From living too lavishly to investing in little-understood markets, these athletes were once rich but lost it all. You’ll be intrigued, shocked, and amazed by how much money each of these sporting celebs made, but left speechless when you learn how much they lost.

Michael Vick - Dog Fighting Ring

The first pick of the 2001 draft, Michael Vick, sabotaged his career. After six years playing for the Falcons as one of the best rushing quarterbacks in the league, Michael was arrested. In 2007, the NFL star pleaded guilty to being involved in the Bad News Kennels dogfighting ring.

At the time, Michael’s contract was worth $130 million. Not only did he lose his job with the Atlanta Falcons, but he filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and ended up spending 17 months in the US Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. The Eagles signed Michael in 2009 after prison, and he ended up playing for the Jetts and Steelers before retirement in 2017.

Aaron Hernandez - Convicted of Murder

Tight end for the New England Patriots, Aaron Hernandez was signed with a $2.37 million contract and a $200,000 signing bonus by the New England Patriots. By 2012, he made history by receiving the most significant signing bonus ever received by a tight end in the NFL.

New England gave Hernandez a $12 million signing bonus while his five-year contract extension was worth $39.58 million. On June 26, 2013, Hernandez was charged with the first-degree murder of Odin Llyod, and on April 15, 2015, he was found guilty. Two years later, on April 19, the former NFL star was found dead after hanging himself with a bedsheet in his cell with a $0 net worth.

Tiki Barber - Morality Clause Contract Violation

New York Giants running back and Hall of Famer Tiki Barber was a big earner. From 2005 to 2008, Tiki received a $19.5 million contract extension with a $4 million signing bonus. At the end of his career, the acclaimed sports personality even refused a $50 million 2-year contract with the New York Giants.

After retiring, Tiki started working for NBC as a sports broadcaster. The New York Post reports that soon after, the football star divorced his wife, leaving her for former NBC intern Traci Lynn Johnson. This led to Tiki losing his job at NBC due to a morality clause. It wasn’t long before he declared bankruptcy in 2011.

Andre Rison - Back Child Support Claims & Jewelry

Former NFL wide receiver Andrew Bad Moon Rison is famous for transgressing from riches to financial ruin that he even features on ESPN’s documentary Broke. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Andrew Rison amassed over $20 million during his career in the NFL.

The star had spent over $1 million on jewelry while a pro player. Years after his retirement, Andrew was forced to file bankruptcy in 2007 to settle over $105,000 in back child support taxes showing just how little of his fortune was left. Andrew’s son Hunter Risen appears to follow his father’s footsteps, playing Division II college football for Grand Valley State in 2020.

Travis Henry - Child Support

Pro Bowl football star Travis Henry joined the Bills in the 2001 NFL Draft. Travis became famous for his performance as a rushing running back, ending his senior season with 1,314 yards rushed and 11 touchdowns. His talent led him to become the fourth-leading rusher in Buffalo Bills’ history.

Travis also played for the Titans and Broncos, bringing in $20 million in career earnings by 2013, according to The Richest. By March 2009, he was broke. Travis had fathered eleven children with ten different women, attributing financial ruin to the cost of having so many kids. The New York Times reports that Travis missed child support payments valued at $170,000 per year.

Lenny Dykstra - Bankruptcy Fraud, Grand Theft Auto, Narcotics

Former MLB center fielder Lenny Dykstra rose to fame as a starring player in the Mets. For 17 years, Lenny held the league record for stolen bases with 105 bases stolen. The World Series champion built a celebrated career but was plagued by injury for the final years played.

Dykstra went from former baseball legend and business owner, including the jet charter company, the Player’s Club, to bankruptcy by 2009. He went from $58 million net worth in 2008 to under $50,000 in assets with between $10 million and $50 million in debt. Dykstra racked up a string of charges, including bankruptcy fraud, while spending 6 1/2 months in prison.

JaMarcus Russell - Career Decline

Quarterback JaMarcus Russell joined the Raiders after being signed as the number one overall pick of the 2007 draft at a $68 million contract cost. Over three seasons, JaMarcus earned roughly $39 million according to Celebrity Net Worth.

JaMarcus was benched in 2008 after the team suffered several losses. This was where he stayed after a poor performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth week of 2009. In 2010, the Las Vegas Raiders let go. The unsigned free agent unsuccessfully tried to make a comeback. He may not be broke with a reputed net worth of around $4 million, but it’s a fraction compared to what he earned.

Sheryl Swoopes - Mismanaged Finances

While you might have thought it was only NBA athletes who have gone broke, think again! Sheryl Swoopes made a fortune of approximately $50 million during her days as a professional WNBA player. Unfortunately, while Swoopes became one of the biggest stars in the game, her massive earnings did not last her lifetime.

