NFL Players' Podcast

This week, Riccardo Stewart is joined by Jeff Locke, Zach Miller, and Sam Acho to lay out the real strategy behind turning an NFL contract into generational strength. Using Brock Purdy’s $265 million deal as the case study, the team walks through the “Create, Capture, Convert” playbook—revealing what truly separates short-term paydays from enduring family legacy. With firsthand stories from both the field and the front office, the hosts get tactical on tax, cash flow, philanthropy, and what it means to run your wealth like a pro—team, systems, and all.

Key Highlights

• The “Create, Capture, Convert” playbook: How elite athletes turn physical, social, and intellectual capital into contracts, then steward after-tax dollars through every stage of wealth.
• The 50-40-10 rule and tax strategy: Inside the real cost of California residency—why a $265 million contract means careful tax planning, year-over-year strategies, and the massive value of location.
• Sustainable spending and cash flow management: The path to spending $3–4 million a year with confidence—if the right team, structure, and discipline are in place.
•  “Money is just a magnifier”: Sam Acho’s story-driven reminder that bigger checks only amplify habits—making intention and stewardship more important than ever.
• Philanthropy with purpose: Using private foundations and direct giving to create impact, and lessons on making every dollar count.
• Why a family office is built for the big leagues: The difference between a transactional advisor and an integrated front office, delivering alignment, access, and true multi-generational coaching.

Riccardo Stewart, Jeff Locke, Zach Miller, and Sam Acho gather in the front office to tackle the big question facing every pro: you’ve built your value—how do you really capture it? They pull back the curtain on high-stakes negotiations, using the Brock Purdy contract as a case study. Jeff breaks down why the numbers on NFL deals rarely tell the full story, especially compared to MLB and NBA. Zach and Sam get specific, explaining the split between truly guaranteed money and what’s just ink on paper—then show how players can turn presence and connection into off-the-field wins. Between anecdotes from inside CBA talks and clear advice on reading the business, the team lays out the game plan for pros and their families to run their own huddle—and stay ahead of the league.

Key highlights

• What it means to run your career like an “Athlete CEO,” with the field as only part of the equation.
• Why only 20 out of 43 active NFL contracts over $100M are fully guaranteed, compared to every deal that size in the MLB (68) and NBA (82)—and what that means when negotiating as a pro.
• A close look at Brock Purdy’s contract: signing bonuses, real guarantees, “outs” for the team, and the importance of securing more value early, not just on paper.
• How relationships in your city and community create real off-the-field value—think partnerships, sponsorships, and trust beyond stats.
• Firsthand accounts from CBA negotiations: how owners approach contracts, what’s really said in the back room, and why understanding the league’s view is essential for every athlete.
• The bottom line for players and families: study the playbook, know your leverage, and get every piece you’ve earned—on and off the field.

Riccardo Stewart joins Zach “The Truth” Miller, Sam “The Mayor” Acho, and Jeff “The Professor” Locke to draw up the playbook behind becoming the CEO of your own career as an NFL player. With Brock Purdy’s path—from Arizona high school standout, to last pick in the draft, to signing a $265 million extension—as the backdrop, the team unpacks what really drives value for pro athletes: performance, preparation, grit through setbacks, and knowing exactly who belongs in your circle. The conversation lays bare how discipline on and off the field, combined with relentless self-belief, is the foundation for maximizing long-term value and setting up a winning legacy.

Key Highlights:
• Why every athlete needs to run the business of themselves—not just play in the business of the NFL.
• Brock Purdy’s journey: overlooked and underestimated, but methodically building value through adversity, belief, and execution.
• The power of intellectual capital: seeing the whole field, staying prepared, and making the right decisions when the pressure’s highest.
• Grit forged in recovery and rejection: how setbacks and unseen effort fuel future contracts.
• How contract structure impacts long-term value: rookie wage scale, forms of guaranteed money, skill cap, injury clauses, timing, and the true meaning of “extension.”
• Why maximizing value means keeping your circle small and choosing partners carefully both on and off the field.

