NFL Players' Podcast

Join host Riccardo Stewart alongside Zach Miller, Sam Acho, and Jeff Locke as they tackle the art and strategy of charitable giving for NFL athletes. This episode uncovers the pressures and privileges of generosity, explores the happiness found in giving, and breaks down smart approaches like donor advised funds. With personal stories and practical advice, the team offers pro-level insights to help athletes give confidently and make a greater impact. Whether you're navigating requests from family or searching for tax-savvy solutions, this conversation delivers tools and perspectives to elevate your giving game.Connect with usCall or text: 602-989-5022Website: https://www.athletefamilyoffice.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awmcapital/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awmcapital/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awmcapital/X: https://twitter.com/awmcapitalChapters(00:01) The Season of Giving and Its Pressures(01:31) The Personal Joy and Impact of Giving(03:07) Navigating the Privilege and Pressure to Give(05:28) Smarter Giving Strategies for NFL Athletes(07:04) Donor Advised Funds Explained

In this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast, hosts Riccardo Stewart, Sam Acho, Zach Miller, and Jeff Locke unpack the critical issue of digital privacy and personal security for professional athletes. Through candid stories and real-life examples, the team discusses why privacy is often overlooked, how even basic personal information can end up online, and the elevated risks that come with wealth and fame. Tune in to learn what every athlete and their advisors need to know about protecting their assets, families, and peace of mind—on and off the field.Connect with usCall or text: 602-989-5022Website: https://www.athletefamilyoffice.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awmcapital/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awmcapital/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awmcapital/X: https://twitter.com/awmcapitalChapters(00:01) Thanksgiving Reflections and Team Gratitude(00:36) Favorite Christmas Movies and Segue to Privacy(02:15) Privacy Risks for NFL Athletes(03:55) Digital Exposure and Data Vulnerabilities(06:06) The Role of Financial Teams in Athlete Privacy(08:18) Increasing Threats with Greater Wealth(09:53) Practical Protections and Specialist Resources

Join hosts Riccardo Stewart, Sam Acho, Zach Miller, and Jeff Locke—NFL veterans with a combined 20 years of experience on and off the field—as they break down the "Four Ts" of investing for professional athletes: truth, touch, time, and tension. Drawing from their personal journeys and financial expertise, the team explores how to identify trustworthy advisors, navigate the relational side of wealth, practice patience amidst high-earning years, and tackle inevitable challenges along the way. If you want to make smarter decisions, build generational wealth, and avoid the common pitfalls NFL players face, this episode delivers candid advice and real-life stories you won’t want to miss.Connect with usCall or text: 602-989-5022Website: https://www.athletefamilyoffice.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awmcapital/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awmcapital/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awmcapital/X: https://twitter.com/awmcapitalChapters(00:01) The Four Ts of Investing(01:18) The Truth About Advisors and Incentives(03:25) The Importance of Relationship and Trust(06:45) Patience and the Role of Time(09:21) Navigating Tension and Uncertainty

Join Riccardo Stewart, Jeff Locke, Sam Acho, and Zach Miller on this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast as they break down the path to building multi-generational wealth for professional athletes. The team dives into the fundamentals of investing, using relatable football analogies to unpack the three essential “buckets” every athlete should consider—from safeguarding your financial foundation to accessing exclusive private market opportunities. Drawing from their own careers and insider expertise, they reveal strategies, lessons learned, and what every player needs to know to sustain a legacy far beyond the playing field. Don’t miss this game plan for smart investing and family prosperity.Connect with usCall or text: 602-989-5022Website: https://www.athletefamilyoffice.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awmcapital/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awmcapital/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awmcapital/X: https://twitter.com/awmcapitalChapters(00:01) NFL Players and the Path to Investing(01:55) The First Bucket—Protective Reserve and Emergency Funds(03:42) Early Lessons and Communicating Financial Foundations(04:45) The Second Bucket—Public Market Investments(06:41) Understanding Public Versus Private Markets(09:02) The Third Bucket—Accessing Private Markets(11:13) Progression and Planning for Multi-Generational Wealth

