How NFL draft picks can prepare for the worst
Former NFL running back Marcus Lattimore on going through the NFL Draft process after an injury and helping players plan for life after football.
Marcus Lattimore, a former running back for San Franciso 49ers, said everyone who plays professional sports should have a financial backup plan for the future in the event of injury.
“There’s 100% chance you’re going to get injured,” Lattimore, who now prepares players at the University of South Carolina for possible professional football careers and life off the field, told FOX Business’ Stuart Varney on “Varney & Co.” Despite knee injuries he was drafted by the 49ers in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft. But his career was cut short and he retired in November 2014.
He said the program at his alma mater, where he played from 2010 to 2012, educates aspiring professionals on how to manage their finances and find a trustworthy agent.
“I tell every single person who sits in my locker room you have to work on your life’s work and you have to prepare while you’re here in college,” he said.
He also prepares athletes who don’t make it for a professional life outside of sports.
“While you’re here in college, take advantage of the opportunities that you have because you have power, you have leverage,” he said. “Get to know your alumni, get to know your professors, get to know the students … make connections because you play football at a Power 5 school. You’ve got the leg up in any interview that you walk into.”