Day 6

Peyton Manning retires with record-breaking earnings, but for many NFLers retiring means going broke

After 18 years, NFL legend and top earner Peyton Manning announced his retirement this week. But not every pro footballer can count on a cushy retirement. Financial advisor Ed Butowsky tells Brent why a large percentage of NFL players go broke or bankrupt after retirement.
Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart leaps over the goal line to score a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the NFL's Super Bowl 50. (Stephen Lam/Reuters)

An alarmingly high rate of NFL players go broke or file for bankruptcy after retirement. By some estimates, 78% of NFLers have financial troubles within 5 years of retirement.

Brent speaks with financial adviser Ed Butowsky, who works with pro athletes, about why a large percentage of NFL players are susceptible to serious financial problems after retirement.

This interview comes on the heels of legendary football player Peyton Manning's goodbye to the NFL this week. He'll most likely have a cushy retirement. According to Forbes, Manning made a record breaking $400 million in career earnings during his 18 years in the NFL.  

Quarterback Peyton Manning reacts as he announces his retirement from the NFL at the UCHealth Training Center on March 7, 2016. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Not every pro footballer is financially savvy during and after pro ball. Here is a list of NFL players who have gone from hero to zero after retirement.