NFL legend Rob Gronkowski may play the part of a goofball golden retriever in commercials, but he’s a savvy dude who’s made financial decisions that would make Warren Buffett proud.
He’s one of several players who found a way to put away their NFL earnings and never touch them. That’s right — he took the cash, put it into investments, and lived off of his endorsement money and interest.
Rob Gronkowski Opens Up About His Finances
Gronkowski went on the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast and talked about his financial mindset when he first entered the league and how he planned to never touch his NFL salary. When former NFL linebacker Will Compton asked if the rumor about Gronkowski never spending a cent of his NFL earnings is true, Gronk said it is.
“Technically, it is true,” Gronkowski said. “I’m very frugal and lived with a roommate my first couple years. I didn’t know how long the NFL was gonna last. I was a second-round pick, so it was like a four-year, $4 million deal. And I was like, ‘If I play this contract out, I’ll be set for life.’ I got $2 million in my bank. I can make a $100,000 or $200,000 dollars off interest.
“I was like, ‘If I only play three, four years, I’m good. Hey, if I don’t ball and I’m not the player I think I can be or whatever, I’m still set for life!’ Because $2 million in the bank is ‘set for life’ to me at that time. I just always wanted to save it, and I just used my money that I was getting off the field to just spend it on whatever I needed to spend it on. And to this day, technically, I have not spent any of my NFL money.”
Gronk hasn’t spent a single PENNY of his NFL earnings pic.twitter.com/ULbwlKXIp1
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB)
For the record, Gronkowski did stick in the league, becoming arguably the greatest tight end of all-time and earning $70,629,507 from his NFL contracts.
He may have had that mindset from the get-go, but that wasn’t always the case for many players. The NFL has made financial literacy a priority for its young players. A 2009 Sports Illustrated study claimed that 78% of players faced financial ruin within two years of retiring. By 2023, that number dipped to 30%.
Former running back Marshawn Lynch managed his finances the same way. He reportedly saved nearly $50 million in NFL earnings while living off his endorsements with Nike, Pepsi, and his favorite candy, Skittles.
And it’s not just superstars like Gronkowski and Lynch who made wise decisions. Former Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin reportedly saved 70% of his NFL salary over his 10-year career. He lived off the other 30% while building a publicly traded company investment portfolio.
Former linebacker Brandon Copeland taught a financial literacy course at the University of Pennsylvania while still playing professional football.
If nothing else, the NFL has made a concerted effort to ensure that its players have a chance to enjoy the fruits of their labor long after they leave the league.
Where is Rob Gronkowski Now?
Gronkowski officially retired from the NFL for the second time following the 2021 season. Since stepping away from professional football, Gronkowski — who turned 36 years old on May 14 — has seamlessly transitioned into a vibrant post-NFL life through extensive media appearances, business ventures, and many public appearances.
Immediately after his retirement, he joined Fox Sports as an NFL analyst, regularly appearing on popular shows such as “Fox NFL Sunday,” providing insights, breaking down matchups, and bringing his trademark charisma and humor to broadcast television.
Beyond his role as a football analyst, Gronkowski continues to explore opportunities in entertainment. He’s appeared as a guest host and contestant on multiple TV shows, including “WWE WrestleMania,” “The Masked Singer,” and numerous talk shows and podcasts. He currently hosts a podcast with fellow Patriots legend Julian Edelman called “Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules.”
Gronkowski is also heavily involved in the entrepreneurial space. Leveraging his recognizable brand and larger-than-life personality, he’s gotten involved in various business ventures, including fitness, wellness products, and lifestyle brands.
His company, Gronk Fitness, provides specialized fitness equipment, reflecting his ongoing passion for health and physical well-being.
Philanthropy also remains an important focus for Gronkowski. The Gronk Nation Youth Foundation, which he established with his family, actively supports youth programs aimed at promoting fitness, education, and community involvement.
Gronkowski frequently hosts fundraising events, charity competitions, and community outreach activities, leveraging his star power to benefit countless youth across the nation.
Gronkowski clearly has a ton of money in the bank, so he’s able to pick and choose how he wants to spend his time without taking on gigs or ventures just because he needs the paycheck.