Two years ago, the Los Angeles Rams made Aaron Donald the richest defensive player in NFL history. They signed him to a six-year, $135 million deal, every penny of which he deserved to get.
He was one-upped by Khalil Mack not long thereafter, but Donald earned enough to retire his parents and set up his kids in the future. He’s treated himself to things like cars and jewelry, but he’s also been financially smart.
On Instagram Live this week, Donald reflected on earning that lucrative contract and shared some advice for rookies as many of them come into this newfound wealth as an NFL player.
“There was times I’d be at my locker just looking at my bank account like, ‘I can’t believe this is mine. I was like, ‘That’s just crazy.’ You go from being a college kid that was at times struggling to make ends meet until you come up to a large amount of money.
“When you see a certain amount of money it’s not really the certain amount of money you see. You make $10 million, they think you’ve got $10 million in your bank account. They don’t understand you’ve got taxes you need to pay and taxes, they’re going to get half of that. You’ve got agents you’ve got to pay, you’ve got people that work for you that you’ve got to pay.”
“Leave generational wealth for your kids when it’s all said and done. you never know how long you’re going to play this game and we all know football don’t last forever. Not everybody’s going to get to that second contract.
“Enjoy it, but at the same time, make sure you put some money to the side and have good people in your corner to make sure you’re not just blowing it.”
Donald is signed through 2024, at which point he’ll be 34 when he hits free agency again. He won’t ever earn a contract as large as the one he just signed, but based on the way he’s played in his first six NFL seasons, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him earn an extension before his current deal ends.
Regardless of how Donald finishes his career, his play on the field and hard work off it have helped set him and his family up for the foreseeable future. And now with a recently earned Bachelor’s degree, Donald has options after his playing career is over, too.
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