But Swoopes says, unlike other athletes who went broke, her dire straights are not entirely her fault. Instead, she blames her financial failures on a combination of terrible representation and various bad investments. Regardless of the reason, Swoopes wound up having to sell her Olympic medals and her Naismith trophy to pay back creditors, which included a $250,000 debt to the IRS.

Leon Spinks  - Financial Mismanagement

Former undisputed heavyweight champion Leon Spinks is perhaps most famous for beating Muhammad Ali, the only boxer ever to have done so. According to the New York Times, Spinks would amass $9 million to $10 million in career earnings. By 2006, The Guardian reported that he worked as a cleaner at the YMCA in Nebraska, earning minimum wage.

In June of 2019, Spinks was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His wife Brenda told USA Today that he had been losing weight rapidly after suffering a string of ailments. She explained that he fought off sepsis, a staph infection, and colon inflammation in August of 2019 after landing in the hospital.

Marion Jones - Balco Scandal

At the height of her career, Marion Jones became the world’s first female athlete millionaire. Many still remember the former world track-and-field athlete winning three gold medals and two bronze medals at the 2002 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

Unfortunately, Jones has a tarnished legacy after admitting to steroid use. Afterward, Jones lost her medals in disgrace. From there, Jones needed to file for bankruptcy in 2006. She had no choice but to sell off many of her remaining properties, including a $2.5 million mansion. Later, Jones would spend six months in prison for being involved in a check counterfeiting scheme. It seems she cannot stay away from that way of life!

Latrell Sprewell - Career Decline

Latrell Spree Sprewell accomplished many things throughout his career in the NBA, but the sport will forever remember his incident with his Golden State Warriors coach. Sprewell ended up attacking P.J. Carlesimo, leading to a 68-game suspension.

Sprewell’s contract was valued at $23.7 million, and he was suspended from the NBA for a year. In 1999, he played again, joining the New York Knicks before competing for the Timberwolves in the 2003-04 season. Minnesota offered Sprewell a $21.4 million extension, which he refused while expressing outrage. Just a year later, no one wanted to sign him. A string of financial misfortune followed, including being sued for $200 million by an ex-girlfriend.

Dennis Rodman - Child Support

Dennis, the Worm Rodman, rose to become one of the best-known players in the NBA. With the Pistons, Rodman won two championships, and with the Bulls, he would take the season win for three consecutive years. His NBA career brought in over $27 million, according to Spotrac, but the defensive titan’s cash didn’t last.

In 2012, Rodman owed $860,376 in child support, according to the LA Times. He was also scammed by the infamous false financial investor Peggy Ann Fulford, who later paid $5.7 million in damages to her victims. In 2020, Rodman opened his own clothing company Rewear selling limited quantity exclusive shirts.

Evander Holyfield - Failed Investments

Evander Holyfield is still the only boxer to win the undisputed championship in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight division. The Real Deal earned $100 million by fighting Mike Tyson, and Celebrity Net Worth estimates his career earnings at $230 million.

The 2008 housing market crash led to the boxing legend losing a mansion due to foreclosure. Rapper Rick Ross won it for $5.8 million, according to Radar. Holyfield’s failed record label Real Deal Records set him back $3.1 million, and his restaurant reportedly cost over 10 million. In 2020 at the age of 57, Holyfield announced that he’d be returning to the ring, boxing for charity.

Diego Maradona - Unpaid Taxes

Argentinian soccer superstar Diego Maradona is believed by many to be one of the greatest football players ever to have lived. When Maradona was just 15, he joined the Boca Juniors with a $4 million contract. Barcelona bought the midfielder for $7.6 million, setting a record before Napoli broke that record with a $10.5 million contract.

Diego Maradona built up 30-years worth of unpaid taxes in Italy. By 2009, his tax debt was sitting at 37 million Euros. Maradona is working again after cleaning up his act. He was coaching the Venezuelan football team Gimnasia in 2020.

John Arne Riise - Failed Investments

Former Norwegian footballer John Arne Riise has to be one of the most popular players in Norway. After all, he has the most caps for the country. Before retiring in 2013, Riise played for Liverpool for the majority of his career. In 2007, the celebrated footballer was declared bankrupt by the Liverpool County Court.

He was unable to pay his debt of roughly £100,000, according to The Guardian. At just 26 years old, Riise had accrued debts believed to be related to his failed investments in the hospitality industry. Riise is currently the head coach at the Norwegian sports club Flint Tønsberg.

