Detroit Lions wide receiver Ryan Broyles is entering the final season of his rookie contract this year. The former second-round pick has appeared in only 11 games over the past two seasons and caught just 10 passes during that span, so there may not be much interest for him on the free agent market in 2016.
Fortunately, Broyles doesn’t feel that he needs the money.
Earlier this week, the 27-year-old told Michael Rothstein of ESPN that he takes great pride in his knowledge of financial planning and tries to live off of about $60,000 per year. Everything else goes toward investments and retirement savings to prepare for life after football.
Broyles has made about $3 million in his NFL career, but he and his wife Mary Beth both drive Mazdas. He spends more time researching smart ways to invest money than he does combing through reviews on new cars.
“I studied as much as I could,” Broyles explained. “Talked to people wealthier than me, smarter than me. So that definitely helps. Whatever comes (financially from football), it’s just a blessing. But I got the mindset of a businessman off the field, I’ll tell you that.”
Being proactive has allowed Broyles to focus on football and not stress over money.
“When I come to work, I don’t think about the money, man,” he said. “I can tell you that, without a doubt. There might be some guys that do but I put myself in a position where I come out here and have fun.
“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.”
Many professional athletes make enough money during their careers to last their entire life, but it doesn’t always work out that way. We see countless examples of star players (this guy immediately comes to mind) who live beyond their means and get carried away at a young age. Broyles deserves credit for being determined to not become just another former NFL player with no cash in his pocket.
