Marshawn Lynch

[Jiggs]

Somewhat off topic, but football related, as you know Marshawn Lynch retired yesterday. What is remarkable is that it is rumored that he has not spent any of his football money and has lived off of endorsement money.
""Marshawn Lynch has a lot of money," Rapoport said. "He hasn't spent a dime of his actual playing money ... ever."

Presumably, Lynch has been living the last nine years off of endorsements and other business ventures. Lynch is estimated to earn about $5 million per year through endorsement deals with Nike, Pepsi, Skittles, Progressive, and Activision, according to Forbes."

http://www.businessinsider.com/marshawn-lynch-saves-nfl-salary-lives-off-endorsements-2016-2

In an age where their is more awareness about the dangers of football do you think this will be a trend of pro football players voluntarily ending their careers early while they are still healthy, and saving their money for when they are retired from football.

 

[GMAN81]

I think you may see an increase of players voluntarily retiring early. But I doubt their money habits will change much.

 

[Wild_Mustang]

Rob Gronkowski, allegedly, hasn't spent any of his contract money...all endorsements.

If you think about it, who do they play for? I mean, yes, they play for their team but who pays them more? Under Armour, Nike, Adidas, Jordan, etc. That's who they play for, that's who pays them and will continue to pay them even after they retire. Look at D. Rose, biggest letdown in NBA history in my opinion. He doesn't play for the Bulls, he plays for his "brand".

 

[pjjp]

Look at D. Rose, biggest letdown in NBA history in my opinion. He doesn't play for the Bulls, he plays for his "brand".

It's funny you mention Rose. I was thinking of him, as I was reading this thread. His Bulls contract has been disastrous for the team. But, how about the endorsement deal he signed with Addidas? That has to be one of the worst endorsement contracts in sports history. Rose's reputation is so bad that any ad campaign that includes him would persuade many consumers to avoid buying the product. And the Addidas contract is much longer than his contract with the Bulls.

As to NFL players retiring early, Calvin Johnson is the best example. He is still near his peak. You have to think all the recent information about CTE is weighing heavily on their decisions. You saw this last year with the two LB's from the 49ers. I expect the trend to continue.