As Superbowl weekend approaches, one noteworthy topic widely covered by sports reporters over the last year was off the field… the Tom Brady/ Gisele Bunchen divorce. They were not the only NFL couple to divorce this year. Certainly not the only athlete couple to split. It is estimated that 85 percent of professional athletes will end up divorced — some of them multiple times over.
Athlete divorce has received much attention in recent years. The reasons for the divorces can be attributed to various factors, including the stress and pressure associated with high-level competition, the financial implications of winning, and the increased public scrutiny and attention that comes with success.
Competing at a high level in sports can be extremely stressful and demanding. Athletes are under constant pressure to perform and to maintain their physical and mental health. This can put a strain on their relationships and can lead to conflicts and problems in their personal lives. The stress and pressure of competition can also lead to changes in behavior and personality, which can be difficult for partners to understand and cope with.
Another factor that may create tension in the marriage is athletes are often in the public eye, and their personal lives are subject to intense media attention. This can be overwhelming, especially for partners who are not used to being in the spotlight. The attention and scrutiny can also put a strain on relationships, as couples may feel like they are constantly being watched and judged. Furthermore, the public scrutiny that comes with success can also be a contributing factor to athlete divorce after championships.
Even when both members of the couple are famous, it may be difficult for an athlete to give time to his or her personal life. Gisele was vocal about Tom Brady’s lack of focus on his family. Brady admitted he needs to make more of an effort to spend time together.
Seemingly many athletes end up engaged in a divorce after they achieve the high point of their career. Perhaps because after championships there is the financial implications of winning. Winning a championship may lead to a better financial position, which can bring its own set of problems. The influx of money can put a strain on relationships, as couples may disagree on how to invest (or spend) their newfound wealth. Additionally, the public attention that comes with winning can lead to increased scrutiny and public criticism and/or amorous attention from the public , which can be difficult for athletes and their partners to handle.
More than a whopping 60 percent of professional athletes are broke within five years of retirement, despite having had average annual incomes of $1.6 million per year during their careers. There is a saying NFL really means “Not For Long” and perhaps there is some truth. When compared to other professions, the career of a professional athlete is relatively short — a reality reflected in most standard athletic contracts. These often stipulate that, rather than a guarantee, athletes have only an expectancy of receiving future income.
Divorce is not only an expensive process, it depletes what the athlete may have saved or built up over his or her career — if he or she has succumbed to the temptation of spending money as fast as it comes in, there’s a good possibility that the athlete’s post-career will find him or her broke.
In conclusion, athlete divorce after championships is a complex issue that can be attributed to a variety of factors. The stress and pressure of competition, the financial implications of winning, and the increased public scrutiny can all contribute to relationship difficulties and eventual divorce. It is important for athletes and their partners to seek support and to be aware of the potential challenges they may face to ensure a successful relationship.
