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As NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Commissioner Roger Goodell called the names of prospects last week, lives were instantly changed in more ways than one.
From a financial perspective, it’s a massive payday, especially for the first timers. And being smart with the millions of dollars guaranteed to these top prospects is preached around the league.
One of those players is Jeremiah Love, the Arizona Cardinals’ No. 3 overall pick, who will be the highest-paid running back in the NFL before he even takes a snap. He gets a fully guaranteed $53 million over four years with his draft slot, and the Cardinals can also exercise a fifth-year option.
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Jeremiah Love of Notre Dame celebrates after being selected as the third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on April 23, 2026. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
It’s a common question for prospects to answer: What will be their first purchase after the draft? Love, however, had other things on his mind, at least with his NFL game checks he gets.
“I’m not using any of my NFL checks,” Love told BRGridiron. “All that money, my financial advisor is going to take care of it all. I don’t know about that, it’s not my job. It’s going to be there and make more and more money.”
CARDINALS HAD TO DELAY SENDING JEREMIYAH LOVE BECAUSE THEY HAD A WRONG PHONE NUMBER
Instead, Love said he would use his endorsement money during his career. Even then, he doesn’t think of a lavish lifestyle for himself.
“The first thing I can buy with my marketing money is a house for my parents, a car for my dad,” he explained. “Shoot, I’ll put myself last. I’ve got to take care of my family first.”
Jeremiah Love of Notre Dame arrives in Pittsburgh ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
That’s the answer from Love, and after hearing sentiments from coaches and teammates alike, it’s something he’s been looking forward to doing.
In the video, BRGridiron asked other prospects who heard their names called in the first round the same question. Players like Philadelphia Eagles receiver Makai Lemon were also thinking about his parents and looking forward to buying them a house, while others like Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson and Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman were thinking about some new wheels.
Of course, it’s their money to spend now, but being first-timers usually leads to numerous marketing opportunities with big payoffs.
Jeremiah Love of Notre Dame poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected third overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on April 23, 2026. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Perhaps the prospects can follow in Love’s footsteps in that regard. Either way, the dream of playing in the NFL comes with the dream of potential generational wealth.
These players earned it, and Love is making sure he’s smart about it.
