NFL Players' Podcast

The biggest contract of your life is not the number on the headline. Jeff Locke opens with the math on a $132 million deal: $100 million "guaranteed," about $80 million likely to be paid, and roughly $45 million in your pocket after tax and agent fees.

From there, Sam Acho, Zach Miller, Jeff Locke, and host Riccardo Stewart go around the table on what it actually feels like to get paid in the NFL, and what separates the players who get it right from the ones who get it wrong.

On the wrong side: trusting people you don't need...

In this episode of the NFL Players' Podcast, Sam Acho, Zach Miller, Jeff Locke, and Riccardo Stewart pick up where last episode's Rich Paul conversation left off: is $200 million actually enough to build a 1Hundred Year Family? The guys break down the three things that separate athletes who build real multi-generational wealth from those who don't — integration (getting your whole team rowing in the same direction), specialization (working with advisors who only serve athletes), and the real numbers behind "ultra wealth," including the estate tax most players never see coming. It's a raw, locker-room breakdown of what it actually ta...

Rich Paul told his own clients that $200 million isn't enough money. On this episode, Sam Acho, Zach Miller, Jeff Locke, and Riccardo Stewart kick off a new series, The 1Hundred Year Family, to find out why he's right. They break down exactly where a $200 million contract actually goes: the taxes nobody explains at the rookie symposium, the 40% estate tax waiting on the back end, and the lifestyle creep that quietly sinks more careers than any bad investment. This is part one of a series on what it really takes to build wealth that outlasts your own career — and your ki...

Everyone talks about the number on a signing bonus. Almost nobody talks about what happens to it before it reaches your account. In this episode, the guys break down when rookies and veterans actually get paid, why the state you play in and the team you sign with change how much you keep, and the specific tax-withholding strategy AWM's team used to put an extra $100,000 back in one client's pocket — all without any of it becoming a guessing game.

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[00:00] Welcome back to the NFL Players' Podcast

[00:00] Setting up today's topic: what's really happening be...

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of AWM Capital, sharing personal stories from our own journeys as NFL players and what inspired us to champion athlete-focused wealth management. We discuss the challenges pros face both on and off the field, the shortcomings of the broader financial industry, and the passion that drives their unique team approach. With candid reflections and powerful insights, this conversation offers listeners a rare window into why serving athlete families is different—and how real change happens from within the locker room. If you want to understand the bigger picture of athlete we...

Step inside the high-stakes transition from draft day dreams to real-life NFL careers as hosts Riccardo Stewart, Zach Miller, Sam Acho, and Jeff Locke unite for an unfiltered conversation.

Drawing on their combined 20 years of league experience, they peel back the curtain on everything rookies face after hearing their names called—revealing surprising truths about NFL paychecks, tax pitfalls, smart real estate choices, and the off-the-field team every player needs.

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a seasoned pro, or just curious what it really takes to succeed beyond the game, this episode serves up firs...

Join host Riccardo Stewart alongside Zach Miller, Sam Acho, and Jeff Locke as they tackle the art and strategy of charitable giving for NFL athletes. This episode uncovers the pressures and privileges of generosity, explores the happiness found in giving, and breaks down smart approaches like donor advised funds. With personal stories and practical advice, the team offers pro-level insights to help athletes give confidently and make a greater impact. Whether you're navigating requests from family or searching for tax-savvy solutions, this conversation delivers tools and perspectives to elevate your giving game.

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In this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast, hosts Riccardo Stewart, Sam Acho, Zach Miller, and Jeff Locke unpack the critical issue of digital privacy and personal security for professional athletes. Through candid stories and real-life examples, the team discusses why privacy is often overlooked, how even basic personal information can end up online, and the elevated risks that come with wealth and fame. Tune in to learn what every athlete and their advisors need to know about protecting their assets, families, and peace of mind—on and off the field.

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Join hosts Riccardo Stewart, Sam Acho, Zach Miller, and Jeff Locke—NFL veterans with a combined 20 years of experience on and off the field—as they break down the "Four Ts" of investing for professional athletes: truth, touch, time, and tension. Drawing from their personal journeys and financial expertise, the team explores how to identify trustworthy advisors, navigate the relational side of wealth, practice patience amidst high-earning years, and tackle inevitable challenges along the way. If you want to make smarter decisions, build generational wealth, and avoid the common pitfalls NFL players face, this episode delivers candid advice and real...

