NFL Players' Podcast

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 firsthand stories and hard-won advice for navigating the business of football.Connect with usCall or text: 602-989-5022Website: https://www.athletefamilyoffice.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awmcapital/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awmcapital/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awmcapital/X: https://twitter.com/awmcapitalChapters(00:00) Draft Day Emotions and First Reactions(04:26) Understanding NFL Pay Structure(05:54) Tax Surprises for New Players(07:55) Critical Setup Steps After Being Drafted(10:26) Deciding Whether to Rent or Buy(11:33) Key People Every Rookie Needs to Know

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.Connect with usCall or text: 602-989-5022Website: https://www.athletefamilyoffice.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awmcapital/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awmcapital/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awmcapital/X: https://twitter.com/awmcapitalChapters(00:01) Thanksgiving Reflections and Team Gratitude(00:36) Favorite Christmas Movies and Segue to Privacy(02:15) Privacy Risks for NFL Athletes(03:55) Digital Exposure and Data Vulnerabilities(06:06) The Role of Financial Teams in Athlete Privacy(08:18) Increasing Threats with Greater Wealth(09:53) Practical Protections and Specialist Resources

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 smart investing and family prosperity.Connect with usCall or text: 602-989-5022Website: https://www.athletefamilyoffice.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awmcapital/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awmcapital/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awmcapital/X: https://twitter.com/awmcapitalChapters(00:01) NFL Players and the Path to Investing(01:55) The First Bucket—Protective Reserve and Emergency Funds(03:42) Early Lessons and Communicating Financial Foundations(04:45) The Second Bucket—Public Market Investments(06:41) Understanding Public Versus Private Markets(09:02) The Third Bucket—Accessing Private Markets(11:13) Progression and Planning for Multi-Generational Wealth

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 inside scoop on building lasting wealth as an NFL player.Connect with usCall or text: 602-989-5022Website: https://www.athletefamilyoffice.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awmcapital/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awmcapital/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awmcapital/X: https://twitter.com/awmcapitalChapters(00:01) Real locker room conversations about the NFL 401(k)(03:23) How the NFL 401k works and its unique benefits(06:04) Common misunderstandings and advisor limitations(08:31) Steps to take for maximizing the NFL 401(k)(13:02) The butterfly effect: what to tell rookies

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 to hear firsthand how elite athletes can build lasting prosperity for themselves and their families.Chapters(00:01) Human centered financial planning(02:40) Building your financial structure(04:14) Model homes versus custom homes(06:53) The custom fit approach(09:58) Financial structures for high earners(11:21) Listening to your story

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, this conversation brings a whole new playbook to the table.Chapter Outline(00:01) Human-centered approach defined(01:04) Moving away from one-size-fits-all advice(03:27) Needs as foundational priorities(05:16) Wants for lifestyle and fulfillment(08:24) Wishes for legacy and giving back(10:46) Aligning investments with personal priorities

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.Key HighlightsAmong families with $30M or more, only 30% pass wealth to children and a strikingly low 10% to grandchildren—true multi-generational success is rare without focused planning.Estate tax is a real opponent: with an exemption around $15 million, any amount over that mark is taxed at 40%, making careful planning essential to keeping more in the family line.Stewardship goes beyond asset transfers and focuses on fostering family governance by consciously preparing children and grandchildren to lead, protect, and grow family resources.Purpose-built trusts help fund education, provide first-home down payments, and deliver seed capital for new businesses, offering a runway for each generation to take meaningful first steps.Establishing private family foundations allows each generation to give back and actively manage the family's impact over time, keeping values and stewardship at the center of the legacy.At this level of wealth, a family office becomes essential, acting as a coordinated team to oversee everything from investments and tax to estate design and next-generation guidance.

