What human didn’t want to “be like Mike?” If not for his infamous moves on the basketball court, but for setting fame aside and obtaining his Bachelor’s in Geography while playing for the Chicago Bulls.
Here are a few examples of professional athletes who had it all, and still decided that a college degree was worth the investment:
- Five-time world champion figure skater Michelle Kwan graduated from the University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in international studies in 2009. She’s now getting her master’s degree at Tufts University.
- Long after he turned pro, Boston Celtics star Shaquille O’Neal finished up his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Louisiana State University. Next he earned his MBA degree online from the University of Phoenix.
- Tennis superstar Venus Williams turned pro at age 14, but she still found time to earn her associate’s degree in fashion design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.
- Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith received his bachelor’s degree in public recreation at the University of Florida while he was a member of the Dallas Cowboys.