Tuesday, July 21, 2026

The NFL Star Who Doesn’t Spend His Salary

  • Saints running back Alvin Kamara does not spend money from his NFL salary, only his endorsement deals.
  • He recently signed a 5-year, $75 million deal with New Orleans.
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints has earned $18.7 million from his NFL contracts. How much has he spent so far? Nothing. 

The running back said that he only spends money from his endorsement deals and hasn’t touched anything from his NFL contracts, during an interview on Kneading Dough, a show produced by Uninterrupted. 

“I’m like, ‘OK, this is more than I’ve ever had. My mom ain’t never had this much,’” Kamara said. “It would be a shame if I got this and lost it.” 

Kamara was influenced by growing up with a single mom, two siblings, and little cash to spare. “I’m gonna keep doing the same thing I’ve been doing — [buying] what I need, and that’s it. I’m not about to go over the top, I’m not gonna live beyond my means,” he said.

Though Kamara gets his spending cash from his endorsement deals, he’s selective with them: “All the brands that I work with I can call directly and talk to a CEO or somebody high up and have a regular conversation with them.”

The NFL star said that material possessions were never a real source of happiness for him, especially compared to his philanthropic work in New Orleans.

“A lot of [charitable] things that I do, no one really knows that I’m behind it — besides the couple of people that need to know. It’s what makes me happy, knowing that I was able to help somebody.”

Kamara’s savings account is about to get a lot larger. In September, the Saints inked him to a 5-year, $75 million deal.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Kyle Brandt ESPN

Kyle Brandt Joins ‘Get Up’ as ESPN Furthers NFL Network Integration

Other NFL Network talents have appeared on ESPN in recent weeks.

NFLPA Uses World Cup Final to Renew Push for Grass Fields

The union begins a coordinated campaign to pressure team owners.
Exclusive

NFL Owners Expect New Deal for Roger Goodell

NFL media rights, labor talks make continuity a priority.
Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Fox broadcaster Tom Brady is seen prior to the game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Opinion

Publicity Stunts Are Hurting the Tom Brady Brand

Brady and Logan Paul escalated their “feud” over the weekend.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/21/26 – Michigan AD Out, Goodell Extension, Zlatan Exits Fox, Tom Brady vs. Logan Paul

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.

Why WNBA Union Won’t Monetize Viral Sophie Cunningham Incident  

Cunningham can still use her own NIL to license the image.
July 14, 2026

DeChambeau Has Last Chance at 2026 Major Cut—With 3D-Printed Irons

LIV Golf’s biggest star continues to stay busy off the course.
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
July 13, 2026

NBA Execs Split on Where LeBron James Will End Up

James will play a record 24th NBA season. 
Cycling - Tour de France - Stage 9 - Malemort to Ussel - Malemort, France - July 12, 2026 UAE Team Emirates - XRG's Tadej Pogacar wearing the yellow jersey, UAE Team Emirates - XRG's Isaac Del Toro wearing the white jersey and Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Jonas Vingegaard wearing the polka-dot jersey in action as a spectator dressed in a costume cheers on during stage 9
July 13, 2026

Tadej Pogačar Says Heat Demands Tour de France Overhaul

Stage 9 was cut by 18.6 miles under a red alert.
July 12, 2026

Sinner Defeats Zverev at Wimbledon, Claims $4.8M Prize

Sinner won his first Grand Slam tournament of the year.
July 11, 2026

Ohtani, Judge Both Out of MLB All-Star Game

The two superstars will miss the midseason showcase.