Average career of NFL RB is 2.6 years

[retired711]

I had a friend in my gym who tried out to the then Boston Patriots camp as a defensive tackle. He was pulled aside by all pro offensive tackle, John Hannah. His advice to my friend was " If you make it on the Team, safeguard your money. Don't buy a big house or fancy sports cars. So many guys that I know only lasted 2 or 3 years in the NFL and are now broke." At the time John was driving a 5 or 6 year old pickup truck.

Hannah had a long and outstanding career that led him to be the first Patriot inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I would take what he says *very* seriously. I hope your friend followed his advice.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hannah_(American_football)

 

[yesrutgers01]

Hannah had a long and outstanding career that led him to be the first Patriot inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I would take what he says *very* seriously. I hope your friend followed his advice.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hannah_(American_football)

Keep in mind that Hannah played at a time where most OL were getting under 200k- I am not sure he ever made over 300k in any year. Heck- Joe Montana wasn't even earning $1 mil base pay back then.

 

[batts]

Hannah had a long and outstanding career that led him to be the first Patriot inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I would take what he says *very* seriously. I hope your friend followed his advice.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hannah_(American_football)

Hannah was one of the best ever. Actually, my friend made to one of the last cuts. Problem was my friend was undersized and had to load up on steroids to maintain weight, but it wasn't sustainable.

Interesting side story though. My friend's father fought as a marine in the battle of Chosin Reservoir. I know this because my friend "borrowed" my book on the battle to give to his father as a present. One of the heros featured in my book was Hector Cafferata who received the Medal of Honor and who lived in Lake Hiawatha, Boonton and Montville, NJ, not too far from the gym in Boonton where my friend and I worked out. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hector_A._Cafferata_Jr.

 

[retired711]

Keep in mind that Hannah played at a time where most OL were getting under 200k- I am not sure he ever made over 300k in any year. Heck- Joe Montana wasn't even earning $1 mil base pay back then.

You're right -- but of course everything costs much more now, especially a fancy car and a fancy house. It still seems like sound advice to me.

 

[yesrutgers01]

You're right -- but of course everything costs much more now, especially a fancy car and a fancy house. It still seems like sound advice to me.

all very true- it's funny, when our son was in his first year- he did get a new car- and while he went with a nice one- it wasn't crazy- went with a new Camaro - and went with a rental of a townhouse.
But- whet he didn't realize- was the cost of furniture, pots, pans, linens, etc...And coming from what he was used to and being a 300lb man- Ikea was not going to work.

Furnishing and necessities for a townhouse had to be pushing 20k - and that wasn't going crazy. BBB and Pier 1 for most everything.
Throw in the rookie dinner that cost him almost 25k cash and a couple of destination weddings for teammates.
And he still got over 6 figures into savings that first year.