For many football stars, money goes just as quickly as it comes. According to Sports Illustrated, nearly 4 out of 5 former NFL players either go bankrupt or suffer severe financial distress within two years of retirement.

Some fall prey to shady financial dealers or investment scams, and others are generous to a fault. Many lose it the old-fashioned way — by spending it as soon as they get their hands on it.

Last updated: Dec. 11, 2020