Benny Snell taking care of his NFL money

Mont Dawson Photo

Benny Snell was a fourth-round draft pick by Pittsburgh after becoming Kentucky’s all-time leading rusher. He was second on the team in rushing with 426 yards during his rookie season with the Steelers in 2019 when he started two games and played in 13.

He signed a four-year, $3.2 million contract after he was drafted that included a $700,000 signing bonus and $700,000 more in guaranteed money.

So what kind of financial advice have Snell’s parents had for him since he got drafted?

“Even before he signed his contract we were game planning what he was going to do with his money,” said April Snell, Benny’s mother. “He kind of lives close to the pocket. Not like he had to do in college. A little better than that but he doesn’t spend a lot.”

She said her son bought “some basic stuff” when he signed the contract along with a few bigger items.

“He bought a car because his car died in Kentucky,” April Snell laughed and said. “He has a nice apartment (in Pittsburgh) with apartment things. He doesn’t overspend on that.

“We are just trying to help make sure he is not wasting his money away on things that do not really benefit his future. Now don’t get me wrong. He has bought some things that make him happy. He likes clothes, and likes them a lot.

“But he doesn’t have six or seven cars. None of that type of extravagant stuff. He’s been very responsible with his spending and we don’t think that will change.”