(ust) Ronnie Lott, one of the most accomplished defensive backs in NFL history, is also one of the most successful athletes at making the transition to business. He manages .8 billion in private-equity investments and owns Toyota and Mercedes-Benz car dealerships. He advises athletes approaching their 40s who have done little but play sports since they were children. Those athletes face an abyss not unlike the one faced by successful professionals and executives who choose, or are forced into, new midlife careers. USA TODAY corporate management reporter Del Jones asked Lott, 48, about aging athletes and the lessons that their transitions hold for the rest of us.