E06: Dominique Easley’s Journey to Financial Mastery

Beyond the Game: Wealth Mastery for Athletes

Beyond The Game Wealth Mastery welcomes former NFL defensive lineman Dominique Easley as this week's guest. Over his five year NFL career, Dominique played for the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams, winning a Super Bowl in 2015. Since retiring from professional football, Dominique has dedicated his efforts to real estate investing. He currently owns rental properties in New York and partners with local contractors on house flipping projects in Atlanta.

Today, Dominique is eager to share both the triumphs and tribulations from his NFL career, as well as the valuable financial lessons he has learned along his journey so far. Listen in to gain insight into his path of wealth creation – both on and off the football field.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

[00:00] Introduction

[07:54] High school football, recruitment, and college major choices

[16:47] Overcoming knee injuries

[18:24] An interest in farming

[26:33] Sports career setbacks and financial decisions

[30:26] From NFL stardom to real estate regrets

[34:46} The importance of prioritizing mental health

[47:25] Dominique’s real estate investments

[51:17] Real estate investing and partnerships in Atlanta

[55:42] Tips for finding the right partner to work with

Episode Highlights:

[26:33] Lessons from Early NFL Career

Dominique got candid about some of the personal challenges he faced early on in his NFL career. He spoke openly about battling mental health issues as he adjusted to life in the league. This took a toll on him and affected his decision-making. Financially, Dominique shared that he did not properly manage his earnings or have the right guidance in place. One costly mistake was paying $100,000 for a vehicle, only to have it later stolen when he irresponsibly leased it out. Over time and through experience, Dominique learned crucial lessons about prioritizing his mental wellness and putting structures in place for his finances. He emphasized that finding mentors to advise him on these aspects of his life after football was instrumental in getting him on the right path.

[34:46] The Importance of Prioritizing Mental Health

Proper mental healthcare is crucial for athletes balancing intense physical demands, injuries, loneliness on the road, and the spotlight of fame/success. Left unaddressed, mental health issues can negatively impact decision-making, relationships, and physical health. Dominique's experience shows that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and commitment to long-term well-being. Mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health for athletes. Having support systems and professionals to help navigate challenges can optimize careers and financial success, in addition to overall quality of life.

[55:42] Tips for Finding the Right Partner

When asked about advice for finding the right partners, Dominique emphasized the importance of trust. He said "If I can't leave you in my home with my children, I do not want to do business with you." He wants to make sure potential partners are people he feels completely comfortable and safe with. He also looks at a partner's work ethic and track record. For his real estate deals, he partners with people who have years of experience and have already successfully flipped dozens of homes. Doing due diligence on a partner's background and qualifications helps ensure they are reliable and competent to collaborate with on investments.

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Die With Zero