Through this dissertation, I seek to examine the sports retirement of Division II Black male student-athletes and how they negotiate their identity as they transition into sports retirement. Consistent with similar research on Black male student-athletes, this dissertation makes the argument that the racialization of many college campuses contributes to Black male student-athlete's identity development and identity negotiation during sports retirement. Specifically, the racialization that results from institutions' view of Black males less as students and more as athletic commodities. In this dissertation, I seek to answer the following research questions: 1) How do Black male student-athletes at the Division II level navigate the process of transition from their active engagement in athletics programs to sports retirement? 2) How do Black retired male student-athletes at the Division II level negotiate their identity as athletes and their new identity as non-athletes? 3) How does the process of transition affect the mental health of retired Black male Division II student athletes? 4) What type of supportive structures (relationships, program, and resources) do Black male Division II student athletes rely on or find relevant to navigate this transition process? In order to answer the research questions, I utilize a qualitative narrative approach using semi-structured interviews as a way to first understand the collegiate experiences of Black male student-athletes to understand their identity development journey. Understanding their identity development journey helps in understanding how they negotiate their identity during sports retirement. The implications of this study provide insight to athletic leaders through a better-informed understanding of the experience's Black male student-athletes have during college and how these experiences play a significant role in their identity development and identity negotiation during sports retirement. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]