Life after the NFL: league tries to ease transition

Post #1 » by **HMFFL** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 5:20 am

Life after the NFL: league tries to ease transition

The topic was job interviews, unplowed territory for many in the room.

"How do you come across as humble but confident in yourself?" asked Donovin Darius, 34, whose adulthood had been devoted to playing safety in the NFL.

And if the hirer inquires about your desired salary?

Mark Bruener, whose wages that soared to $4.1 million in 2002, was unsure if the job-seeker should propose a figure.

"How would you approach it?" the retired 14-year tight end, 37, asked the moderator, who had asked the group to specify an acceptable salary in their next possible line of work.

"Fifty-to-sixty thousand [dollars]", said ex-safety Dexter Jackson, 32, a Super Bowl MVP who made $1.5 million during his final season in 2008.

For most, converting from running back to wide receiver or from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive alignment is a breeze compared to this: switching from the surreal world of NFL player to the real world of NFL alumnus.

Bankruptcies are all too common for those emerging from such a high-paying endeavor. Depression and divorce are prevalent. Life spans are shorter than for the general population.

Post #2 » by **sunshinekids99** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 12:35 pm

It's nice to see the NFL is willing to help these guys out after they are done playing. Some financial planners would be nice as well.

Post #3 » by **BBallFreak** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 2:30 pm

I agree. Financial planners, job coaches, hell...life coaches. Guys come out of this fantasy land and end up in the real world with no tools to keep themselves afloat. It's hard enough when you actually have the tools, but when you have no concept of reality? It must be damn near impossible...

Pharmcat · Post #4 » by **Pharmcat** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 3:39 pm

all these players need to get financial planners

the best move Arod has made is to give his money to sachs (yea I know they do shady things), but his money is safe and he can live of it

other atheletes have nothing left (see Walker, Tyson, etc)

Munchlaxatives · Post #5 » by **Munchlaxatives** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 4:45 pm

I learned those things in college. Where did those guys go after high school?

Post #6 » by **sunshinekids99** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 4:54 pm

Munchlaxatives wrote:I learned those things in college. Where did those guys go after high school?

I think we know some colleges are a joke for future pro stars in getting them ready for the "real" world. And of course that real world is a whole lot different than what you and me have to go through.

Munchlaxatives · Post #7 » by **Munchlaxatives** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 11:02 pm

I think it might be better to get to these guys in college; what the NFL is doing is great(though they're still ignoring the players that can't walk or function mentally) but this is a large scale problem. Guys that grew up without money are likely to go through their entire fortune before their playing career ends.

Post #8 » by **HMFFL** » Sun Jun 13, 2010 4:50 pm

I'll check out Grady Jackson's barbershop when I have time. I hope it works out for him because I remember his club being a failure.

Grady Jackson's barbershop is a cut above

If you drop by Grady's Cuts in Lawrenceville on the right day, you may find an open seat next to Richard Seymour, Andruw Jones or a member of the Falcons.

Across the street from Discover Mills sits a posh barbershop with high-backed, black-leather chairs, a shop owned by Grady Jackson, a former Falcons defensive lineman.

"We have quite a few celebrities to come through here to get their hair cut," Jackson said recently. "They like the way the barbershop is set up, and they like the atmosphere. There's nobody hounding them for autographs. It's laid-back and cool in here."

Jackson has 10 chairs, and the shop is decorated in a sports theme. He has memorabilia from his stops in the NFL.