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Former NFL star Joe Haden has managed to secure quite a fortune for himself.
With millions to their name in contracts, athletes often find various other means to broaden their opportunities to make money. Along with other endorsement deals and possible alternate careers, investments are also popular. Joe Haden, who invested $250,000 in StockX, surely agrees.
In a recent interview, Haden revealed how his 1% stake in StockX earned him $14 million. The journey, however, began with his shoe store.
"When I got signed with the Browns, I opened a shoe store in Cleveland called 'The Restock'. It was there for probably three to four years. It was (a) dope store bro. I had the Yeezys, I had the crazy Jordans. I had the crazy Supreme Gear. It was nice".
However, NBA team owner and businessman Dan Gilbert came to him with a business idea.
"His son was like, 'Hey Joe! We were thinking about making a stock market for shoes'. I think that's the best idea I've ever heard in my entire life".
Later, Haden asked what he would need to do to get ownership at their new venture. Apparently, Gilbert brought in Haden and other celebrities like Eminem, Andrew Hawkins, Mark Wahlberg, and Usher.
"He has 51% of the company. He gave 49% to people he rocks with. So long story short, it's like $250,000 for 1% of StockX. We're talking about StockX is valuated at $3.5 billion. And we got $250,000 in and so that's like around $14 million".
When did Joe Haden retire from the NFL?
Beginning his career with the Cleveland Browns in 2010, Joe Haden was with the team for six seasons. Moving to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, he played until the 2021 season.
Officially, however, he signed a one-day contract with the Browns so he could retire in Cleveland. The three-time Pro Bowler recorded 19 interceptions in 90 games and 155 pass breakups with the Browns.
Of course, Haden made the decision to retire with the Browns because of his fans.
"What made me want to retire as a Browns player was the city of Cleveland and the fans that I connected with," Haden said. "I got drafted there at 21 years old. I was a kid, and I really feel like I grew up in Cleveland. Living in the city and the connection that I had with Browns fans was unbelievable."
He ranks seventh all-time in NFL history with 155 pass breakups since the statistic was first recorded in 1994, and he has led the league in that category since being drafted seventh overall from Florida in 2010. With 101 pass breakups, he is the Browns' all-time leader.
