A Playbook for Success: Top Considerations for Athletes Before Entering Franchising

For many athletes, the hardest part of planning for life after sports is knowing where to begin. The structure and routine that define a playing career do not automatically translate into a second career, and the transition can feel abrupt if you wait until the end to think about it.

Franchising has become an appealing option for athletes who want to build something steady while they are still competing.

My brother Zachary and I entered franchising early in our NFL careers because we wanted a long-term plan that could grow alongside football. Our experience is only one example, but the lessons we have learned apply to any athlete considering business ownership.

Understand the franchise model

A common misconception is that franchising is a turnkey operation. Many athlete entrepreneurs might assume that if you follow the system, the business will run itself. The franchise model provides the framework, but execution ultimately depends on the owner. You must build systems, make decisions, and lead people. The playbook is there, but you are responsible for running it.

Athletes are trained for preparation and repetition, which helps. Still, franchising is not automatic. It requires consistent involvement, especially early on.

Choose partners and operators with complete trust

The availability of active players in the business will shift throughout the year, which makes their choice of operational partners one of the most important decisions they will make. They need someone who can lead operations when they cannot, who communicates clearly, and who shares their long-term vision. For us, that person is our partner, Andrew Alves, who manages the day-to-day operations during the NFL season and keeps the business running at a high standard.

Our structure is simple. We make major strategic decisions in the offseason when we can give them our full attention. Once the season begins, our operational partner takes the lead so we can stay focused on football. That arrangement only works because the trust was established early, and the expectations are clear.

Use athletic habits and manage the ones that can get in the way

Athletes bring several strengths into franchising. Discipline, accountability, and resilience translate directly. They are accustomed to showing up every day, adjusting when things go wrong, and staying focused on long-term goals.

There are also tendencies that can become obstacles. Impatience is one of them. In sports, improvement can happen quickly. In business, growth takes time. Early on, we rushed a new hire to move faster, and it ended up costing us more time and money than if we had slowed down. The lesson is simple: move fast when the foundation is solid, and not before.

Evaluate opportunities based on lifestyle

Many athletes might envision that they will end up in more familiar industries, like food or fitness. But the right franchise depends on their schedule, goals, and long-term vision.

When comparing opportunities, athletes should ask themselves:

• Does this model fit my lifestyle during the season and the offseason?
• Can it scale at the pace I want?
• Does it align with my long-term goals?
• Can I realistically contribute during the season?

The best franchise is the one that fits their reality, not the one that fits a stereotype.

Lead with clarity and consistency

Leading employees is different from leading teammates. In sports, everyone is chasing the same goal. In business, people are motivated by different goals such as income, flexibility, stability, and growth. Effective leadership requires understanding what each person values and creating a culture that supports them while maintaining high standards.

Before each season, we define roles and responsibilities, so nothing falls through the cracks. That preparation allows us to stay focused on football without the business losing momentum.

Adopt a long-term financial mindset

Athletes are familiar with short, high-intensity earning windows. Business is the opposite. You must think in years, not weeks. There will be strong months and slower months. Financial discipline and patience matter.

The most important piece of advice is to start planning early. Building a second career while you are still playing makes the transition out of sports smoother and more intentional. Franchising has given us a bridge into life after football, and it can do the same for other athletes who approach it with the right mindset.

Cameron and Zachary Thomas own three Aussie Pet Mobile territories in Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Fe, and Del Mar, California. Cameron is a defensive end with the Atlanta Falcons, and Zachary is an offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers.