

As the 2025 NFL season prepares to kick off, a rarely discussed but increasingly troubling issue is once again coming to light: the financial struggles faced by many NFL players-even those with multimillion-dollar contracts.
The action gets underway this Thursday with the traditional Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, where the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers will open the preseason. Jim Harbaugh, the new head coach of the Chargers, has already confirmed that Trey Lance will be his starting quarterback, putting his faith in a player still trying to establish himself after a rocky stint with the 49ers. “He’s had a great camp,” said Harbaugh. “I want him to get reps. He hasn’t had as many as most.”
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Financial problems in the NFL
But while fans gear up to see their teams back on the field, a harsh economic reality looms behind the scenes for many NFL players. Breiden Fehoko, a 28-year-old defensive lineman, broke the silence on social media and hit a nerve: “Nobody’s going to admit it, but there are guys with massive contracts who are bankrupt-literally liquidating assets right now,” he said.
Fehoko shared how, year after year, he watched teammates spend their entire salaries-sometimes $600,000 or more-before the season even started. “Everything can change in an instant. You can do everything right, but if your boss doesn’t like you, you can go from planning to retire at 30 to pushing carts at Target by 26,” he wrote in a raw and revealing message.
How many NFL players go bankrupt?
While the massive contracts of a few superstar quarterbacks-some earning over $50 million annually-dominate headlines, the reality for most NFL players is much different. Estimates suggest that nearly 75% of NFL players face financial problems after leaving the league, from tax debt and lack of savings to full-blown bankruptcy.
In fact, a staggering 15% file for bankruptcy within the first 12 years after retiring, according to various studies-a statistic that continues to raise red flags.
Financial education in the NFL
The NFL has started investing in financial education programs for its players, but the results remain mixed. The volatility of football careers, outside pressures, and a lack of financial preparedness continue to pose serious challenges.
This silent problem is an uncomfortable truth-but one that demands attention. As a new season begins, the hope is that the league will not only deliver on-field excitement but also foster a real shift in financial culture.
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