In this episode of the NFL Players' Podcast, hosts Riccardo Stewart, Zach Miller, Sam Acho, and Jeff Locke dig into the overlooked world of NFL player benefits. Drawing on their combined decades of on-field experience and financial expertise, they reveal the essential perks that every player—and their families—should know about, from retirement savings to insurance options and unique programs that unlock real long-term value. You’ll hear candid stories, eye-opening numbers, and practical advice on making the most of these benefits—whether you’re a current player, a retired pro, or part of an athlete’s support team. Discover how understanding and maximizing these resources can change the game for your financial future.Connect with usCall or text: 602-989-5022Website: https://www.athletefamilyoffice.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awmcapital/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awmcapital/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awmcapital/X: https://twitter.com/awmcapitalChapters(00:01) Introduction to NFL player benefits(01:11) Personal experiences with NFL benefits(03:33) Important benefits every player should know(05:52) Maximizing and tracking benefits for financial impact(07:50) The advisor’s role in managing benefits(09:55) Real-life impact of benefits after retirement(12:27) Hidden benefits and maximizing opportunities

Join hosts Riccardo Stewart, Jeff Locke, Zach Miller, and Sam Acho as they unpack the often-overlooked NFL 401(k) and what every player needs to know about maximizing this valuable benefit. Drawing from real locker room experiences and expert financial advice, the team clears up common misconceptions, explains how the NFL’s unique employer match works, and reveals why many advisors fail to manage these accounts properly. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned vet, this episode delivers crucial insights to help you grow your money—on and off the field. Don't miss this conversation packed with practical tips and the inside scoop on building lasting wealth as an NFL player.Connect with usCall or text: 602-989-5022Website: https://www.athletefamilyoffice.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awmcapital/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awmcapital/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awmcapital/X: https://twitter.com/awmcapitalChapters(00:01) Real locker room conversations about the NFL 401(k)(03:23) How the NFL 401k works and its unique benefits(06:04) Common misunderstandings and advisor limitations(08:31) Steps to take for maximizing the NFL 401(k)(13:02) The butterfly effect: what to tell rookies

On this episode of the AWM NFL Players' Podcast, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Jeff Locke, Sam Acho, and Zach Miller to break down a topic every pro needs to understand: target date funds. The team shares firsthand stories, demystifies how target date funds work, and examines why these investments may not be the right play for high-net-worth NFL athletes. With real numbers, honest, hard-earned perspectives, and actionable advice, this episode offers the insider knowledge you need to make smarter decisions for your financial future. If you want to know what works—and what could be costing you millions—this conversation is a must-listen.Connect with usCall or text: 602-989-5022Website: https://www.athletefamilyoffice.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awmcapital/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awmcapital/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awmcapital/X: https://twitter.com/awmcapitalChapters(00:01) Family stories and investment analogies(02:01) First encounters with target date funds(03:03) What is a target date fund(04:15) Advantages and origins of target date funds(05:45) Disadvantages for NFL athletes(07:29) Why customization matters for high-net-worth athletes(09:57) Next steps if you have a target date fund

In this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast, hosts Riccardo Stewart, Zach Miller, Jeff Locke, and Sam Acho break down what it truly means to take a human-centered approach to wealth management for professional athletes. The team unpacks the stark differences between generic financial advice and the custom-built strategies of a family office, using insightful analogies from architecture and fashion to illustrate why one size does not fit all. With personal stories and real-world examples, they reveal how aligning your financial plan to your unique life, values, and legacy can have a transformative impact on long-term wealth. Tune in to hear firsthand how elite athletes can build lasting prosperity for themselves and their families.Chapters(00:01) Human centered financial planning(02:40) Building your financial structure(04:14) Model homes versus custom homes(06:53) The custom fit approach(09:58) Financial structures for high earners(11:21) Listening to your story

Step inside this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast as Riccardo Stewart sits down with former NFL players Sam Acho, Jeff Locke, and Zach Miller for an unfiltered conversation about the realities behind wealth management for athletes. The team shares eye-opening stories from inside the league, reveals the surprising pitfalls most players face with advisors, and explains what it really takes to create lasting generational wealth. Drawing from personal experience and frank opinions, they unpack what makes a true family office and the essential steps athletes must take to protect their futures. If you want to hear the truth about money in the NFL from those who have lived it, this episode brings the playbook you need.Connect with usWebsite: https://www.athletefamilyoffice.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awmcapital/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awmcapital/X: https://twitter.com/awmcapitalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/awmcapital/Chapter Outline(00:01) Why We Serve NFL Athletes(01:06) Personal Motivation for Becoming Advisors(03:04) Early Experiences of Player Advocacy(06:04) The Value of Lived Experience(09:13) Challenges and Industry Pitfalls for NFL Athletes(12:46) Understanding True Family Office Value(15:01) What to Expect Working with Us

