It’s not uncommon for professional athletes to go back to school during their offseason. However, it is unusual when they’re the ones teaching the class.
Jets free agent linebacker Brandon Copeland is spending his offseason teaching a finance class at his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania. In the class, which he nicknamed “Life 101,” Copeland teaches students how to manage their income.
“I don’t care if you’re an engineering student, a nursing student, if you’re going to build rockets when you grow up or if you’re going to sweep floors,” he told ESPN. “You’re going to have to use something in this class.”
While Copeland isn’t an expert in finance, he has done a great job managing his money. He said that almost 60 percent of his earnings go to investments. He saves 30 percent and lives off of the remaining 10 percent.
Copeland has earned more than $2 million in his career, according to Spotrac.
“Anything I can get into an account and just let sit, I’ve got to a point where I have enough, where if football is over today, I have more than enough to take care of me for a while,” Copeland said.
The 27-year-old linebacker just finished up his first season with the Jets after spending two seasons with the Detroit Lions. He finished with career-highs in tackles (35), sacks (five) and passes defensed (two).
With Copeland set to hit the open market, his portfolio can expect an influx of cash in the near future.
