Prior to the success of most professional athletes, they played on a college team, but they don’t all complete their degrees. A college degree may seem unnecessary to athletes who make millions of dollars in their careers every year. But what about when their playing career ends? A college degree is equally important to athletes, and WriteMyEsssayZ prepared this list of smartest players to prove it to you.

Drew Brees

Brees studied industrial management at Purdue University and graduated in 2001. Brees established the Brees Dream Foundation to improve the standard of living for cancer patients, and support families and children in need.

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

He almost completed his medical degree at McGill University when he was drafted. He later completed his degree during the offseason. He is the first NFL player who became a licensed doctor while playing in the league.

Draymond Green

Golden State Warriors drafted Green in 2012 after he obtained communications degree from Michigan State University. He took part in championship title of the team in 2015, 2017, and 2018.

Mia Hamm

Hamm got her political science degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Later, she joined the U.S. women’s national soccer team. In 1996, she led the team to an Olympic gold medal.

Michelle Kwan

Kwan is an ice skating icon with nine U.S. championships, five world championships, and two Olympic medals. She started college at UCLA before she later transferred to the University of Denver, where she got a degree in international studies.

Von Miller

Von Miller obtained a bachelor’s degree in poultry science before he became an NFL player. He raises chicks when he is not playing or practicing.

Cam Newton

After joining the NFL, Newton completed his college coursework. He obtained a degree in sociology from Auburn University. Outside of football, he stays busy with charity work. He established the Cam Newton Foundation to support children’s social, physical, and educational needs. Also, he hosts fundraisers and visits local children’s hospitals.

Victor Oladipo

He obtained a bachelor’s degree in sports communication broadcasting at Indiana University. The Orlando Magic drafted him after he graduated but later traded him to the Indiana Pacers in 2017.

Shaquille O’Neal

The Orlando Magic drafted Shaq into the NBA before he earned a degree at Louisiana State University. Eight years after he was drafted, he returned to complete his bachelor’s degree in general studies. He didn’t stop pursuing education. He earned an MBA at the University of Phoenix.

Venus Williams

Williams remains a well-decorated tennis player till date. She is the first African American woman to make the first position in the player ranking for tennis Open Era. Williams completed a bachelor’s degree while amid her career. She earned a degree in business administration from Indiana University in 2015.

Conclusion

All the athletes that we mentioned above stand as great examples that other athletes need to emulate. While a college degree may seem unimportant to athletes with careers, it becomes very important as soon as their athletic careers end.

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