Join hosts Riccardo Stewart, Jeff “The Professor” Locke, Zach “The Truth” Miller, and Sam “The Mayor” Acho as they break down what it really means to take a human-centered approach to wealth management for NFL athletes. This episode explores how identifying your unique needs, wants, and wishes lays the foundation for a financial strategy built around your life, not just your investments. You’ll hear candid stories from the locker room and real-world examples that go beyond the numbers—revealing how personal values and big dreams shape generational wealth. If you're ready for advice crafted for athletes by pros who’ve lived it, this conversation brings a whole new playbook to the table.Chapter Outline(00:01) Human-centered approach defined(01:04) Moving away from one-size-fits-all advice(03:27) Needs as foundational priorities(05:16) Wants for lifestyle and fulfillment(08:24) Wishes for legacy and giving back(10:46) Aligning investments with personal priorities

It's OL Masterminds this week! And in this episode of the AWM NFL Player's Podcast, hosts Riccardo Stewart, Jeff Locke, Sam Acho, and Zach Miller take use behind the curtain of the business side of professional football for the players at OL Masterminds. Their aim is to show how athletes can capitalize on this opportunity to create, capture, and protect their value both on and off the field.The team also shares practical stories and hard-earned lessons on maximizing contracts, building trusted advisory teams, and avoiding the common pitfalls that threaten a player's chances to build wealth. With honest, straight-up advice and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for both players attending OL Masterminds and any athlete looking to build a legacy and turn short-term earnings into lasting multi-generational wealth.Some of the key moments:OL Masterminds is spotlighted as an important training ground where top offensive linemen invest in sharpening skills and building career value, under the same roof as Hall of Famers and leaders who have set the standard.The urgency of value capture is illustrated through Trey Smith’s leap from early paydays to becoming the NFL’s highest-paid guard within a single year, showing how quickly fortunes can shift for those ready to capitalize.We also set a warning for athletes: with contract dollars comes an influx of agents, advisors, and others seeking to join the team, many with unclear motives. Aligning incentives and demanding transparency—especially steering clear of “free service” red flags—is essential.Selecting your wealth team requires the same scrutiny as building a locker room: mentorship, true expertise, and rock-solid alignment of incentives override empty friendship or unqualified offers.The hosts recap a guiding four-part approach to wealth that underpins every play: create value as the athlete, capture it through contracts, convert it into sustainable resources, and continue it across generations—laying the groundwork for a 100-year family.Listeners are invited to reach out directly for practical support in assembling their front office for enduring family stewardship.If you're an athlete and you've got questions, reach out to us at 602 989 5022, or learn more at athletefamilyoffice.com.

Hosts Riccardo Stewart, Jeff Locke, Zach Miller, and Sam Acho call the plays on one of the toughest challenges in wealth: sustaining it for generations. They break down what the stats really say—among families with $30M+ in assets, only 30% successfully hand wealth to their kids, and just 10% to grandkids. Through the lens of the athlete as CEO, the team outlines what it really takes to keep the family scoreboard lit for decades to come: real strategy, meaningful stewardship, and a clear sense of legacy.Key HighlightsAmong families with $30M or more, only 30% pass wealth to children and a strikingly low 10% to grandchildren—true multi-generational success is rare without focused planning.Estate tax is a real opponent: with an exemption around $15 million, any amount over that mark is taxed at 40%, making careful planning essential to keeping more in the family line.Stewardship goes beyond asset transfers and focuses on fostering family governance by consciously preparing children and grandchildren to lead, protect, and grow family resources.Purpose-built trusts help fund education, provide first-home down payments, and deliver seed capital for new businesses, offering a runway for each generation to take meaningful first steps.Establishing private family foundations allows each generation to give back and actively manage the family's impact over time, keeping values and stewardship at the center of the legacy.At this level of wealth, a family office becomes essential, acting as a coordinated team to oversee everything from investments and tax to estate design and next-generation guidance.

This week, Riccardo Stewart is joined by Jeff Locke, Zach Miller, and Sam Acho to lay out the real strategy behind turning an NFL contract into generational strength. Using Brock Purdy’s $265 million deal as the case study, the team walks through the “Create, Capture, Convert” playbook—revealing what truly separates short-term paydays from enduring family legacy. With firsthand stories from both the field and the front office, the hosts get tactical on tax, cash flow, philanthropy, and what it means to run your wealth like a pro—team, systems, and all.Key HighlightsThe “Create, Capture, Convert” playbook: How elite athletes turn physical, social, and intellectual capital into contracts, then steward after-tax dollars through every stage of wealth.The 50-40-10 rule and tax strategy: Inside the real cost of California residency—why a $265 million contract means careful tax planning, year-over-year strategies, and the massive value of location.Sustainable spending and cash flow management: The path to spending $3–4 million a year with confidence—if the right team, structure, and discipline are in place. “Money is just a magnifier”: Sam Acho’s story-driven reminder that bigger checks only amplify habits—making intention and stewardship more important than ever.Philanthropy with purpose: Using private foundations and direct giving to create impact, and lessons on making every dollar count.Why a family office is built for the big leagues: The difference between a transactional advisor and an integrated front office, delivering alignment, access, and true multi-generational coaching.

