Just after the 2018 NFL season, Justin Watson, a wide receiver with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was introduced to Teal Henderson, the founder of Bones Investment Group. Henderson handed him a book and Watson couldn’t stop thinking about it. He reached out to Henderson and became her intern during the 2021 and 2022 NFL offseasons. Henderson’s fund, which primarily works with athletes, invests in commercial real estate development and triple net lease properties. Watson watched as Henderson grew the fund and now wants to work with her in the industry after his NFL career.
Justin Watson Joins Bones Investment Group as an Intern
After meeting Teal Henderson, the founder of Bones Investment Group, Justin Watson became her intern during the 2021 and 2022 NFL offseasons. Watson sat with Henderson in her home office, joined her Zoom calls, and learned about the commercial real estate industry. He expressed his interest in working with her after his NFL career. Watson watched as Henderson grew the Bones Investment Group, which primarily works with athletes and now wants to be a part of the industry himself.
Teal Henderson: Bringing Athletes into the Commercial Real Estate Space
Teal Henderson has been around real estate and athletics her whole life. She played tennis on a scholarship in college and worked in mortgages and commercial real estate. She had the idea of introducing athletes to the commercial real estate space, believing that they were an untapped class of potential investors. She started Bones Investment Group in 2018, primarily working with athletes, and offering them a chance to invest and learn about the industry through an educational program. Henderson’s goal is to expand the athletes’ horizons and provide them with access to the commercial space.
How Bones Investment Group Educates and Supports NFL Players
Bones Investment Group requires potential investors to go through an educational program before being allowed entry into the fund. The program includes coursework created by Henderson and her team, covering topics like financial analysis, net lease real estate investing, and underwriting. The program ensures that players are knowledgeable about their investments and understand how they work. Bones Investment Group also provides monthly update calls and one-on-one courses for players interested in pursuing a career in commercial real estate.
The Benefits of Athletes Investing in Triple Net Lease Properties
Bones Investment Group focuses on triple net lease properties, where the tenant is responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, in addition to the rent. These properties typically attract long-term, reliable tenants like Publix, Home Depot, and Target. Athletes investing in triple net lease properties can benefit from consistent income, minimal management responsibilities, and potential tax advantages. Bones Investment Group provides athletes with the opportunity to invest in these types of properties and learn about the benefits and risks involved.
Bones Investment Group: A Network for Athlete Investors
Bones Investment Group aims to create a network of athlete investors who can work together on future deals, both within the fund and outside of it. The group currently has 78 active investors, with 97% being current or former NFL players. The network allows athletes to connect with each other, share knowledge, and potentially collaborate on real estate projects. The goal is for athletes to take over the management of the fund and continue supporting each other in the commercial real estate industry.
Teal Henderson and Bones Investment Group have created a unique opportunity for athletes to invest in commercial real estate and learn about the industry through an educational program. Athletes like Justin Watson and Terron Armstead have taken advantage of this opportunity and are now actively involved in the fund. With the goal of eventually having athletes run the fund, Bones Investment Group is building a network of athlete investors who can support and work with each other in the commercial real estate space.
Analyst comment
Positive news: Justin Watson joins Bones Investment Group as an intern.
Analysis: Justin Watson’s internship with Bones Investment Group during the 2021 and 2022 NFL offseasons shows his interest in the commercial real estate industry. This experience will likely provide him with valuable knowledge and connections for his career after professional football. The market is expected to benefit from the increased participation of athletes in the commercial real estate space.
