The $35 Million Pivot: Where Is Kris Humphries Now? From NBA Star To Hot Chicken Mogul And Pickleball Pro

The former NBA power forward, Kris Humphries, has successfully transitioned from the professional basketball court to the world of entrepreneurship and a surprising new athletic career. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the athlete once primarily known for his brief, high-profile marriage to Kim Kardashian is making headlines for his business acumen in the fast-casual dining space and his competitive spirit on the pickleball court. His post-basketball life is proving to be as intense and lucrative as his 13-year tenure in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The curiosity surrounding Kris Humphries' life after basketball and reality television has never truly waned, especially given the dramatic nature of his 72-day marriage and subsequent divorce from the reality star. However, the Minnesota native has deliberately shifted his focus, building a quiet but impressive portfolio that includes a significant net worth and a commitment to his home state. The latest updates reveal a man who has traded in the glare of the Hollywood spotlight for the strategic investments of a seasoned businessman and the competitive thrill of a rapidly growing sport.

Kris Humphries: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Kris Humphries, born in Minnesota, rose to prominence as a talented basketball player before his personal life became a media sensation. His career is marked by athletic achievement, a lucrative NBA contract, and a highly publicized relationship that reshaped his public image.

• Full Name: Kris Nathan Humphries
• Date of Birth: February 6, 1985
• Place of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
• Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
• Position: Power Forward / Center
• College: University of Minnesota (One season)
• NBA Draft: 1st Round, 14th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft (Selected by the Utah Jazz)
• NBA Career Span: 2004–2017 (13 Seasons)
• NBA Teams: Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks
• Career Earnings (Estimated): Over $62 million
• Current Net Worth (Estimated): $35 million
• Most Famous Relationship: Married to Kim Kardashian (August 2011 – October 2011). Divorce finalized in April 2013.
• Post-NBA Career: Entrepreneur (Restaurant Franchisee) and Professional Pickleball Player.

The Surprising Pivot: From NBA Hardwood to Pickleball Court

After his NBA career concluded in 2017, many speculated about Humphries' next move. While his professional basketball career was solid, featuring stints with eight different teams, his retirement was a quiet formality. The biggest surprise came years later with his entry into the world of professional pickleball, a sport that has exploded in popularity.

Humphries officially joined the competitive pickleball circuit, a move that stunned many who remembered him as a dominant force in the paint. He has been seen competing in events associated with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour. This transition is not merely a hobby; it reflects a genuine competitive drive and a desire to remain an elite athlete.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

His natural athletic ability, stemming from his youth as a national-level competitive swimmer before he focused on basketball, gives him a unique advantage in the fast-paced, strategic game of pickleball. The sport demands quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and strategic positioning—all skills that translate well from the basketball court. His commitment to the sport demonstrates his desire to carve out a new identity beyond his NBA and reality TV past, focusing purely on athletic merit.

A Taste of Entrepreneurship: The Hot Chicken Franchise

While his athletic pursuits are noteworthy, Humphries' most significant recent endeavor is in the business world. He has leveraged his substantial NBA earnings and his roots in Minnesota to become a major franchisee for the popular Nashville-style hot chicken chain, Dave's Hot Chicken. This move cements his status as a serious entrepreneur.

This venture is a major commitment, with plans to open multiple locations across the state of Minnesota. The first location is highly anticipated, with an expected opening in early 2025 in The Duffey area of Minneapolis. This strategic business move allows Humphries to invest in his home state and tap into the lucrative fast-casual market, showcasing a sharp business sense that often goes unacknowledged by the celebrity media.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

The transition to business ownership is a common path for retired athletes, but Humphries' scale and focus on a rapidly expanding brand like Dave's Hot Chicken highlights a calculated risk. His involvement provides the company with a high-profile, recognizable partner, while for Humphries, it offers a long-term, tangible asset that contributes to his impressive $35 million net worth.

The Legacy of the 72-Day Marriage and the Annulment Battle

Despite his athletic achievements—including a career-high 31 points and nearly 5,400 career points—Kris Humphries' name remains inextricably linked to his marriage to Kim Kardashian. The relationship, which culminated in a lavish televised wedding, lasted only 72 days before Kardashian filed for divorce in October 2011.

The ensuing legal battle was long and contentious. Humphries initially sought an annulment, arguing that the marriage was a fraud perpetrated for the benefit of the reality show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians." This pursuit of an annulment, rather than a simple divorce, dragged the proceedings out for nearly two years. The case was finally settled in April 2013, just before it was set to go to trial, with Humphries agreeing to a divorce settlement and dropping his demand for an annulment.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

In the years since the split, Humphries has largely maintained a private life, choosing to step away from the reality television spotlight that consumed his brief marriage. His current focus on competitive pickleball and his entrepreneurial ventures with Dave's Hot Chicken represent a definitive, successful move to reclaim his narrative and establish a legacy based on his own professional merits, rather than a short-lived celebrity spectacle.