There's a big difference, I've learned, between wanting to get married and want ting to make your marriage work.

Why rush it?

Money

If I knew then what I know now about money management, I would have been sure to save anywhere from 20 to 30 percent of each paychecks. How you split it, between investments and savings, is an individual preference.

I'm sure there's not many of you in this draft class who haven't ever written a check before, as I hadn't when I was at this point. But for those of you who haven't, the second call you make, after letting Mom know that you've in the NFL, should be to a financial advisor who can make your money work for you.

Financial advisors say one should have at least 3 to 6 months of expenses saved in case of a rainy day, and that's sound advice. Sure, you're making a lot of money, but you're making it within a very short window, and not only that - but when you're an NFL player, you want to look like and live like an NFL player. Understandably. But, as I've quoted Warren Sapp in the past, every year in this League is another mouth to feed.

As the new - and, probably, only - millionaire in the family, will find yourself in the role of the "rich uncle." When family members need root canals and emergency surgery and college tuition and security deposits, you'll be the first one they call. And, being the good guy you are, you'll be there to help them. The only question is, will the monies come from your "rainy day" fund, or will they come out of your game checks?

We can't all be as lucky as the Manning brothers when it comes to landing the big endorsements. Most of us need to manage our checks wisely if we truly plan to enjoy life after football. You never - ever, ever, ever - want to need to withdraw from your NFL pension early. That won't be necessary with sound financial planning. Ask veterans on your club who their financial guys are, or do some research yourself. Stay-at-home mothers and college students have stock portfolios nowadays, so as a millionaire you can't afford to not be in on the game.