Why Most Pro Athletes Go Broke (and How Rashad Jones-Jennings Beat the Odds)

From the outside, pro athletes look like they’ve made it; like they’ll never have to worry about money again. Multi-million-dollar contracts, highlight reels, and luxury lifestyles suggest money will never be an issue.  But behind the scenes, most players are one injury, one bad decision, or one contract away from financial ruin. The truth is, the average NBA career lasts just 4 years. Taxes, agents, lavish spending, and poor planning chip away at earnings until the fortune is gone, and with no plan for life after the game, many athletes end up broke and starting over from scratch. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right mindset and strategy, those same athletes can turn short-term income into long-term impact.  That’s exactly what Rashad Jones-Jennings did, proving that reinvention is possible. He built a second career in real estate, transforming his hustle into $60 million of affordable housing developments that are reshaping communities. Most players never make that leap. They leave the game without financial literacy, without a plan, and without the discipline to turn short-term income into long-term security. The difference isn’t the size of the contract, it’s the ability to shift from consumer to builder, from spending money to multiplying it.  How did Rashad set himself up for real estate success? What’s the secret to running a thriving development business that also makes a difference?   In this episode, we unpack the lessons from Rashad’s journey, why most players lose even when they earn millions, and how affordable housing represents one of the most overlooked wealth-building opportunities in today’s market.   Things You’ll Learn In This Episode  -The athlete's money myth Big contracts shrink fast under taxes, fees, short careers, and lifestyle creep; most players aren’t set for life; they’re set for struggle. How do you design a plan that outlasts the spotlight? -Affordable housing, unfair edge While developers chase luxury, demand is starving for well-built, smaller-footprint homes. How did Rashad pre-sell an entire tiny-home community before a single structure went up? -Operations over hype Sourcing materials creatively and knowing line-item costs turns vision into profit and investor trust. How do you become an excellent operator in real estate development?   Guest Bio Rashad Jones-Jennings is a retired NBA player, real estate developer, land flipper, and community builder. Transitioning from the world of professional basketball, Rashad is now dedicated to creating attainable housing solutions through the development of luxury tiny home communities. His focus is on providing innovative housing options in our ever-growing economy, creating living spaces anyone can call home. Rashad is passionate about sharing insights and fostering conversations around alternative housing. He also co-hosts a podcast called Big Man Tiny Homes, where he explores the nuances of tiny home living, urban development, and sports. To learn more, visit postprocapital.com.    About Your Host From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America’s #1 Money Mentor. With a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is the founder of The Money School™ and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier. His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works. Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans, delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.   Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!