa Bay Times, his total debts amounted to $6.7 million at the time of his arrest. In addition to his lucrative annuity and pension of approximately $1 million, his $6.4 million in assets, and the money he earned through endorsements, reality show appearances, speaking engagements, and a book deal, his three NFL contracts during the height of his career totaled more than $76 million. Unfortunately, Sapp was also well-known for his extravagant lifestyle, which included 240 pairs of Nike Airs and a lion leather rug among other things.
Warren Sapp
