MoneyLion
Oct 18, 2026

9 Surprising Things NFL Rookies Spent Their First Paycheck On

Written by Sean Bryant
|
Edited by Zuri Anderson
9 Surprising Things NFL Rookies Spent Their First Paycheck On

The first paycheck after starting a new job or receiving a raise can burn a hole in your pocket. You might decide to hit submit on your shopping cart full of items or upgrade your vehicle.

Or maybe you have your eyes on a more lucrative purchase. Here are nine surprising things NFL rookies spent their first paycheck on, as reported by Cleveland 19.

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Exotic pets were on Caleb Banks’ wish list after his first NFL paycheck hit the bank. He added one tarantula and three snakes to his collection of two ball pythons, a chameleon and a Cane Corso. 

There’s nothing like a restful night’s sleep, which is why Jacob Rodriguez spent his first NFL paycheck on a new mattress, which seems like a great investment. 

Carnell Tate spent his first paycheck on a 'Star Wars' Lego set. While a Lego set isn’t the most expensive purchase, it can offer some much-needed stress relief.

Investing for the future isn’t the flashiest purchase, but it can help rookies avoid financial difficulties. Determined to avoid that fate, Jadarian Price bought a home in Texas, while Zachariah Branch invested in the S&P 500. 

While NFL rookies might be getting all the credit, there’s often a team of family and friends who have worked behind the scenes to get them to center stage. Jordyn Tyson decided to show his gratitude by sending his father his entire first NFL paycheck. 

A new daily driver can be a practical purchase. Rookie Malachi Lawrence bought a new TRX truck with his first NFL paycheck. You can catch him riding in style to practice and games. 

Having hobbies outside of football is always important. Caleb Lomu decided to put part of his first paycheck toward upgrading his golf clubs. You can find him on the green during the off-season. 

If you look at the sidelines of NFL teams, you might be blinded by all the bling, from diamond-studded chains to high-end watches. Rookie Tacario Davis added a new Rolex to his collection with his first NFL paycheck.

Relaxing and enjoying all your hard work might be just what you need after starting a new job or moving into a different role. That’s exactly what Denzel Boston did with his first NFL paycheck, taking a trip to Miami for some rest and relaxation. 

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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Written by
Sean Bryant
Edited by
Zuri Anderson