Saquon Barkley Channels NFL Earnings Into Tech and Venture Capital Investments
Since entering the NFL in 2018, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has earned close to $80 million through salaries and bonuses. Rather than spending lavishly, Barkley has strategically allocated millions into venture funds and emerging tech startups, signaling a forward-looking approach to wealth management beyond his athletic career.
Investing in Cutting-Edge Technologies and Funds
Barkley’s portfolio reportedly includes stakes in the artificial intelligence firm Anthropic, Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company Neuralink, prediction market Polymarket, and the Founders Fund, a venture capital firm led by billionaire investor Peter Thiel. These investments reflect a focus on innovative sectors with high growth potential.
In an interview with The Profile, Barkley emphasized his awareness of the limited span of a professional sports career: “I was just thinking about how I can only play for so long, so I really gotta take advantage, keep investing, and create wealth for me and my family.” This mindset drives his commitment to long-term financial security.
A Strategy Rooted in Discipline and Diversification
After being selected as the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NFL draft and signing a $31.2 million contract, Barkley adopted a disciplined financial strategy. He committed to investing his contract earnings while living off endorsement income from deals with Nike, Pepsi, and Toyota, which reportedly generate about $10 million annually.
Initially, Barkley placed much of his rookie contract into traditional instruments like S&P 500 index funds and real estate, including a recent $3.9 million home purchase in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Over time, he has taken on more risk by investing in startups such as the mobile payments app Strike and converting endorsement earnings to bitcoin, which appreciated significantly, turning a $10 million income stream into approximately $35 million in assets.
Informed Investment Decisions and Risk Management
Barkley’s venture into startup investing began after reading Peter Thiel’s book Zero to One. He typically invests between $250,000 and $500,000 per startup, spreading capital across more than ten companies. Barkley evaluates potential investments through direct discussions with founders, focusing on their mission, confidence, and leadership qualities.
He explained, “It’s about asking them what they stand for, what their mission is, why they think they’ll be successful. They have to be confident, but arrogance is a turn-off.” This hands-on approach aims to mitigate the inherent risks of early-stage investing.
Career Longevity and Financial Resilience
Now in his eighth NFL season, more than twice the average career length for running backs, Barkley’s financial strategy was reinforced by a severe ACL injury in 2020 that sidelined him for much of the season. The injury underscored the physical toll of his position and the uncertainty of career length, motivating him to prioritize wealth creation beyond football.
“When you sit out of football for a whole year, you realize that this game could be taken away from you,” Barkley reflected, highlighting the urgency behind his investment focus.
FinOracleAI — Market View
Saquon Barkley’s diversified investments in high-growth technology sectors and venture capital signal a prudent approach to wealth management that could inspire other professional athletes. His exposure to cutting-edge companies like Anthropic and Neuralink aligns with current market enthusiasm for AI and neurotechnology innovations.
However, startup investing carries significant risk, including potential losses from unproven ventures. Barkley’s strategy of spreading investments and thorough founder vetting helps mitigate these risks. Investors should monitor the performance of his portfolio companies and broader tech sector trends to assess long-term outcomes.
Impact: positive
