Winning the Retirement Game: Lessons from Super Bowl Champions

March 4, 2025
Share On:

Patrick Mahomes will make $45 million this year leading the Kansas City Chiefs into Super Bowl LIX. That's about 900 times what the average American earns annually. But here's what makes football and finance interesting—success means more than the numbers on the paycheck.

When you look beyond the stadium lights of the NFL's biggest game, you'll find something that matters for every retirement plan: the extreme power of preparation mixed with the right strategy.

In Sport, as in Life: Planning is Everything

Famed financial planner, Peter Mallouk, puts it perfectly: "Financial success rarely comes from your earning power – it comes from understanding what to do with what you earn." The proof is in the numbers: according to recent data, many NFL players (and other professional athletes) struggle financially within a few years of retirement, despite earning millions during their careers.

Let's explore what this means for your retirement playbook:

First, you need offensive strategies:

  • Building multiple income streams (like how Gronk lives on his endorsement checks and invests the rest)
  • Know the tax implications before making moves (like Mahomes structuring his deal to take up just 5.3% of the salary cap)
  • Creating a realistic budget that lets your money work for you long-term

Then comes your defensive line:

  • Protection against market downturns
  • Insurance strategies that make sense for your situation
  • Emergency funds that can handle life's unexpected blitzes

As Sportico reports, even teams worth billions like the Eagles ($6.75B) and Chiefs ($5.43B) focus heavily on steady, sustainable income rather than just big game revenues. Your retirement plan needs the same careful attention to regular season fundamentals.

Could You Retire on a QB Salary?

Let's have some fun with Mahomes' $45 million salary. After taxes and agent fees (roughly 45%), he pockets about $25 million yearly. Most financial planners recommend saving 15-20% of your income for retirement – but let's think bigger. If Mahomes put aside half his take-home pay, that's $12.5 million annually working toward retirement.With smart investing and compound growth (assuming a conservative 6% return), here's what retirement could look like:

1. $300,000 Monthly Living

  • Private jet shares for global travel ($50k/month)
  • Multiple vacation properties ($100k/month in maintenance and mortgages)
  • Family foundation donations ($100k/month)
  • Lifestyle expenses ($50k/month)

2. $200,000 Monthly Business Focus

  • Angel investments in sports tech startups
  • Commercial real estate portfolio
  • Professional sports team minority ownership
  • Personal living expenses

3. $100,000 Monthly Legacy Plan

  • Generation-skipping trusts
  • Private school funds for grandchildren
  • Medical care fund for extended family
  • Conservative lifestyle with major flexibility

But let's get real – most of us aren't signing $450 million contracts. The lesson here isn't about the size of the numbers; it's about having a game plan for whatever your numbers are.

Draw Up Your Retirement Play with Savvly

Think about your retirement like the Chiefs think about their Super Bowl strategy – you need more than just talent and resources. You need a system that works.That's where Savvly comes in. We've built something different: a market-driven pension that helps turn your retirement savings into reliable income. No complicated playbooks or excessive fees – just a powerful strategy for lasting results.

While Mahomes has Andy Reid calling plays, you've got Savvly helping design your financial future. Ready to start building your championship-caliber retirement? Join our waitlist today.

Disclosures

This content is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended as investment, tax, or legal advice. Savvly’s Longevity Benefit is offered through a registered closed-end fund and is not insurance, not a guaranteed product, and not FDIC insured. Participation involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Outcomes depend on factors such as market performance, participant longevity, and timing.
Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Case studies and examples are hypothetical and do not represent actual clients or results. They are for illustration only and do not guarantee similar outcomes. Products or strategies discussed may not be suitable for all individuals. Always consult a qualified financial or tax professional before making any decision.
No portion of this content should be interpreted as a testimonial or endorsement of Savvly’s investment advisory services. Savvly Advisor, LLC is a registered investment adviser; registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This material does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation would be unlawful.For complete information on risks, fees, structure, and eligibility, visit savvly.com/disclosures.

Assumptions and Risks

The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment, legal, or tax advice. It is designed solely to illustrate how longevity-based investment benefits may work under certain assumptions. Actual results will vary.

All illustrations, examples, and case studies are hypothetical and are intended to demonstrate potential scenarios—not to predict or guarantee actual outcomes. They do not represent the performance of any individual investor, portfolio, or account.Key Assumptions Used in the IllustrationsLife expectancy and mortality projections are based on the most recent Social Security Administration (SSA) tables available at the time of simulation.

In the event of death or early withdrawal, hypothetical scenarios assume that beneficiaries may receive 75% of the lesser of the initial investment or current market value, plus 1% for each full year the account was active. Case studies assume standardized market growth of 8% annually and do not incorporate unexpected market volatility, inflation, changes in interest rates, or changes in an investor’s personal circumstances.Simulations may assume a 3% annual early withdrawal rate prior to payout or death.All figures shown are net of fees.

Risks to Consider

Market Risk: Investment values will fluctuate and may be worth more or less than the amount invested. There are no guaranteed returns.
Sequence of Returns Risk: The order and timing of market gains or losses—particularly near the payout phase—can materially affect results.
Longevity Risk: Living longer than projected may reduce the pooled benefit per participant; shorter-than-expected lifespans may affect the amount received.
Redemption Impact: Early or voluntary withdrawals by other participants can impact overall fund performance and distribution outcomes.

No forecast, projection, or hypothetical return should be relied upon as a promise or representation of future performance. Investors should carefully evaluate their own circumstances and consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decision.