Commanders Owner Magic Johnson Passes Down His Entrepreneurial Playbook to WR Terry McLaurin

They say the greatest players make the best coaches, and Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a living proof of the same. The NBA legend, who built an approximate $1.2 billion business portfolio after his playing days, is now mentoring Commanders’ star receiver Terry McLaurin on the art of entrepreneurship.

In a tweet accompanied by a photo of them together, Johnson revealed, “I took Commanders star receiver Terry McLaurin to lunch today in Los Angeles to talk about the Commanders, life after football, and his entrepreneurial aspirations!”

For McLaurin, who has emphasized the importance of guiding a rookie quarterback, expressing, “My job when they get here is to help bring him along as well as I can because we’ll go as far as the quarterback goes,” Johnson’s wisdom could be invaluable. After all, the five-time NBA champion knows a thing or two about transitioning from the spotlight to the boardroom.

Johnson recalled on the “Kneading Dough” podcast in 2019, “My wife came home one day and she changed my life. She said you have talked about being a businessman, so it’s time for you to start thinking about getting into business.” Those words sparked his entrepreneurial fire, leading to strategic investments in Burger King, 24-Hour Fitness, and TGI Fridays.

However, Johnson’s crown jewel remains the groundbreaking deal with Starbucks. Skeptical at first, CEO Howard Schultz witnessed Johnson’s grasp of the market firsthand during a screening at a Magic Johnson Enterprises theater. “That got me the deal,” Johnson said, launching the creation of the Urban Coffee Opportunities organization and over 125 Starbucks locations in urban hubs.

These are just the tip of the iceberg for the Commanders’ owner who post his retirement in 1996 drafted a productive entrepreneurial profile, reportedly worth north of $1 billion. With such immense experience Johnson’s playbook could be the key to unlocking success beyond the field for McLaurin as he navigates the complexities of the NFL and prepares for his next act,

McLaurin’s journey from the gridiron to the boardroom with Magic Johnson

While dazzling fans with his on-field prowess, racking up 79 receptions for 1,002 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2023, Terry McLaurin is setting his sights on a future beyond football. And who better to guide him than Magic Johnson, whose transition from NBA stardom to business magnate is the stuff of legends?

Johnson’s $100 million deal with Starbucks serves as a blueprint for McLaurin, showcasing the power of authenticity and community engagement. By recognizing the untapped potential in underserved urban areas, Johnson not only unlocked economic opportunities but also inspired others to see beyond conventional boundaries.

Like Johnson, McLaurin’s journey has been marked by unwavering determination and a hunger for success. Despite the Commanders’ 4-13 record in 2023, McLaurin remained a consistent target, achieving a career-high 141 receiving yards against the Rams in Week 15.

In a world where athletes are increasingly recognized for their business acumen, McLaurin’s journey represents the intersection of passion, perseverance, and opportunity. And with Magic Johnson as his mentor, the playbook for success is being written one chapter at a time, much like Johnson’s own transformation from “I didn’t even know what stocks was at that time” era to a billion-dollar empire.