Soon after their last win or loss, student athletes enter the real world just like the rest of us college graduates. Statistics show that only a very small percentage continue to play their respective sport after they walk across the graduation stage. An even smaller percentage can make enough money in their sport professionally to live comfortably for the rest of their lives.

Naturally, student athletes have dreamed since childhood that their athletic talent will pay their bills, only to graduate and realize they are in the same place as most of us Americans. (although in better shape!)

That is why a team of ex-college athletes, and financial experts have created a program called “Playbook For Life: The Student’s Guide to Understanding and Planning Your Financial Future.” The program was developed by the Hartford Financial Group in partnership with the NCAA, and was created primarily to inform college athletes of the financial responsibility that soon faces them after graduation.

It is extremely understandable that a student athlete who spends most of his/her day in the gym, practicing, and traveling may not have given deep thought to financial responsibility after college is done. Although, research has shown, MOST college kids are in this same boat, and do not understand the harsh realities of college debt and managing your bills for the first time.

I think it is great that the NCAA has taken interest in the financial well-being of their athletes long after their college careers are done. I think it would be even better if the NCAA could continue to expand this program and show the same level of concern for the “other” people who keep collegiate sports going strong…. the fans.