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The leap from college football to the NFL can be fulfilling, humbling, overwhelming and exhilarating in one fell swoop, in addition to being quite profitable.

Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the top pick in the 2014 draft, is slated to receive a whopping $14.518 million signing bonus as part of his fully guaranteed four-year, $22.272 million contract with the Houston Texans. He turned 21 in February.

Wide receiver Brandin Cooks will pocket a $4.5 million signing bonus as the 20th overall selection by the Saints. He’s 20.

Even undrafted rookies who sign as free agents can earn a base salary of $420,000 in their first season.

With that money and sudden jump in status come high expectations and new responsibilities. Johnny Manziel and others like him must be good pros on the field as well as off.

That’s easier said than done.

The NFL and NFL Players Association will attempt to provide a blueprint for success at their annual rookie symposium June 22-28 in Aurora, Ohio. Call it NFL 101: an orientation for all drafted rookies based on the four principles of NFL history, total wellness, experience and professionalism.

Players will be provided with resources and best practices to assist them in an attempt to identify off-the-field challenges in the transition from college to the pros.

Several Saints veterans offered their two cents of friendly advice in advance of the symposium.

“Save your money,’’ said center Jonathan Goodwin, a 13-year veteran of three NFL teams who’s now in his second stint in New Orleans.

“Be humble,’’ nine-year right tackle Zach Strief said. “Embrace the moment.’’

“Be smart with your money,’’ said 36-year-old cornerback Champ Bailey, a 16-year veteran who joined the Saints in April. “Be conservative with investments. Don’t think everything is as good as it looks.’’

“Double-think everything you do,’’ said linebacker Ramon Humber, now in his sixth season. “If you do something illegal, you’re going to get into trouble.’’

“Be quiet, learn what to do and do it hard,’’ said 11-year veteran tight end Ben Watson, now in his second season in New Orleans.

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Rugby Saint II

“Save your money,’’ said center Jonathan Goodwin, a 13-year veteran of three NFL teams who’s now in his second stint in New Orleans.

“Be humble,’’ nine-year right tackle Zach Strief said. “Embrace the moment.’’

“Be smart with your money,’’ said 36-year-old cornerback Champ Bailey, a 16-year veteran who joined the Saints in April. “Be conservative with investments. Don’t think everything is as good as it looks.’’

“Double-think everything you do,’’ said linebacker Ramon Humber, now in his sixth season. “If you do something illegal, you’re going to get into trouble.’’

“Be quiet, learn what to do and do it hard,’’ said 11-year veteran tight end Ben Watson, now in his second season in New Orleans."


I just hope they listen to some of the advice. Too many of these kids have been pampered and think that they are the second coming. They have no idea about tomorrow and how to plan for it.