NFL player Khari Blasingame has become a standout not just for his talents on the field, but for his commitment to financial discipline. Despite earning a pro salary, Blasingame adopted a simple but powerful rule: he structured his finances as if he was living on an $80,000 salary, well below what most NFL players actually make.

For context, the rookie minimum salary in the NFL is over $460,000, and many professionals receive signing bonuses and other income streams. Yet Blasingame ignored the temptation to match his spending to his rising earnings. Instead, he set a personal budget at $80,000 (pre-tax), treating any income above that as money for savings, investments, and long-term goals.

This method helped Blasingame protect himself against the financial pitfalls that so many athletes face. By controlling lifestyle inflation and focusing his spending, he built a healthy financial foundation that can last beyond his playing years. The strategy also proved valuable given the volatile nature of pro sports contracts—star players one year can find themselves out of a job the next.

Blasingame’s approach offers a lesson for anyone managing a big leap in income. Living below your means, no matter how much you make, enables you to save, invest, and build wealth. It also forces you to prioritize what really matters and avoid unnecessary expenses that ultimately don’t deliver long-term happiness.

If you’re looking to achieve financial security, consider adopting Blasingame’s rule. Set a realistic lifestyle budget and stick to it, using any surplus income to fund your future. The discipline forged through this process will benefit you for years, whether or not you ever sign an NFL contract.