25 Rich Athletes Who Went Broke

by Drea Knufken May 18, 2009, 2:02 pm 405.1k Views

13. Lawrence Taylor

New York Giants MVP, sack leader, Hall of Famer, 2-time Superbowl champ
Estimated lifetime earnings: $50 million

After retiring from his superstar NFL career, Lawrence Taylor enjoyed his celebrity to the fullest. Known for cavorting with women, openly using cocaine and drinking late into the night, the former defensive end spiraled downwards after he left the league. Police jailed him three times for possession. The IRS caught him for filing a false tax return. Rumors claimed he was involved in a drug and gun ring. He finally declared bankruptcy in 1998. One year later, the Pro Football Hall of Fame rewarded him for cleaning up his act by inducting him.

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13. Lawrence Taylor

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Bjorn Borg Darren McCarty Deuce McAllister Dorothy Hamill Evander Holyfield Jack Clark Johnny Unitas Lawrence Taylor Leon Spinks Raghib "Rocket" Ismael Rollie Fingers Scott Eyre Scott Harrison Sheryl Swoopes toparticles Travis Henry

Written by Drea Knufken

Currently, I create and execute content- and PR strategies for clients, including thought leadership and messaging. I also ghostwrite and produce press releases, white papers, case studies and other collateral.