I went bankrupt despite $70million NFL earnings after blowing $9million on Whataburger, Jason Bell discussed…
In an eye-opening interview, former NFL player Jason Bell shared the shocking story of how he went bankrupt despite earning over $70 million during his football career. While many might expect a cautionary tale involving lavish homes, cars, or wild investments, Bell’s downfall was tied to something far more unexpected: his extreme obsession with Whataburger, the beloved Texas-based fast food chain.
Bell, who was known for his explosive speed and hard-hitting style as a cornerback in the NFL, admitted in a recent podcast appearance that his financial missteps were driven by an overwhelming love for Whataburger. What started as a simple fondness for the chain’s iconic burgers and shakes soon spiraled into a multi-million-dollar obsession.
“I’ll be honest, it started innocently enough,” Bell recalls. “I was living in Texas, and Whataburger was just a part of life. I’d get it after every game, during every off-day. It wasn’t long before I realized, ‘Hey, I could afford this.’ So I started buying custom Whataburger gear—T-shirts, hats, anything I could get my hands on. It felt like I was part of the brand, like a VIP.”
But as the years went on, Bell’s indulgence grew to a shocking degree. Over a period of several years, he estimates he spent a staggering $9 million on Whataburger—both on the food itself and a bizarre array of themed collectibles. He’d fly in Whataburger execs to cater private events, purchase Whataburger-themed cars, and even throw massive parties where the chain was the central attraction.
“It was a mix of things,” Bell admits, somewhat sheepishly. “It was the convenience, the nostalgia, and honestly, just feeling like I could have whatever I wanted. But looking back, I was completely out of control. I had everything I could ever want in terms of football success, but I wasn’t paying attention to the long-term picture.”
As his spending escalated, Bell’s finances began to crumble. His lavish lifestyle and unchecked spending habits left him with little savings, and by the end of his playing career, he found himself bankrupt.
“It wasn’t just the money I spent on Whataburger,” Bell reflects. “It was the bigger issue of not having a financial plan. I didn’t have anyone guiding me to make smarter decisions, and when you’re making millions, it’s easy to think it will never run out.”
Now, after transitioning into a career in coaching, Bell is using his experience to mentor young athletes, not just in football, but in financial literacy and life choices. As head coach for a high school football team, Bell openly discusses his past mistakes with players, encouraging them to avoid the same pitfalls.
“It’s about teaching them the value of money, the importance of saving, and not letting indulgence take over your life. I made my mistakes, but now I get to help others learn from them.”
Bell’s story serves as a humbling reminder that financial discipline is just as important off the field as it is on it—and sometimes, it takes a monumental mistake to set things right. His message is clear: success isn’t just about what you can buy, it’s about what you can keep and build for the future.
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