Riccardo Stewart, Jeff Locke, Zach Miller, and Sam Acho gather in the front office to tackle the big question facing every pro: you’ve built your value—how do you really capture it? They pull back the curtain on high-stakes negotiations, using the Brock Purdy contract as a case study. Jeff breaks down why the numbers on NFL deals rarely tell the full story, especially compared to MLB and NBA. Zach and Sam get specific, explaining the split between truly guaranteed money and what’s just ink on paper—then show how players can turn presence and connection into off-the-field wins. Between anecdotes from inside CBA talks and clear advice on reading the business, the team lays out the game plan for pros and their families to run their own huddle—and stay ahead of the league.Key highlightsWhat it means to run your career like an “Athlete CEO,” with the field as only part of the equation.Why only 20 out of 43 active NFL contracts over $100M are fully guaranteed, compared to every deal that size in the MLB (68) and NBA (82)—and what that means when negotiating as a pro.A close look at Brock Purdy’s contract: signing bonuses, real guarantees, “outs” for the team, and the importance of securing more value early, not just on paper.How relationships in your city and community create real off-the-field value—think partnerships, sponsorships, and trust beyond stats.Firsthand accounts from CBA negotiations: how owners approach contracts, what’s really said in the back room, and why understanding the league’s view is essential for every athlete.The bottom line for players and families: study the playbook, know your leverage, and get every piece you’ve earned—on and off the field.

Riccardo Stewart joins Zach “The Truth” Miller, Sam “The Mayor” Acho, and Jeff “The Professor” Locke to draw up the playbook behind becoming the CEO of your own career as an NFL player. With Brock Purdy’s path—from Arizona high school standout, to last pick in the draft, to signing a $265 million extension—as the backdrop, the team unpacks what really drives value for pro athletes: performance, preparation, grit through setbacks, and knowing exactly who belongs in your circle. The conversation lays bare how discipline on and off the field, combined with relentless self-belief, is the foundation for maximizing long-term value and setting up a winning legacy.Key Highlights:• Why every athlete needs to run the business of themselves—not just play in the business of the NFL.• Brock Purdy’s journey: overlooked and underestimated, but methodically building value through adversity, belief, and execution.• The power of intellectual capital: seeing the whole field, staying prepared, and making the right decisions when the pressure’s highest.• Grit forged in recovery and rejection: how setbacks and unseen effort fuel future contracts.• How contract structure impacts long-term value: rookie wage scale, forms of guaranteed money, skill cap, injury clauses, timing, and the true meaning of “extension.”• Why maximizing value means keeping your circle small and choosing partners carefully both on and off the field.References:• Brock Purdy contract extension: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45167784/san-francisco-brock-purdy-new-contract-extension-mr-irrelevant-big-expectations• Shark Tank (ABC), as a metaphor for realizing value and investment: https://abc.com/show/535e2b07-18a9-4d94-9803-9ed8257b9d23• Text in your questions: 602-989-5022

In this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Sam Acho, Zach Miller, and Jeff Locke to break down “The Three I’s” of athlete financial strategy: independent, integrated, and individualized advice. Pulling from real scenarios and the unique demands facing today’s NFL players, the team spells out what it means to have your Family Office working exclusively for you the AWM Way. This episode offers athletes and their families a direct look into the non-negotiables for effective wealth management—clarifying why every financial decision should be intentional, coordinated, and tailored to your future.Key Highlights• What makes advice truly independent, and how the AWM Way ensures your Family Office always puts your interests first—never those of shareholders or public company profit mandates.• Why integration is essential—illustrated by a real-world example where lack of coordination cost millions in unnecessary taxes—and how AWM builds cohesion across your tax, investment, estate, and philanthropic strategies.• The risk of “siloed” advisors and menu-limited investment choices, and what it takes to unify your entire financial team around your unique needs.• How individualized planning supports every aspect of your financial life—delivering strategy and solutions based exclusively on your goals, opportunities, and family priorities.• Practical steps to help NFL athletes and their families demand better, more aligned solutions from their advisory teams.References• Discover the AWM Way and Family Office Services at awmcap.com• Listen to AWM Insights™: athletefamilyoffice.com/podcasts

