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When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned the prospects’ names last week, lives were instantly changed in more ways than one.
From a financial perspective, it’s a huge payday, especially for those who choose the first round. And it’s preached across the league to be smart with the millions of dollars that are guaranteed for those top prospects.
One of those players is Jeremiyah Love, the Arizona Cardinals’ third overall pick who will be the highest-paid running back in the NFL before he even takes a snap. He gets $53 million fully guaranteed over four years with his draft position, and the Cardinals can also exercise a fifth-year option.
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Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame celebrates after being selected with the third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 23, 2026. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
It’s a common question that prospects answer: What will be your first purchase after the draft? Love, however, had other things on his mind, at least with the NFL playing checks he will receive.
“I’m not spending any of my NFL checks,” Love told BRGridiron. “All that money, my financial advisor is going to take care of all that. I don’t know, it’s not my job. He’s going to be there making more and more money.”
THE CARDINALS HAD TO DELAY THE WRITING OF JEREMIYAH LOVE BECAUSE THEY HAD A WRONG PHONE NUMBER
Instead, Love said he would spend his endorsement money throughout his career. Even then, he is not thinking about a luxurious lifestyle.
“The first thing I could buy with my marketing money is a house for my parents and a car for my father,” he explained. “Shoot, I’m going to put myself last. I’m going to take care of my family first.”
Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame arrives in Pittsburgh ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
It’s a great response from Love, and after hearing the feelings of coaches and teammates, it’s something I’ve been looking forward to doing.
In the video, BRGridiron asked the same question to other prospects who heard their names called in the first round. Players like Philadelphia Eagles receiver Makai Lemon were also thinking about their parents, hoping to buy them a house, while others like Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson and Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman were thinking about some new wheels.
Of course, now it’s your money they have to spend, but being first usually leads to numerous marketing opportunities with big benefits too.
Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected third overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 23, 2026. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Perhaps prospects can follow in Love’s footsteps in that regard. Either way, the dream of playing in the NFL comes with the dream of potential generational wealth.
These players earned it and Love makes sure to be smart about it.