Antoine Walker - Poor Real Estate Investments

Antoine Walker was a star playing for the Celtics, Mavericks, Hawks, Heat, and Timberwolves through his career. The former champion, who made roughly $108 million during his 12 professional seasons, had to declare bankruptcy.

By 2008 just two years after retirement, Antoine Walker was left without money. According to ThinkAdvisor, he attributes the bad debt to poor real estate investment and a lack of financial literacy. Ever since, Antoine has been teaching financial literacy to athletes. Today, fans can find him hosting the SouthSide Heat podcast and a recurring guest on the ESPN radio show, The Locker Room.

Richard Rufus - Failed Investments

Charlton Athletic center back Richard Rufus played for England’s under-21 team six times. He was instrumental to the team winning their first division title in the 1999-2000 season. By 2013, the former star player had declared himself bankrupt due to failed investments. Rufus has recently been the center of attention after being accused of scamming £5.3 million over five years.

Prosecutors have put forth that the footballer who retired in 2004 consequent to an injury had misled investors in a foreign currency scam that ran between 2007 and 2012. Rufus has denied the counts of fraud and will be tried in March 2021 at London’s new Nightingale courts.

Raghib Ismail - Failed Businesses

Raghib “Rocket” Ismail was one of the hottest prospects to arrive out of college football. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver played for both the CFL and the NFL. After successful seasons for the Raiders, Panthers, and Cowboys, Raghib suffered a herniated disk and retired.

His career earnings are estimated at $18 million by Think Advisor. Raghib tried his hand at a rock and roll cafe, a record label called COZ records, and several other companies, but none were successful. He attributes his loss of wealth to failed business ventures. In 2020, Raghib partnered with Panini America and hosts football events in New Orleans for the college playoffs.

Chris McAlister - Financial Mismanagement & Child Support

Chris McAlister spent most of his career as the star cornerback of the Baltimore Ravens before playing his last season with the Saints. McAlister brought in career earnings of $58.4 million, according to Spotrac. In July of 2011, TMZ reported that the NFL Pro Bowler was broke.

The ex-Baltimore Ravens defensive powerhouse declared that he was unemployed since 2009. He filed paperwork in hopes of lowering his $11,000 per month child support, going on to add that he lived with his parents, who covered his basic expenses, and that he could not afford the payments.

Johnny Unitas - Failed Investments

Former star quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, Johnny Unitas will forever be remembered for leading the Colts to victory in what has been called The Greatest Game Ever Played. His first season brought the club out of their slump, starting a career that helped shape how quarterbacks play to this day.

After retiring from the NFL in 1973, Unitas tried several business ventures. Sportscasting reports that his failed business including a circuit board company, restaurants, a broadcast booth, and real estate. In 1991, the Golden Arm was declared bankrupt, listing assets to the value of roughly $1.4 million, with $3.2 million owed in debt.

Chris Eubank - Financial Mismanagement

Boxing legend Chris Eubank rose to acclaim as one of the most talented middleweights in the game. Experts view Chris as the third-best super-middleweight boxer ever, holding his championship title for five years while boasting an undefeated streak for ten. After retiring in 1998 with a record of 45-5, he later ended up bankrupt.

The Express reports that Eubank had amassed debts to the value of £1.3 million by November 2005, attributing the financial decline to delegating his financial management to others. Chris Eubank Junior appears to be following in his father’s footsteps. In 2020, he drew attention from the media after receiving coaching from the boxing superstar Roy Jones Junior.

OJ Simpson - Court Mandated Judgement

O.J. Simpson served as the star running back to the San Francisco 49ers, becoming the first player in the league to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season. Despite his sporting achievements, Simpson will always be remembered for being tried for the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1995.

Celebrity Net Worth estimates his fortune at $3 million, but Simpson has immense debt valued at $70 million. Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman’s families were awarded a judgment of $33.5 million in the 1996 civil suit, which has accrued interest after non-payment. These days, the former NFL running back lives in Las Vegas, where he holds infrequent autograph events.

Terrell Owens - Failed Investments

Former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens is a player who drew in fans and controversy for his over the top touchdown celebrated. The Pro Football Hall of Famer played for several teams but spent most of his career with the 49ers.

Business Insider estimates that Owens earned roughly $80 million through the course of his career. By 2012, most of his wealth was gone. He explained to GQ in an interview that his financial decline resulted from being too trusting of financial advisers. Today, the six-time Pro Bowler remains an entrepreneur while also serving as a fitness expert for hire, model, and motivational speaker.

