Christian McCaffrey, a star running back for the San Francisco 49ers and the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year, shared his 'biggest' advice to kids about money at a financial literacy conference in the Bay Area. The event, part of Intuit's Super Bowl week push to elevate financial literacy, featured McCaffrey walking on stage to a crowd of cheering students.
McCaffrey, interviewed by Intuit's executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Greg Johnson, began by expressing his wish for such programs to have existed when he was in high school. He talked openly about the whiplash of going from college debt to sudden wealth, entering the NFL at 20 and jumping from owing money for parking tickets to an NFL salary.
He emphasized the importance of 'learning the language of money', which means more than understanding terms. It involves finding wise people to serve as financial advisors, especially those who have failed and learned how to invest. McCaffrey advised students to avoid the pitfalls of seeking accolades and money, as these can lead to a short NFL career. Instead, he encouraged them to love the game, as this is what leads to long-term success and financial rewards.
The event highlighted the mix of NFL star power and real-world financial lessons, with 30 states now mandating personal finance courses. Intuit created this tour to equip students and teachers with tools they may not get anywhere else, offering everything for free, including professional development for teachers and all events.
