Books for rooks

While many agents play Super Concierge to their needy clients, I focus on empowering them to make good decisions both on and off the field. One way I do this is through education. I constantly supply them with insight, opinion, tools and research that will help them be better prepared to handle the challenges of being a professional athlete.

One tool I use is books. Each year I give my players books that I feel may help them. I usually get to know them before I make any recommendations to make sure the author will be a good fit for the player.
This year, I am giving my rookies the following books:

Rich Dad Poor Dad helps spell out the importance of appreciating assets.

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Although real estate is out of vogue right now, players will purchase several houses over their careers. I tell my players that when you are in the NFL business, you are also in the real estate business. The first big investment they will make will be a house - one which they may only have for 2 to 6 years. Therefore, it should be looked at as an investment first and a home second. Many players’ parents tell them that they “shouldn’t throw their money away on rent”. Well, that may be good advice for someone who is going to live somewhere for 10 or more years, but not necessarily for an NFL player who may be hurt, cut, traded and/or playing under a four year deal. In some markets, it may be better to rent than buy.

The best message in Robert’s book is that he clearly defines the difference between owning appreciating assets versus depreciating assets. If this is the only thing my clients learn from the book, then I am very happy. Rich people have depreciating assets, wealthy people have appreciating assets. I preach that it’s better to be wealthy than rich. This book is by no means a financial bible, and the author may even lack some credibility in the money world, but the message is a good one.

Finding a Way to Win by Bill Parcells

In 1995, right before this book was published; I was working directly with Bill on a new contract for offensive lineman Todd Rucci. Bill and I got to talking about his new book, which he had finished prior to the season. It was obvious that he had put some serious work into it and he mentioned he had a chapter specifically targeted at rookies entitled "Preparedness". Since then, I have and will encourage all my first-year players to read it, especially if they play for the Dolphins. If a rookie can understand how NFL coaches think, they get a better grasp of how to deliver what they want from them.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

This is one of my all-time favorite books. I read it once a year. It’s based on the study of successful people, their habits and execution. I believe it will help a young man by providing him with some fundamental building blocks for successful thinking. Furthermore, it may help him become more conscientious about how he manages his future and his money.

These are just a few of the many great books out there that can help not just NFL players, but all of us better understand how to succeed. I invite our readers to make their own recommendations within the comment sections below.

Follow me on Twitter: @jackbechta

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