From the NFL to Stryker
Updated: Feb 9
When an NFL career comes to an end, many players announce their retirement. But for the athletes that don’t, you might be wondering “what do they do next”? Do former pro-athletes end up in coaching? Sports broadcasting?
According to LinkedIn data, approximately 20% of retired NFL players end up starting their own business and another 18% end up working in sales. If they come to Stryker, they get the best of both worlds. Our sales professionals have uncapped earning potential and the freedom and flexibility to run their businesses.
Hear from a few of our former NFL athletes to understand more about their transition from professional sports and why they chose Stryker.
Michael Jenkins Wide Receiver | 8 years in the NFL
Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots
“My biggest transferable skill from the NFL to working at Stryker has been my ability to build relationships with individuals from different backgrounds. When you’re with sports, you know, you work with teammates that come from all over the country and you’ve got to find common ground and make it work. You don’t have a choice. It’s the same in the Medical Sales world. You’re working with surgeons, and account managers, the hospital staff, and you need to build those relationships to have a successful partnership.”
Boomer Grigsby, Sales Representative
Linebacker, Fullback, Special Teams | 5 years in the NFL
Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans
“My advice to current NFL players who will be retiring soon and are looking for a new job is that it's okay to not be okay. The transition is hard, you are not alone. Call me!"
Andy Groom, Account Executive Punter | 4 years in the NFL
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, St. Louis Rams
“If you love a job where they treat you like a big boy/girl and let you run your own business, then this job is for you. You can make NFL type of money if you put the work in and still have a GREAT family life.”
Samuel Wilder, Sales Manager
Offensive Guard | 3 years in the NFL
San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts
“Transitioning from the professional football world, I wanted to be surrounded by individuals and teams that viewed themselves as professionals at their craft. I was lucky enough to find this Stryker family and it's been an amazing 15 years!"
Ryan Steed, Sales Representative
Cornerback | 2 years in the NFL
New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburg Steelers
"Transitioning from the professional competitive ranks can be difficult and filled with anxiety. However, the characteristic traits that we as former athletes possess are rare and help us shine bright in an industry filled with competition, overcoming adversity, and persisting when challenges arise. It's been a heck of a ride the past 5 years and it's a privilege to wear the Stryker name badge."
Ryan Considine, Sales Representative
Offensive Line | 1 year in the NFL
Green Bay Packers
“Stryker has provided me a highly competitive and selective organization that rewards performance over anything else. It has also allowed me to develop myself while still fostering a team mentality second only to football, in my experience.”
Want to join a winning team?
Visit our career site to learn more and to view and apply for our current job openings.