Spend six years playing in the NFL, appear in one Super Bowl game, and you would have earned enough money to retire before age 27 and buy your dream retirement home in Santa Monica.
Such is the true tale of Rashard Mendenhall, the former NFL running back who retired from professional football a few months ago and just closed the deal on a condominium residence in the northeastern corner of Santa Monica.
Mendenhall purchased a two-bedroom, two-bath condominium on Montana Avenue near Stanford Street and in the shadows of the Brentwood Country Club. The reported selling price was $1.4 million. According to multiple real estate listings, the sale was completed June 30.
According to information provided by the listing agent from Sotheby’s International, Mendenhall’s new residence features high ceilings, natural lights, stainless steel appliances, and a private rooftop deck providing ocean and city views.
The condo, which was reportedly built in 2000, is listed as 1,800 square feet in size.
Clara Yang represented the property on behalf of Sotheby’s, while Mendenhall purchased his new residence through Neil McDermott of Hilton & Hyland.
Mendenhall last played as a member of the Arizona Cardinals during the 2013 season. It was his only season in the NFL’s Phoenix franchise. Prior to his stint with the Cardinals, Mendenhall spent his first five seasons as a professional football player with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After the Steelers drafted him in 2008, Mendenhall agreed to a five-year, $12.55 million contract. When the Steelers did not re-sign him in 2013, Mendenhall came to terms with the Cardinals on a one-year, $2.5 million deal.
In March, Mendenhall’s contract with the Cardinals expired and the running back announced his retirement from the NFL. He was 26 at the time.
Upon his retirement from the NFL, Mendenhall issued a statement to the media explaining his decision.
“I’ve greatly enjoyed my time, but I no longer wish to put my body at risk for the sake of entertainment,” Mendenhall wrote. “I think about the rest of my life and I want to live it with much quality. And physically, I am grateful that I can walk away feeling as good as I did when I stepped into it.”
He added he plans to write and chase his “desires and passions without restriction.”
Mendenhall’s best season in the NFL was in 2010. As a third-year running back with the Steelers, he played in all 16 games of the regular season and compiled career highs in total rushing yards (1,273), carries (324), and rushing touchdowns (13).
The Steelers made it to the Super Bowl that season, but lost to the Green Bay Packers. Mendenhall was on the roster when the Steelers won the Super Bowl after the 2008 season.
Prior to his NFL career, Mendenhall was a top football recruit in Illinois. He played his college career at the University of Illinois. The Steelers selected him with the 23rd overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
