NFL rookies took a big hit last year with the latest CBA. Gone are the days of first-round draft picks like Sam Bradford making $78 million over six years. Instead, Cam Newton, the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, signed with the Carolina Panthers for a measly $22 million over four years.

Poor Cam. He was a year too late for the really, really big money. We have a sneaking suspicion that he, along with most of the other first-round picks, will get by.

Let’s keep things in perspective—most NFL rookies will make more money than any of us will ever dream of. What do they do with it? Do they buy dream cars or houses? Do they take care of their families? What about the bank? 

We asked some of the biggest stars of the game both past and present how they spent their first NFL paycheck. Surprises? You’ll have to watch the video.


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