We know No. 73 to have a lot of roles- he's a Steeler, husband, and father. Now, he is also a writer. Last week, the 'Big Ragu' wrote a commentary for the Tri-State Defender entitled 'Fantasy Land'-- aka the NFL-- and the harsh reality for players.
We see the players' harsh reality on Sundays, as they punish their bodies all in the name of victory. Foster takes a look at the bigger picture, shedding light on the adjustment young men face as they transition in to the NFL. Astutely pointing out that NFL careers do not last forever, Foster highlights the difficulties athletes face as they go from impoverished college students (hopefully the NCAA will change their rules at some point, but that is a topic for a different article) to wealthy professionals.
Foster imparts some very sage advice, pointing out, "Being in Fantasy Land does not teach you to save or plan for the off-season." Mentioning factors such as the 17-paycheck schedule (the money stops when the season stops) and the opulent lifestyle players experience while traveling to games, Some players don't understand the impact of taxes. In 2003 former Steelers linebacker Kendrell Bell admitted to the LA Times, "I got a million dollar signing bonus. but then I got the check and it was only $624,000. I thought, 'Oh, well, I'll get the other half later.' Then I found out that's all there was. I thought 'They can't do this to me.' Then I got on the internet and found out they can."
Finances can be confusing and overwhelming. NFL players squander their earnings, either spending too frivolously or not understanding that NFL careers can come to an abrupt end. Fact is, according to Foster, "Most of us will have to find a second career in our mid twenties or late thirties and adjust to a more simple life." Many NFL players are ill-equipped to encounter that reality.
Foster does not vaunt his role as mentor in his article, or anywhere else for that matter, but it is evident that younger players look up to him and that he guides them a direction that won't lead to regrettable mistakes-- and poverty. He reveals, "In one year in particular, I had to convince a mid-round pick not to buy himself a Rolex."
Foster practices what he preaches, and is trying to prepare for his exit from Fantasy Land and entry into the real world. He told Steelers.com, "You have to plan for after football. There are only a select few guys who don't have to work after football. You have to see things down the line as far as having a second career and this is a good thing to do."
Given Ramon Foster's foray into writing and his attendance at the NFL Player Engagement boot camp, which includes information on media skills, I wonder if Foster's post-NFL plans include work in journalism. I wouldn't mind hearing his perspective and insights on other topics, and getting more than a game day glimpse at the life in the NFL.