NFL is money. NFL players make quite a lot. From Patrick Mahomes’ $450 million deal to Lamar Jackson’s $52 million annual salary, it speaks a lot about the $143 billion worth of the NFL. With that sort of fortune, one may expect the life of a millionaire from the NFL players. The value of each of the 32 franchises has increased from one billion dollars in 2001 to over seventeen billion dollars in 2022.

Cars, mansions, and a lavish lifestyle are probably not for everyone. Well, this QB who plays in the NFL, has made headlines for his lifestyle choices. He probably would never have to work after retirement. Many call him frugal, while some admire his mantra of simple life.

Millionaire Gardner Minshew drives used Acura

Colt’s new QB Gardner Minshew called for his transfer from Jaguars as he did not have enough matches in a starting position. But he has been more in the news for reasons instead of his NFL stories. It is not new for the QB, who has signed a $3.5 million deal with Colts and has an additional $2 million in incentives. You would never know if he is a millionaire or a football player if he is beside you, such is his humble presence.

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Minshew still drives his Acura from 2011 worth less than $35 grand at showroom price. Interestingly the car was bought by his mother, a middle school math teacher and a former basketball player at Mississippi State. It was a used car that he received after high school graduation.

Gardner: Frugal or Minimalist?

The journey for his lifestyle habits starts from his college days when he received $700 to get home for the holiday break. Instead of booking a ticket, he hitch-hiked a ride with a spectator from San Antonio. Now, that’s street smart.

When he got selected for Jaguars in 2019, he received a $190,000 signing bonus but did not sign the lease straightaway. He needed an apartment to stay at Jacksonville, which the franchise refused unless the player appears on the roster. Gardner joined the Jaguars later and was also impressed with his performance after an injury to Nick Foles. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2019 for four weeks and for September month. Later on, he received half a million dollars for playing for Jaguars.

But even then, it was his mother who bought him the essentials, because she knew Gardner wouldn’t have them. He once found a mattress and a box spring in the trash while transferring to Washington State before 2019. He took it home and slept on it. It probably would have cost $15, less than a beer. He then bought a $5 side table and a $10 dresser. That was his furniture expense. It is still not clear if he is a frugal or just a minimalist.

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