References:
• Brock Purdy contract extension: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45167784/san-francisco-brock-purdy-new-contract-extension-mr-irrelevant-big-expectations
• Shark Tank (ABC), as a metaphor for realizing value and investment: https://abc.com/show/535e2b07-18a9-4d94-9803-9ed8257b9d23
• Text in your questions: 602-989-5022

In this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Sam Acho, Zach Miller, and Jeff Locke to break down “The Three I’s” of athlete financial strategy: independent, integrated, and individualized advice. Pulling from real scenarios and the unique demands facing today’s NFL players, the team spells out what it means to have your Family Office working exclusively for you the AWM Way. This episode offers athletes and their families a direct look into the non-negotiables for effective wealth management—clarifying why every financial decision should be intentional, coordinated, and tailored to your future.

Key Highlights
• What makes advice truly independent, and how the AWM Way ensures your Family Office always puts your interests first—never those of shareholders or public company profit mandates.
• Why integration is essential—illustrated by a real-world example where lack of coordination cost millions in unnecessary taxes—and how AWM builds cohesion across your tax, investment, estate, and philanthropic strategies.
• The risk of “siloed” advisors and menu-limited investment choices, and what it takes to unify your entire financial team around your unique needs.
• How individualized planning supports every aspect of your financial life—delivering strategy and solutions based exclusively on your goals, opportunities, and family priorities.
• Practical steps to help NFL athletes and their families demand better, more aligned solutions from their advisory teams.

References
• Discover the AWM Way and Family Office Services at awmcap.com
• Listen to AWM Insights™: athletefamilyoffice.com/podcasts

In this episode of the NFL Players' Podcast by AWM Insights, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Zach Miller, Jeff Locke, and Sam Acho to explore the various financial advising options available for NFL players. The team discusses the different types of financial advisors and the benefits of a family office tailored for athletes. This episode is a must-listen for players looking to effectively manage and grow their wealth. The discussion contrasts traditional financial advisories with more specialized, athlete-centered solutions, offering valuable insights for making informed decisions.

Key Highlights:

• Understanding the different financial advisory options available to NFL players.
• Insight into the limitations of traditional financial advisors versus the specialized services of a family office.
• The importance of taxes and NFL benefits in comprehensive financial planning.
• Why the big banks' marketing strategies do not always equate to the best advice for athletes.
• Upcoming discussion on the role and benefits of a family office for NFL players.

Quotes:

• "You might have the biggest marketing budget in the world, but that doesn't mean you're best for me." – Sam Acho
• "It's not set up for an athlete to know about a failure or a missed opportunity that a company may have." – Sam Acho
• "Any advisor that's serious about giving financial advice is going to be a certified financial planner." – Zach Miller

In this episode of the NFL Players' Podcast, host Riccardo Stewart and his co-hosts Jeff Locke, Sam Acho, and Zach Miller explore the essentials of building a strong financial team for NFL players. They dive into the nuances of transitioning from relying on a single financial advisor to curating a team dedicated to managing multi-generational wealth. Highlighting the complexities and responsibilities that come with increased wealth, the hosts share insights into the critical roles within a financial team and the timing for making this pivotal switch.

Key Highlights:

• Riccardo Stewart introduces the necessity of shifting from a single financial advisor to a comprehensive financial team for NFL athletes.
• Jeff Locke emphasizes the analogy of a sports team to explain the complex needs of high net-worth individuals.
• Sam Acho discusses the importance of having a financial team present regardless of geographical location.
• Zach Miller provides criteria for when an athlete should transition to a team based on their earning potential.
• Jeff Locke covers the philosophical reasons behind having a team to achieve the desired life outcomes.
• Sam Acho stresses the importance of working with an independent team to avoid conflicts of interest.

Quotes:

• "More money means more complexity, and when you have that complexity, it necessitates more clarity." – Riccardo Stewart
• "You can't just have one, two, or three people trying to handle all the things you need." – Jeff Locke
• "Your team needs to be wherever you are at, period." – Sam Acho
• "If you think you're going to make over $20 million, you should have a team." – Zach Miller

In this episode of the AWM NFL podcast, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Sam Acho, Jeff Locke, and Zach Miller to explore situational investing for NFL players in volatile markets. Drawing parallels between situational football and market strategies, they discuss how athletes can capitalize on current market conditions while managing risk. Gain invaluable insights into sticking to financial plans and viewing market downturns as opportunities rather than obstacles.

