Former NFL wide receiver Marques Colston is making waves in private equity with Champion Venture Partners, a firm dedicated to providing athletes access to high-growth alternative asset investments. 

The North Dakota-based private equity firm, co-founded with former MMA fighter Nick Edwards, has already secured $100m in equity and is actively deploying capital across multiple sectors.

Colston, who played for the New Orleans Saints for over a decade and won a Super Bowl in 2010, understands firsthand the financial challenges athletes face post-retirement. “There’s a really short time horizon on your athletic career where you have your earning potential,” he told Forbes. “Once you retire… you’re kind of left bridging the gap between your playing career and when you can access your benefits.”

Champion Venture Partners aims to address this issue by offering investment opportunities tailored for former professional athletes, ensuring they maintain financial stability beyond their sports careers. The firm has already backed organizations that support student-athletes, drive community impact, and advance healthcare research.

The firm’s investment strategy combines traditional asset classes with high-growth opportunities. “We’re looking at real estate, a tech company, and another six or seven businesses currently in due diligence,” Colston said.

With $100m raised and an expanding investment pipeline, Champion Venture Partners is positioning itself as a key player in the emerging sports-focused private equity landscape, helping athletes transition from the field to financial success.