Dermontti Dawson - Failed Real Estate Investments

Former Steelers star center Dermontti Dawson is a player who spent thirteen seasons and his whole career with the team. Despite many successful years and massive earnings, Dawson filed for bankruptcy in July 2010. He attributed his financial ruin to failed real estate investments, according to an interview with the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Two years after going broke, Dawson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012. These days, the football legend still appears at autograph sessions around the country. Dawson is also a part of the Steelers Men’s Fantasy Camp hosted each year.

Warren Sapp - Financial Mismanagement

Defensive superstar Warren Sapp spent most of his career playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The seven-time Pro Bowler earning over $75 million throughout his career but ended up filing for bankruptcy in 2012 due to amassing $6.7 million in debt.

Despite holding assets to the value of $6.45 million, all of his possessions were liquidated, and he still couldn’t cover his debt. In 2020, the NFL star was awarded a favorable judgment in a case where a fan was suing him for being run into during a Super Bowl party. Lawyer  John Phillips failed to provide enough evidence for his case, and Warren will be paid legal fees.

Archie Griffin - Failed Athletic Shoe Stores

Former star running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, Archie Griffin is the only player ever featured in four Rose Bowls. After seven seasons with the Bengals, Archie joined the Jacksonville Bulls before retiring in 1985. However, four years before retirement, the Ohio State legend went bankrupt.

In 1981, Archie ended up broke after a venture involving six athletic shoe stores failed. The New York Times reported that Archie and his brother owed over $1 million in debt while holding assets valued at approximately $200,000. These days, the Ohio State Alumni left the association as of 2015 and pursues charitable works such as the Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic coming in 2021.

Deuce McAllister - Failed Nissan Franchise

Deuce McAllister spent eight seasons in the NFL as running back for the New Orleans Saints. Dubbed the Deuce, his actual name is Dulymus Jenod McAllister. The Super Bowl XLIV champion earned approximately $70 million through the course of his career, according to Spotrac. In 2009, Deuce filed for bankruptcy protection for his Nissan car dealership in Missippi.

According to ESPN, he did so to protect his vehicle assets after reaching over $6.6 million in debt. The star also lost his Louisiana home with $1.8 million owed on the mortgage in 2011. Deuce is still active in the industry, currently working for the New Orleans Saints as a radio analyst.

Dorothy Hamill - Failed Investments

Olympic figure skating champion of 1976, Dorothy Hamill, was one of the most sensational sports stars of her decade. From starring in Ice Capades for seven years to developing an all-new skating move called the Hamill camel, Dorothy was a big earner and favored star.

Twenty years after winning over the hearts of America on ice, Dorothy filed for bankruptcy on March 28, 1996. She and her ex-husband Kenneth Forsythe bought Ice Capades together, among other business ventures, but it failed. People magazine reported that she was $1.6 in debt at the time of bankruptcy. Greenwich has recently honored the US champ by opening the Dorothy Hamill Rink for public and private sessions.

Mark Brunell - Failed Investments

Backup quarterback to the New York Jets, Mark Brunell amassed over $70 million through his eighteen season career. A string of bad business deals reportedly left Brunell broke. He invested in real estate but lost millions. Brunell’s company Champion LLC lost a total of $11 million. Another $9 million went into the fast-food chain Whataburger which also dwindled.

By 2010, Brunell filed for bankruptcy while still active in the NFL. His debt has reached a startling $24.8 million, with just $5.5 million held in assets. Today, fans can find the NFL legend working as a sports analyst for News4Jax while serving as head coach for the Episcopal School of Jacksonville.

Darren McCarty - Financial Mismanagement, Alcohol, Gambling

Detroit Red Wings veteran and Stanley Cup winner Darren McCarty built a reputation for being one of the game’s roughest right wings. Darren won the Stanley Cup no less than four times before retiring on December 7, 2009. The Detroit fan-favorite ended up as a color analyst for Versus after leaving the league.

Despite pulling in career earnings estimated at $17,007,143, Darren filed for bankruptcy in 2006. His debt had reached $6.2 million. The NHL star also ended up owing three casinos, a total of $185,000. Fans can find Darren running his podcast Grind Time. He has also launched Darren McCarty Pucker Up pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes in the Kalkaska area.

John Daly - Gambling Addiction

Since becoming a professional golfer in the late ‘80s, John Daly has won 5 PGA Tours. As a matter of fact, his career’s earnings are estimated to be over $10 million. However, today, John’s said to be worth merely $2 million, so we can’t help but wonder where he went wrong.

He’s been pretty open about his financial troubles, sharing how his gambling addiction cost him just over $50 million. John’s been able to work past it, however, and he’s now back playing golf. He now lives on an almost 4,500-square-foot mansion in Memphis worth $650K.