The life of a former athlete can take many different directions. Some retired athletes decide to try their hand at another sport, modeling, or sports commentary. The avenues of ‘life after’ are endless.

Continue through the gallery to see what your favorite former athlete has been up to.

Following his career as the NBA's most dominant center ever, Dr. Shaquile O'Neal, Ed.d is doing quite well for himself. He's a mainstay on the Emmy award-winning TV Show NBA on TNT and makes frequent guest appearances on several well-known talk shows. Shaq also once became a part-time police officer, owns a huge portfolio of businesses, and in 2012 he earned a doctoral degree in education from Barry University.

Photography: Instagram/@shaq

NBA legend and former Duke Blue Devils forward Grant Hill was best known as a versatile team player that could seamlessly step into the role of a point guard or shooting guard. These days, you can catch Hill on various TV shows and podcasts shelling out sports commentary or dancing with his wife, R&B singer Tamia, on social media.

Photography: Instagram/@realgranthill

Mr. Michael Strahan quickly found his calling in life after football – the former Giants’ defensive end and NFL Hall of Famer, he is now a well-known personality. You can catch the Super Bowl Champion and two-time Emmy winner on ABC's "Good Morning America".

Photography: Instagram/@michaelstrahan

WNBA pioneer Lisa Leslie was the first female player to dunk in a WNBA game and she's still recognized as one of the greatest ball players in history. She garnered major attention in the 90s by becoming one of the world's best athletes all while wearing a full face of makeup during her games. Leslie now coaches the Triplets of the Big3 basketball professional league.

Photography: Instagram/@lisaleslie

Mr. Prime Time himself, Deion Sanders is still very involved in football. Following retirement, he held a number of TV commentator jobs on CBS and ESPN. These days he's known, as Coach Prime – the head coach of Jackson State University's football team. During his time at the Historic Black College, Sanders completely transformed the football program and brought much-deserved media attention to HBCU football.

Photography: Instagram/@deionsanders

After a model 27-year playing career, Serena Williams is officially the most decorated tennis player of all time. As a sendoff gift to herself, she broke two records during her very last tournament. These days you can follow Serena on her Instagram where she posts about her life as a mom, entrepreneur, and her experience as one of the world's greatest athletes.

Photography: Instagram/@serenawilliams

Although he hung up his uniform in 2003, Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe is still very involved with football. When he’s not sharing talking points on FS1's Skip and Shannon: Undisputed, he is usually in the gym working out or interviewing guests on his podcast "Club Shay Shay."

Photography: Instagram/@shannonsharpe84