A Rookie’s Guide To Their First Year

Hey, Rookie!

Congratulations on being drafted! You’re now part of an elite group of athletes that play in one of the most profitable leagues in the world. You’re going to experience a lot over the next calendar year. You might be living in a new city and entering an environment that’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Reporters will be asking you questions and your finances are about to increase, leading to a new world of opportunity and temptation.

It sounds scary but have no fear, I have a crash course on how to survive all of that.

Save Your Money!: This is the most important thing to remember during your rookie year and throughout life. I know, that Rolls Royce is really nice and you’d love to buy your parents a mansion but don’t go for broke so early in your career. If you blow your knee out before your sophomore campaign those items will be more of a burden than you can carry. Hire a financial expert that’s trustworthy and only spend money on what you can afford. It’s okay to treat yourself every once in a while but keep the big picture in mind.

Get A Vet In The Locker Room On Your Side: This is crucial for your transition to the team. You need to have a respected vet in your corner. A time will come when someone will challenge you over something petty and that vet will be there to shut that foolishness down. The key is to get a vet in your position group. All you need to do is have them see you putting in the time and effort to be the best.

Laugh At Yourself: You might as well face it, unless you’re a transcendent talent like Andrew Luck then you’re going to be the butt of a lot of jokes. Vets are going to test to see if you have tough skin, don’t fold. If they’re cracking a few jokes in your direction just laugh it off. If you have a witty comeback then feel free to let it rip. Be careful though, don’t say anything too deep or personal. If you do, expect a lot of trouble.

Hazing Is Okay, But There Is A Limit: Any hazing that’s physically or mentally harmful is unacceptable and don’t stand for it. If the team hosts a rookie talent show and/or gives out whacky haircuts during training camp then play along and go all out. This is a chance for the vets and coaches to see your personal side, which is good. It’s also one of the few times goofing off is allowed in a team setting. Take advantage.

Paying for a team meal is at your discretion. My suggestion is if you’re a first round pick then you’ll probably survive picking up the check. Anything else and you’re setting yourself up for a rough spot financially. You know your finances, act accordingly.

Everything You Say Will Be Analyzed: This will be true for the rest of your career. It doesn’t matter if you say it to a reporter, put it in a tweet, or even mumble it under your breath. Treat everything that you say as if it’s going to be a headline. Speak in clichés until you’ve earned the leeway, and money, to be honest.

GET BIG: You’ve had strength and conditioning coaches before but you’ve never had access to healthcare like this. Take advantage of the staff and become the healthiest you possible.

Make Friends With Staff In The Building: This includes everyone from the custodial staff to the owner. Having friends in the building makes work a lot easier and can be beneficial when you need help obtaining something like extra towels all the way to a bigger signing bonus.

Eat At Work: This is a great way to save money. Every team has a cafeteria so why not take advantage? Get as many meals from them as possible. If they have to-go plates then grab those too. You’re not in college anymore; the NCAA can’t come after you for taking free food.

Social Media Is Your Friend, Until It Isn’t: This goes back to everything you say being analyzed. Social media can be a great tool for interaction with fans and giving them a peak behind the scenes. Use it to be personable but be careful. As soon as you hit send there are no take-backs. Whatever you post will live forever.

STAY HUMBLE: This one is always easier said than done. You now have a lot of money and a lot of influence. It’s easy to get lost in the sauce and forget who you are or where you came from. Being humble means not forgetting those who helped you and interacting with fans. Remember, this all can be gone in an instant.

Roger Goodell Is NOT YOUR FRIEND: I know, he seemed like such a nice guy during draft night. He hugged you and even took a selfie while you were on stage. Don’t be fooled, he’s a wolf dressed in sheep clothing. If the opportunity presents itself Goodell will use you as an example. He’s already drunk with power, don’t do anything to make him use it on you.

Find Your Plug: Every team has that one guy who knows everyone in town and can get you into any restaurant/bar/club in the city. Befriend him, and fast.   

Embarrass Someone In Practice: Remember that vet we talked about earlier? Get his attention by embarrassing someone at practice. Make the one play everyone can’t stop talking about.

Work Hard: This should go without saying. If your teammates and coaching staff see you putting in the hours to get better then they’ll be more inclined to help and give advice.

There you have it, a crash course on how to survive your rookie year. It’s going to be rough but I have a feeling you’ll survive.

Okay, rook, now get to work.

Follow me on twitter, @mattgarrett41

As always, thanks for reading.

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