Christian Ponder leaves Florida State as the most efficient quarterback in a decade. He even left school with a masters degree, but no amount of school work can prepare him for life in the NFL--and the prospect of becoming an instant millionare in April.

"Right now, especially these next three to four months, it's all about decisions and making the right ones. Can't make the wrong one or it could hurt you," said Ponder.

Just ask this group of athletes. They are just some of the many who have fallen prey to the business of the NFL Names like Johnny Unitas, Eric Dickerson, and Michael Vick have all declared bankruptcy because of bad decisions they made off the field.

"That happens when they leave high school and go to college and meet one group of friends. And when they get a little money in their pocket, they all of a sudden have a few more friends," said Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis.

Former Godby star and Clemson defensive back DeAndre McDaniel knows all too well about having too many friends. The more his stock rose, the more people wanted a piece of the action--and be a part of his inner circle. Fortunately, he has good people around him to show him right from wrong.

"The statistics speak for themselves. 70% of the NFL people be broke. I know one thing, you have to be able to get a good financial advisor to keep up with your money and be smart with everything," said McDaniel.

Actually, DeAndre, 78% of all NFL players are bankrupt or in financial stress just two years after they retire. According to the NFLPA, at least 78 players lost more than 42 million dollars from 1999-2002 because of bad financial decisions. And according to the Toronto Sun, compare it to the NBA where 60% of NBA players are broke after five years of retirement.

Former FSU fullback and Raiders star Zach Crockett made sure he wasn't one of the statistics. He didn't make Peyton Manning money, but he earned a good living in the NFL and because of his good decisions, he's working as a scout because he wants to, not because he has to.

"Money is funny," said Crockett, "The thing is, you have to plan for the future but a lot of guys live for the now and when it's all said and done, what do you have to show for it?"