Join Riccardo Stewart, Jeff Locke, Sam Acho, and Zach Miller on this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast as they break down the path to building multi-generational wealth for professional athletes. The team dives into the fundamentals of investing, using relatable football analogies to unpack the three essential “buckets” every athlete should consider—from safeguarding your financial foundation to accessing exclusive private market opportunities. Drawing from their own careers and insider expertise, they reveal strategies, lessons learned, and what every player needs to know to sustain a legacy far beyond the playing field. Don’t miss this game plan for smar...

In this episode of the NFL Players' Podcast, hosts Riccardo Stewart, Zach Miller, Sam Acho, and Jeff Locke dig into the overlooked world of NFL player benefits. Drawing on their combined decades of on-field experience and financial expertise, they reveal the essential perks that every player—and their families—should know about, from retirement savings to insurance options and unique programs that unlock real long-term value. You’ll hear candid stories, eye-opening numbers, and practical advice on making the most of these benefits—whether you’re a current player, a retired pro, or part of an athlete’s support team. Discov...

Join hosts Riccardo Stewart, Jeff Locke, Zach Miller, and Sam Acho as they unpack the often-overlooked NFL 401(k) and what every player needs to know about maximizing this valuable benefit. Drawing from real locker room experiences and expert financial advice, the team clears up common misconceptions, explains how the NFL’s unique employer match works, and reveals why many advisors fail to manage these accounts properly. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned vet, this episode delivers crucial insights to help you grow your money—on and off the field. Don't miss this conversation packed with practical tips and the...

On this episode of the AWM NFL Players' Podcast, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Jeff Locke, Sam Acho, and Zach Miller to break down a topic every pro needs to understand: target date funds.

The team shares firsthand stories, demystifies how target date funds work, and examines why these investments may not be the right play for high-net-worth NFL athletes.

With real numbers, honest, hard-earned perspectives, and actionable advice, this episode offers the insider knowledge you need to make smarter decisions for your financial future. If you want to know what works—and what co...

In this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast, hosts Riccardo Stewart, Zach Miller, Jeff Locke, and Sam Acho break down what it truly means to take a human-centered approach to wealth management for professional athletes. The team unpacks the stark differences between generic financial advice and the custom-built strategies of a family office, using insightful analogies from architecture and fashion to illustrate why one size does not fit all. With personal stories and real-world examples, they reveal how aligning your financial plan to your unique life, values, and legacy can have a transformative impact on long-term wealth. Tune in...

Step inside this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast as Riccardo Stewart sits down with former NFL players Sam Acho, Jeff Locke, and Zach Miller for an unfiltered conversation about the realities behind wealth management for athletes. The team shares eye-opening stories from inside the league, reveals the surprising pitfalls most players face with advisors, and explains what it really takes to create lasting generational wealth. Drawing from personal experience and frank opinions, they unpack what makes a true family office and the essential steps athletes must take to protect their futures. If you want to hear the truth...

Join hosts Riccardo Stewart, Jeff “The Professor” Locke, Zach “The Truth” Miller, and Sam “The Mayor” Acho as they break down what it really means to take a human-centered approach to wealth management for NFL athletes. This episode explores how identifying your unique needs, wants, and wishes lays the foundation for a financial strategy built around your life, not just your investments. You’ll hear candid stories from the locker room and real-world examples that go beyond the numbers—revealing how personal values and big dreams shape generational wealth. If you're ready for advice crafted for athletes by pros who’ve lived it...

It's OL Masterminds this week! And in this episode of the AWM NFL Player's Podcast, hosts Riccardo Stewart, Jeff Locke, Sam Acho, and Zach Miller take use behind the curtain of the business side of professional football for the players at OL Masterminds. Their aim is to show how athletes can capitalize on this opportunity to create, capture, and protect their value both on and off the field.

The team also shares practical stories and hard-earned lessons on maximizing contracts, building trusted advisory teams, and avoiding the common pitfalls that threaten a player's chances to build wealth...

Hosts Riccardo Stewart, Jeff Locke, Zach Miller, and Sam Acho call the plays on one of the toughest challenges in wealth: sustaining it for generations. They break down what the stats really say—among families with $30M+ in assets, only 30% successfully hand wealth to their kids, and just 10% to grandkids. Through the lens of the athlete as CEO, the team outlines what it really takes to keep the family scoreboard lit for decades to come: real strategy, meaningful stewardship, and a clear sense of legacy.