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-field wins. Between anecdotes from inside CBA talks and clear advice on reading the business, the team lays out the game plan for pros and their families to run their own huddle—and stay ahead of the league.Key highlightsWhat it means to run your career like an “Athlete CEO,” with the field as only part of the equation.Why only 20 out of 43 active NFL contracts over $100M are fully guaranteed, compared to every deal that size in the MLB (68) and NBA (82)—and what that means when negotiating as a pro.A close look at Brock Purdy’s contract: signing bonuses, real guarantees, “outs” for the team, and the importance of securing more value early, not just on paper.How relationships in your city and community create real off-the-field value—think partnerships, sponsorships, and trust beyond stats.Firsthand accounts from CBA negotiations: how owners approach contracts, what’s really said in the back room, and why understanding the league’s view is essential for every athlete.The bottom line for players and families: study the playbook, know your leverage, and get every piece you’ve earned—on and off the field.

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.Key Highlights• What makes advice truly independent, and how the AWM Way ensures your Family Office always puts your interests first—never those of shareholders or public company profit mandates.• Why integration is essential—illustrated by a real-world example where lack of coordination cost millions in unnecessary taxes—and how AWM builds cohesion across your tax, investment, estate, and philanthropic strategies.• The risk of “siloed” advisors and menu-limited investment choices, and what it takes to unify your entire financial team around your unique needs.• How individualized planning supports every aspect of your financial life—delivering strategy and solutions based exclusively on your goals, opportunities, and family priorities.• Practical steps to help NFL athletes and their families demand better, more aligned solutions from their advisory teams.References• Discover the AWM Way and Family Office Services at awmcap.com• Listen to AWM Insights™: athletefamilyoffice.com/podcasts

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.Key Highlights:Riccardo Stewart introduces the necessity of shifting from a single financial advisor to a comprehensive financial team for NFL athletes.Jeff Locke emphasizes the analogy of a sports team to explain the complex needs of high net-worth individuals.Sam Acho discusses the importance of having a financial team present regardless of geographical location.Zach Miller provides criteria for when an athlete should transition to a team based on their earning potential.Jeff Locke covers the philosophical reasons behind having a team to achieve the desired life outcomes.Sam Acho stresses the importance of working with an independent team to avoid conflicts of interest.Quotes:"More money means more complexity, and when you have that complexity, it necessitates more clarity." – Riccardo Stewart"You can't just have one, two, or three people trying to handle all the things you need." – Jeff Locke"Your team needs to be wherever you are at, period." – Sam Acho"If you think you're going to make over $20 million, you should have a team." – Zach Miller

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.Key Highlights• Exploring the complexity of wealth management for NFL athletes and the need for specialized team support.• Jeff Locke highlights the crucial tax challenges unique to professional athletes and the importance of targeted expertise.• Zach Miller reflects on his experience of initially choosing individual advisors and the lack of coordinated support.• Sam Acho discusses the short and long-term benefits of having a comprehensive team rather than relying on a single advisor.• Examining common pitfalls players encounter without a team and strategies for effective wealth planning.Quotes• "One person can't do it all... you need an athlete specific tax person." – Jeff Locke• "Not every place you work with is the same... NFL is so specific." – Zach Miller• "Having a team means getting the expert answers you need without the runaround." – Sam Acho

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.Key Highlights:Explanation of investment types: equity ownership and lending through bonds.Distinction between public markets for accessibility and private markets for high risk and high potential rewards.Importance of investing in self—human capital is the greatest asset for athletes.The necessity of diversification across global stocks and bonds for financial stability.Key questions before investing: ratio of bonds to stocks and commitment to long-term growth.Significance of compounding returns when investing early.Quotes:"The most money you will ever make is going to be in your performance on that field." – Zach Miller"The power of compounding is massive when you start early." – Zach Miller"The future you will thank you for the investments you made right now." – Sam Acho

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.Key Highlights:Sam Acho highlights the significance of investing in both physical well-being and finances for future benefit.Jeff Locke emphasizes the importance of early savings and the advantages NFL players have in securing long-term financial stability.Zach Miller discusses lifestyle management and the necessity of maintaining adequate savings to counter lifestyle creep.Strategies on building intellectual and social capital during and after an NFL career are shared by Sam Acho.Practical financial strategies such as maintaining a 40% savings rate are presented by the hosts.Quotes:"Saving money is paying your future self." – Sam Acho"Your ability to control time is real wealth." – Zach Miller"Starting early is the biggest superpower you have as a young athlete." – Jeff Locke