Key Highlights:

• The importance of situational investing similar to situational football strategies.
• Current market conditions and their implications for stocks globally being down.
• Advice on the significance of sticking to long-term financial plans and being a diversified investor.
• How NFL players can view market downturns as opportunities to buy valuable stocks at a discount.
• Real-world examples and insights on how diligence in tax considerations can save players significant sums of money.
• Practical tips on market behavior and the importance of having a non-anxious presence in volatile times.

Quotes:

• "The little things still matter." – Sam Acho
• "Stick to your plan. You don't get midway through the game, have some adversity, and just rip up and create a new game plan." – Zach Miller
• "Stock market corrections are a feature of the market, not a flaw." – Jeff Locke
• "Have a non-anxious presence, trust in your plan, trust in the team that you've hired." – Riccardo Stewart

Join host Riccardo Stewart and his insightful co-hosts Sam Acho, Jeff Locke, and Zach Miller in this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast as they dive into the critical importance of having a team to manage the complexities of wealth for NFL athletes. Discover the benefits of moving from a single advisor to a coordinated team, as they share personal experiences and expert insights on wealth management, tax strategy, and creating multi-generational wealth for professional athletes.

Key Highlights

• Exploring the complexity of wealth management for NFL athletes and the need for specialized team support.
• Jeff Locke highlights the crucial tax challenges unique to professional athletes and the importance of targeted expertise.
• Zach Miller reflects on his experience of initially choosing individual advisors and the lack of coordinated support.
• Sam Acho discusses the short and long-term benefits of having a comprehensive team rather than relying on a single advisor.
• Examining common pitfalls players encounter without a team and strategies for effective wealth planning.

Quotes

• "One person can't do it all... you need an athlete specific tax person." – Jeff Locke
• "Not every place you work with is the same... NFL is so specific." – Zach Miller
• "Having a team means getting the expert answers you need without the runaround." – Sam Acho

In the 50th episode of the AWM NFL Players Podcast, hosts Riccardo Stewart, Zach Miller, Sam Acho, and Jeff Locke explore the complexities of public vs. private investments. They dive into the distinctions between these markets, highlighting access, regulation, and investment opportunities. Tune in for expert insights on how to navigate these options and understand their long-term impact on wealth creation.

Key Highlights

• Definition of "the market" and its historical context.
• Differences between public and private markets: access, regulation, and investable opportunities.
• Public market's 10% annualized return over the past century.
• Considerations for navigating private markets and achieving higher returns.
• Importance of long-term investing and the power of compounding.

Quotes

• "The public stock market has been one of the most incredible wealth creation tools in history." – Zach Miller
• "In the private market... it's very much buyer beware." – Zach Miller
• "Just because you have the money doesn't mean you really know what's going on." – Riccardo Stewart

In this episode of the AWM NFL Players’ Podcast, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Sam Acho, Jeff Locke, and Zach Miller as they tackle essential investment concepts every NFL athlete should know. They break down the basics of stocks and bonds, the importance of investing in oneself, and the critical role of diversification in building financial security. Whether you're already investing or preparing to start, this episode provides valuable insights to elevate your financial strategy.

Key Highlights:

• Explanation of investment types: equity ownership and lending through bonds.
• Distinction between public markets for accessibility and private markets for high risk and high potential rewards.
• Importance of investing in self—human capital is the greatest asset for athletes.
• The necessity of diversification across global stocks and bonds for financial stability.
• Key questions before investing: ratio of bonds to stocks and commitment to long-term growth.
• Significance of compounding returns when investing early.

Quotes:

• "The most money you will ever make is going to be in your performance on that field." – Zach Miller
• "The power of compounding is massive when you start early." – Zach Miller
• "The future you will thank you for the investments you made right now." – Sam Acho