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This week, Riccardo Stewart is joined by Jeff Locke, Zach Miller, and Sam Acho to lay out the real strategy behind turning an NFL contract into generational strength. Using Brock Purdy’s $265 million deal as the case study, the team walks through the “Create, Capture, Convert” playbook—revealing what truly separates short-term paydays from enduring family legacy. With firsthand stories from both the field and the front office, the hosts get tactical on tax, cash flow, philanthropy, and what it means to run your wealth like a pro—team, systems, and all.

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Riccardo Stewart, Jeff Locke, Zach Miller, and Sam Acho gather in the front office to tackle the big question facing every pro: you’ve built your value—how do you really capture it? They pull back the curtain on high-stakes negotiations, using the Brock Purdy contract as a case study. Jeff breaks down why the numbers on NFL deals rarely tell the full story, especially compared to MLB and NBA. Zach and Sam get specific, explaining the split between truly guaranteed money and what’s just ink on paper—then show how players can turn presence and connection into off-the...

Riccardo Stewart joins Zach “The Truth” Miller, Sam “The Mayor” Acho, and Jeff “The Professor” Locke to draw up the playbook behind becoming the CEO of your own career as an NFL player. With Brock Purdy’s path—from Arizona high school standout, to last pick in the draft, to signing a $265 million extension—as the backdrop, the team unpacks what really drives value for pro athletes: performance, preparation, grit through setbacks, and knowing exactly who belongs in your circle. The conversation lays bare how discipline on and off the field, combined with relentless self-belief, is the foundation for maximizing long-te...

In this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Sam Acho, Zach Miller, and Jeff Locke to break down “The Three I’s” of athlete financial strategy: independent, integrated, and individualized advice. Pulling from real scenarios and the unique demands facing today’s NFL players, the team spells out what it means to have your Family Office working exclusively for you the AWM Way. This episode offers athletes and their families a direct look into the non-negotiables for effective wealth management—clarifying why every financial decision should be intentional, coordinated, and tailored to your future.

In this episode of the NFL Players' Podcast by AWM Insights, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Zach Miller, Jeff Locke, and Sam Acho to explore the various financial advising options available for NFL players. The team discusses the different types of financial advisors and the benefits of a family office tailored for athletes. This episode is a must-listen for players looking to effectively manage and grow their wealth. The discussion contrasts traditional financial advisories with more specialized, athlete-centered solutions, offering valuable insights for making informed decisions.

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In this episode of the NFL Players' Podcast, host Riccardo Stewart and his co-hosts Jeff Locke, Sam Acho, and Zach Miller explore the essentials of building a strong financial team for NFL players. They dive into the nuances of transitioning from relying on a single financial advisor to curating a team dedicated to managing multi-generational wealth. Highlighting the complexities and responsibilities that come with increased wealth, the hosts share insights into the critical roles within a financial team and the timing for making this pivotal switch.

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In this episode of the AWM NFL podcast, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Sam Acho, Jeff Locke, and Zach Miller to explore situational investing for NFL players in volatile markets. Drawing parallels between situational football and market strategies, they discuss how athletes can capitalize on current market conditions while managing risk. Gain invaluable insights into sticking to financial plans and viewing market downturns as opportunities rather than obstacles.

Key Highlights:

• The importance of situational investing similar to situational football strategies.
• Current market conditions and their implications for stocks globally being down.
• Advice on the...

Join host Riccardo Stewart and his insightful co-hosts Sam Acho, Jeff Locke, and Zach Miller in this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast as they dive into the critical importance of having a team to manage the complexities of wealth for NFL athletes. Discover the benefits of moving from a single advisor to a coordinated team, as they share personal experiences and expert insights on wealth management, tax strategy, and creating multi-generational wealth for professional athletes.

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• Exploring the complexity of wealth management for NFL athletes and the need for specialized team support.
• Jeff...

In the 50th episode of the AWM NFL Players Podcast, hosts Riccardo Stewart, Zach Miller, Sam Acho, and Jeff Locke explore the complexities of public vs. private investments. They dive into the distinctions between these markets, highlighting access, regulation, and investment opportunities. Tune in for expert insights on how to navigate these options and understand their long-term impact on wealth creation.

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In this episode of the AWM NFL Players’ Podcast, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Sam Acho, Jeff Locke, and Zach Miller as they tackle essential investment concepts every NFL athlete should know. They break down the basics of stocks and bonds, the importance of investing in oneself, and the critical role of diversification in building financial security. Whether you're already investing or preparing to start, this episode provides valuable insights to elevate your financial strategy.

