It is a great question that highlights a significant gap in how we value athletes once the roar of the crowd fades away. We often treat them like commodities during their peak, but once they retire, that support system frequently vanishes, leaving them to navigate identity crises or financial instability on their own. While some high-profile stars transition into media roles or coaching, the vast majority of athletes struggle to find that same level of purpose and community in the civilian world. We definitely tend to romanticize their active years while being somewhat indifferent to their post-game realities. Ultimately, acknowledging that their human needs persist long after the trophy cases are full would be a much-needed shift in our sports culture.