49ers star Christian McCaffrey shares his top financial advice for kids
Updated February 4, 2026, 6:47 p.m. ET
Bay Area students were surprised to find themselves at a financial literacy conference, where they would meet the renowned entrepreneur and record-setting running back for the San Francisco 49ers, Christian McCaffrey. The event, hosted by Intuit for Education, was part of the company's initiative during Super Bowl week to promote financial literacy. When McCaffrey took the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers, echoing the excitement of a home-game touchdown at Levi's Stadium.
But the star player's focus soon shifted to the core of the event: learning about money before it becomes a critical issue.
In an interview with Greg Johnson, Intuit's executive vice president and chief commercial officer, McCaffrey shared his journey from college debt to sudden wealth. He entered the NFL at 20, transitioning from owing money for parking tickets to earning an NFL salary. As the best running back in football, McCaffrey signed a two-year extension with the San Francisco 49ers in 2024, averaging $19 million per year, a significant increase from his previous contract.
McCaffrey's key advice for kids before their first paycheck was to "learn the language of money." This goes beyond understanding financial terms; it involves finding wise financial advisors, especially those who have learned from failure and how to invest.
One of the most memorable questions came from a student who wanted to know what McCaffrey did when he received his first million-dollar check. To their surprise, McCaffrey's response was pragmatic.
"I didn't even look at it. I just kept working," he said. "I don't play football for money, and I don't play football even for accolades. I never have, and I never will. I think a lot of times I've found that guys who want the accolades and want the money are out of the league in two or three years. But the guys who love the game, ironically, are the ones who get the money and the accolades."
This grounded approach resonated with David Zasada, the Vice President of Education and Corporate Responsibility at Intuit. He emphasized the importance of financial literacy, noting that kids often don't consider it until they make significant financial decisions. He compared it to the preparation needed in sports to succeed on game day, and in high school to succeed after graduation.
The event combined NFL star power with practical financial lessons, as Intuit aims to provide students and teachers with valuable tools, often lacking in mandated personal finance courses in 30 states, which are often underfunded and lack training and curriculum.
One of the funniest moments came when a student asked McCaffrey about his first big purchase, an Aston Martin. McCaffrey humorously admitted to selling it a year later because he never drove it, highlighting the lesson that cars don't appreciate in value.
