A former linebacker in the National Football League (NFL), he served as the athletic director at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee between 2009 and 2010 before continuing his career in higher education.
While still encouraging her kids to participate in sports, Koonce said his mother also ensured he fulfilled his school requirements.
"[4] Koonce was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons out of the East Carolina University, but was waived during the preseason.
In 1999, he founded the George Koonce Sr. Foundation to provide underprivileged children with educational, athletic, artistic and social opportunities to support their development.
Earning his Master's in Sports Management from East Carolina University and Ph.D. from Marquette University (one of only two players in Packers 100-year history to earn a PhD), Koonce has affectionately become known as “The Doctor of Defense.” He is a member of the NFL Player Engagement Advisory Board and has co-authored a book entitled Is There Life After Football?
[9] He served as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
"[10] In 2014, Koonce was hired as the Vice-President of Advancement at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
[11] The university described his job duties as "growing awareness and increasing philanthropic support" within the region.
He also led the Dr. George E. Koonce Scholars Program, which helps fund higher education for youth from Milwaukee.