The Generosity Playbook: Smart Giving for NFL Athletes

Key Takeaways:

• Giving brings measurable joy and fulfillment for NFL athletes, supported by research and real-life experience.

• Successfully balancing the privilege and pressure of generosity takes intention, boundaries, and a coordinated financial strategy.

• Donor-advised funds deliver a powerful, tax-efficient method to give with flexibility and long-term impact.

True Fulfillment Through Giving

Inside every great front office, the most valued stories are forged not just by winning, but by giving. For NFL athletes, generosity flows from gratitude—an acknowledgment of the families, coaches, teammates, and communities who stood behind every yard gained. A recent Harvard study backs up what pro athletes have known intuitively all along: “You gain and you increase in happiness immediately after you give.” The act of giving is linked directly to happiness, peace, and a sense of meaning. This kind of fulfillment transcends the contract figures or highlight reels; it’s about what you build for those who helped build you. The joy of sharing success runs deeper than any quick consultation—it’s woven into the fabric of a flourishing life.

Navigating the Privilege and Pressure of Generosity

The privilege of giving at the highest level is paired with its own unique pressure. NFL athletes live in a spotlight where generosity is not just expected—it’s often demanded. As Riccardo Stewart put it, there’s a widespread misconception: “People know as NFL athletes…they think you have more than what you have. They have no idea what your plan is.” Requests surge from every direction: communities, faith circles, friends, extended family. There is honor in being in that position, but the demands can quickly tip from pride to pressure. Balanced generosity takes a cool head and a seasoned perspective—giving freely, without regret or resentment, while holding discipline for your family’s future and investments. Zach Miller lays out the key: know “the right amount…so you’re able to give and give freely.” The art is in combining warmth with wisdom, ensuring generosity aligns with the game plan for a flourishing multi-generational family.

Donor-Advised Funds as the Athletic Edge in Charitable Giving

Peak performance on the field comes from preparation; the same goes for meaningful philanthropy. Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are a standout tool in the ultra-wealth playbook, carrying distinct advantages for high-earning athletes. A DAF is a specialized charitable giving account designed for real flexibility and tax efficiency. Contributing cash or appreciated stock into a DAF counts as a charitable donation the moment you make it—no need to rush picking charities. You get a significant tax deduction at your peak earning years and invest the funds further, tax-free, until you’re ready to give. Jeff Locke describes it straight: “It’s one of those ‘seems way too good to be true’ kind of things, but it actually is.” Donate stock and you skip paying capital gains taxes, so every dollar goes further. With tools like DAFs, NFL athletes can maximize their impact and sustain generosity for the long game. Around our office, we like to say giving loosens the grip of greed.

Building a 100-Year Family Through Strategic Giving

Season after season, your generosity has the potential to shape more than headlines—it can build the culture of a 100-year family. Savvy strategies like donor-advised funds give pro athletes the freedom to support those who stood beside them, create new opportunities for future generations, and make smart, lasting choices about when and how to give. AWM’s team stands ready to guide you—integrating your giving with your broader game plan, aligning every move with what matters to you and the next branches on your family tree. Reach out this giving season to explore how strategic generosity can become the cornerstone of your enduring legacy.