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In this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by former NFL players Sam Acho, Jeff Locke, and Zach Miller to explore the traits and skills essential for professional athletes aiming to build multi-generational wealth. Together, they discuss the importance of knowledge, communication, and discipline, highlighting insights from their experience both on the field and within the family office advisory space. Tune in for actionable strategies and thought-provoking conversations tailored for athletes aspiring to long-term financial success.

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Join host Riccardo Stewart and co-hosts Zach Miller, Jeff Locke, and Sam Acho as they explore the concept of "paying your future self" in Episode 47 of the AWM NFL Podcast. The discussion navigates through personal and financial strategies for NFL athletes, emphasizing the importance of planning early to ensure long-term prosperity. This episode offers invaluable insights into achieving enduring financial stability and lays the groundwork for securing a flourishing legacy for athletes and their families.

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In this latest episode of the AWM NFL Podcast, hosts Riccardo Stewart, Jeff Locke, Zach Miller, and Sam Acho dive into the fundamental question every high-earning athlete faces: "Where does my money go?" They discuss the Four Uses of Money framework designed to help NFL players plan for taxes, spending, giving, and saving. With insightful advice and real-life examples, this episode provides a valuable roadmap to managing wealth effectively.

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In this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Jeff Locke, Zach Miller, and Sam Acho to explore the playbook for achieving multi-generational wealth for NFL athletes. They dive into how athletes can leverage their human capital—physical, intellectual, and social—and outline the crucial steps for managing income, taxes, spending, saving, and investing. The team emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system, from financial planners to wealth advisors, to ensure long-term success beyond sports.

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In Episode 44 of the AWM NFL Podcast, Riccardo "Coach" Stewart is joined by Zack "The Truth" Miller, Sam "The Mayor" Acho, and Jeff "The Professor" Locke, to discuss effective financial strategies for NFL players during the offseason. The hosts delve into topics such as offseason training plans, maintaining physical fitness, understanding NFL pay structures, and the importance of postseason financial meetings to ensure long-term financial success. This episode provides essential insights for players and their families navigating the unique financial landscape of professional sports.

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In this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by NFL veterans Zach Miller, Sam Acho, and Jeff Locke to discuss the thrilling NFL playoff season. The conversation goes beyond the field to explore the vital off-field aspects, including financial implications and preparations unique to this stage. Tune in for first-hand playoff experiences, financial insights, and advice on managing both expectations and earnings during this intense time.

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Analysis of the benefits and timing of entering the Transfer Portal, especially during coaching changes.

Discussion on evaluating promises made by coaches and their impact on transfer decisions.

Advice on prioritizing long-term financial success and career goals over immediate NIL offers.

Explorations of NIL agent roles and the necessity of choosing trustworthy representation.

Emphasis on maintaining focus on athletic performance while making strategic career moves.

Quotes:

"Think, as young as you are, you have to predict the f...

Key Highlights

Introduction to human capital and its components: physical, intellectual, and social capital.

Jeff Locke explains human capital's importance for athletes in maximizing their value.

Sam Acho discusses the significance of developing multiple dimensions beyond athletic performance.

Zach Miller joins in to illustrate how physical capital directly impacts wealth generation in the NFL.

Sam Acho shares a personal story on the nuances of leveraging social capital effectively.

Quotes

"Human capital, let's break it down into two words. Human, me, Capital, value—what is the va...

KEY HIGHLIGHTS: 

—NFL players often show generosity at a granular level by supporting people within their facilities. 

—The impact of end-of-year giving and its benefits for both givers and recipients. 

—Utilizing a donor-advised fund allows athletes to maximize their charitable giving opportunities. 

—Strategic charity not only benefits recipients but also provides tax advantages for players. 

—Step-by-step guidance on initiating a donor-advised fund for effective giving. 

QUOTES: 

—"Giving helps unlock the grips of greed." – Zach Miller 

—"The donor advice fund gives you the flexibility of time." – Jeff Locke <...

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—Explanation of compound interest with examples, including the famous "Rule of 72."

—Discussions on how young athletes can leverage their age for significant long-term investment growth.

—Strategies for ensuring diversified investments to prevent losses from impacting compound growth.

—Practical advice on where to start investing, including tax-advantaged accounts like Roth IRAs and solo 401ks.

—Emphasis on the importance of patience and a long-term mindset in investment strategies.

Quotes:

—"The power of compound interest is often called the eighth wonder of the world." – Sam Acho

—"Start i...

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