GAME TIMENOW IT’S REALLY

Stepping up from college football to play in the NFL can be an overwhelming experience. Here are 11 tips to

help you be as successful as you can be.

s a professional you’ll be expected to be in the best shape of your life. How you train can make you stronger, faster and help prevent injuries. Be sure to train smart and utilize the off season.

STAY IN PEAK PHYSICAL

CONDITION.

MAKE AGAME PLAN.

ven though you may just be starting, planning for life after the NFL is essential. The average NFL career only lasts between 3 and 4 years. Even if you play for 10, you’ll need something to do for the following 40 years. It’s never a bad thing to be over prepared. Spend time in the off season thinking about your future. Finish your degree, do internships, and network.

lot of NFL players feel like millionaires. In reality, you have a short career and you want that money to last you. Don’t live beyond your means just because you’re in the NFL. Make a financial plan and don’t make any big investments in the first year. The NFL has a great 401(k) matching policy. Use it.

BE SMART ABOUT MONEY.

MAKE AGAME PLAN.

hink about how much you looked up to NFL players when you were a kid. Try to

live up to the high expectations that are set for you on and off the field. Keep in mind that things are different for you now and any of your actions can become public knowledge. Extend this responsibility into your spending habits.

LIKE IT OR NOT, YOU’RE A ROLE MODEL NOW.

LISTENTO YOUR

DOCTORS.

hey know what they’re talking about. It may seem like playing through an injury is a good idea, but you could be causing more damage and setting yourself up for more injuries down the road.

ACT LIKE A ROOKIE WHILE YOU’RE A ROOKIE.

t can be hard for players to transition from being at the top in college

to being on the bottom in the NFL. In the eyes of your coach and your teammates, you’re the new guy and still need to prove yourself. Give them the respect they deserve and everyone will be happier.

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU

TRUST.

eople want to be friends with NFL players and it’s not always for the right reasons. You need to

be wary of who you trust and think about people’s intentions. You’ll also run into well intentioned friends and family who try to help with your finances, career advice and other areas in which they are not experts. Bad advice from well meaning people can also cause severe damage to your career. Be sure to consult the professional lawyers, financial planners and agents on all important decisions.

HIT THE BOOKS.

his isn’t college anymore, and the NFL is no place for mistakes. Study your

playbook. Study your position. Study the other positions. Listen to your coaches.

nderstand your collective bargaining agreement. Understand

your contract. Know your rights as a player. Get professional legal advice.

KNOW YOUR STUFF.

MAXIMIZEYOURBRAND.

s an NFL player you’re a brand. Use this to your advantage. Strategize with your agent on the best way to utilize your name as a brand.

CHOOSEYOUR AGENT CAREFULLY.

ou need someone equipped for your needs on and off the field. An agent will need to provide a lot of personal

attention, this is going to be a crucial relationship in your life from now on. Find someone you can trust, who has your best interest at heart, and someone you click with.

MAXIMIZEYOURBRAND.

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PRODIRECTSPORTS.COM

ProDirect Sports is a sports management firm that works exclusively with professional football players. We provide a variety of career management services, all with an extremely high level of personal attention. We want our clients to maximize their earning potential during and after their NFL careers. The following 11 tips are a good way to start.