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"My wife has no worries. My child has no worries."
The media almost always points to NFL players as celebrities who spend money frivolously — nice cars, penthouse suites and diamond-studded jewelry are just a few things that come to mind when picturing a professional athlete "out in the wild." But that's not the case for Detroit Lions player Ryan Broyles.
Throughout his football career, he's lived off $60,000 a year, despite recently signing a $3.6 million contract, per ESPN.
He credits this choice to his interest in finance, which has budded over the last three years — and also, facing the facts: according to a 2009 study, 12 percent of NFL players go bankrupt within 12 years of retirement. Researchers believe it's due to not saving what they have.
Broyles, who has a wife named Mary Beth and newborn son Sebastian, is thinking ahead.
"Whatever comes, it's just a blessing. But I got the mindset of a businessman off the field, I'll tell you that," he told ESPN.
That "businessman" mentality is what inspired him to not only invest, but live frugally as well. Hence the $60,000 "salary" he and his wife allot for themselves. He tries to stick to the budget, with wiggle room of course. But for the most part, it's all about saving.
He drives a Mazda and ESPN reports that he still has his college ride: a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
He continues to invest and studies as much as he can on it. But he understands he's in a position of privilege to be able to do it in the first place. Still, that doesn't mean he wants to blow it either. Because of his choices, that doesn't look like a possibility.
"I don't have that pressure, you know what I mean. My wife has no worries. My child has no worries. For the most part, I can help my family, you know."
Some have criticized for the choice, saying it's because of his standing in the league, but he responded to one naysayer, telling her that isn't the case.
To him, football and finances aren't mutually exclusive.
never hurts to live below your means
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