Byron Jones offers advice for 2020 NFL draftees

Byron Jones (31) signed with the Dolphins after five years with the Cowboys. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins CB Byron Jones offers advice for rookies selected in 2020 NFL Draft

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 4/23/20

On Thursday evening, dozens of young men will join the NFL fraternity of players. Roughly nine hours before the kickoff of the 2020 NFL Draft, one of their own offered some solid advice.

Late Thursday morning, Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones took to Twitter to address future draft selections.

My advice to 2020 rookies:

DO NOT SPEND YOUR MONEY. That number you see on your contract is fake. You will pay roughly 40% to 50% in taxes, agent fees, union dues, 401k account + necessary insurance. Also, a large portion of your contract is NOT GUARANTEED. (1/5)
— Byron Jones (@Byron31Jump) April 23, 2020

Do not live a lavish lifestyle. Although your mom may deserve it, she does not need a $100,000 car. She does not need a $1,000,000 house. It is not the time yet. If you protect your money early, you can live a comfortable life forever and provide for your family. (2/5)
— Byron Jones (@Byron31Jump) April 23, 2020

You can raise the standard of living for your family (top education for your kids, healthcare, low crime neighborhoods) but you must be PATIENT. Come up with a modest monthly budget, learn + see the power of compound interest as you invest, understand tax implications. (3/5)
— Byron Jones (@Byron31Jump) April 23, 2020

Use the NFLPA to find credible financial advisors. Interview a few and ask honest, hard questions before you make a decision. Don’t use your uncle’s friend because he claims he can get you 50k on your tax return. (4/5)
— Byron Jones (@Byron31Jump) April 23, 2020

In the wise words of Marshawn Lynch “SAVE YO CHICKEN”. Welcome to the NFL. (5/5)
— Byron Jones (@Byron31Jump) April 23, 2020

Jones echoed the words of veteran running back Marshawn Lynch:

Marshawn Lynch goes on at length about his advice for young players.

The gist: “Take care of your chicken.”

Chicken = money pic.twitter.com/dydj7NB0d8
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) January 13, 2020

On Wednesday afternoon, Lynch was spotted handing protective masks out to people around Oakland amid the coronavirus pandemic:

Real love from @MoneyLynch handing out masks #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/kcZsIeUf7y
— KEN✨ (@Kenmeezy) April 22, 2020

Soon-to-be NFL rookies would do well to listen to individuals such as Jones and Lynch. As NFL.com staff noted, Jones put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Miami Dolphins in March that includes $54.5 million in guaranteed money and that could be worth up to $82 million. That deal made him the league's highest-paid cornerback.

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