In this episode of the NFL Players' Podcast by AWM Insights, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Zach Miller, Jeff Locke, and Sam Acho to explore the various financial advising options available for NFL players. The team discusses the different types of financial advisors and the benefits of a family office tailored for athletes. This episode is a must-listen for players looking to effectively manage and grow their wealth. The discussion contrasts traditional financial advisories with more specialized, athlete-centered solutions, offering valuable insights for making informed decisions.Key Highlights:Understanding the different financial advisory options available to NFL players.Insight into the limitations of traditional financial advisors versus the specialized services of a family office.The importance of taxes and NFL benefits in comprehensive financial planning.Why the big banks' marketing strategies do not always equate to the best advice for athletes.Upcoming discussion on the role and benefits of a family office for NFL players.Quotes:"You might have the biggest marketing budget in the world, but that doesn't mean you're best for me." – Sam Acho"It's not set up for an athlete to know about a failure or a missed opportunity that a company may have." – Sam Acho"Any advisor that's serious about giving financial advice is going to be a certified financial planner." – Zach Miller

In this episode of the NFL Players' Podcast, host Riccardo Stewart and his co-hosts Jeff Locke, Sam Acho, and Zach Miller explore the essentials of building a strong financial team for NFL players. They dive into the nuances of transitioning from relying on a single financial advisor to curating a team dedicated to managing multi-generational wealth. Highlighting the complexities and responsibilities that come with increased wealth, the hosts share insights into the critical roles within a financial team and the timing for making this pivotal switch.Key Highlights:Riccardo Stewart introduces the necessity of shifting from a single financial advisor to a comprehensive financial team for NFL athletes.Jeff Locke emphasizes the analogy of a sports team to explain the complex needs of high net-worth individuals.Sam Acho discusses the importance of having a financial team present regardless of geographical location.Zach Miller provides criteria for when an athlete should transition to a team based on their earning potential.Jeff Locke covers the philosophical reasons behind having a team to achieve the desired life outcomes.Sam Acho stresses the importance of working with an independent team to avoid conflicts of interest.Quotes:"More money means more complexity, and when you have that complexity, it necessitates more clarity." – Riccardo Stewart"You can't just have one, two, or three people trying to handle all the things you need." – Jeff Locke"Your team needs to be wherever you are at, period." – Sam Acho"If you think you're going to make over $20 million, you should have a team." – Zach Miller

In this episode of the AWM NFL podcast, host Riccardo Stewart is joined by Sam Acho, Jeff Locke, and Zach Miller to explore situational investing for NFL players in volatile markets. Drawing parallels between situational football and market strategies, they discuss how athletes can capitalize on current market conditions while managing risk. Gain invaluable insights into sticking to financial plans and viewing market downturns as opportunities rather than obstacles.Key Highlights:• The importance of situational investing similar to situational football strategies.• Current market conditions and their implications for stocks globally being down.• Advice on the significance of sticking to long-term financial plans and being a diversified investor.• How NFL players can view market downturns as opportunities to buy valuable stocks at a discount.• Real-world examples and insights on how diligence in tax considerations can save players significant sums of money.• Practical tips on market behavior and the importance of having a non-anxious presence in volatile times.Quotes:• "The little things still matter." – Sam Acho• "Stick to your plan. You don't get midway through the game, have some adversity, and just rip up and create a new game plan." – Zach Miller• "Stock market corrections are a feature of the market, not a flaw." – Jeff Locke• "Have a non-anxious presence, trust in your plan, trust in the team that you've hired." – Riccardo Stewart

Join host Riccardo Stewart and his insightful co-hosts Sam Acho, Jeff Locke, and Zach Miller in this episode of the AWM NFL Podcast as they dive into the critical importance of having a team to manage the complexities of wealth for NFL athletes. Discover the benefits of moving from a single advisor to a coordinated team, as they share personal experiences and expert insights on wealth management, tax strategy, and creating multi-generational wealth for professional athletes.Key Highlights• Exploring the complexity of wealth management for NFL athletes and the need for specialized team support.• Jeff Locke highlights the crucial tax challenges unique to professional athletes and the importance of targeted expertise.• Zach Miller reflects on his experience of initially choosing individual advisors and the lack of coordinated support.• Sam Acho discusses the short and long-term benefits of having a comprehensive team rather than relying on a single advisor.• Examining common pitfalls players encounter without a team and strategies for effective wealth planning.Quotes• "One person can't do it all... you need an athlete specific tax person." – Jeff Locke• "Not every place you work with is the same... NFL is so specific." – Zach Miller• "Having a team means getting the expert answers you need without the runaround." – Sam Acho