Michigan's David Molk not changing lifestyle after signing 4-year deal with San Diego Chargers
David Molk was a no-nonsense kind of player while becoming an All-America center for the Michigan football team, and doesn't intend to change now that he's in the NFL.
So what does he plan to do with the small financial windfall he's set to receive, after signing a four-year deal Tuesday with the San Diego Chargers?
"Not a whole hell of a lot," Molk said in an interview before the signing, which was reported by Chargers.com. "I'm cheap. Always have been. I think I get it from my dad.
"I’ll probably just live in a studio."
Really? An NFL player living in a studio apartment?
"Not going to buy a house, especially in this housing market," he said. "I don’t need any more room than I have now. I don’t need a big townhouse. Just give me a little crappy apartment and a TV and a nice chair, and I won’t know the difference.
David Molk
"I get it from my dad. We spend nothing. My dad's got money, but he still buys generic brand ketchup. I'm talking about the crappiest, crappiest ketchup. And I'm not much different."
Molk was selected by the Chargers in the seventh round, and is expected to compete for a backup role behind starter Nick Hardwick. Terms of his four-year deal have not been released.
He was a four-starter at Michigan, and won the Rimington Trophy last year as the best center in the country. He also was an Associated Press first-team All-American.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
ex734
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 4:37 p.m.
Contracts guarantee you nothing. He could get cut by training camp. Trying to pay for a mortgage, especially in san diego would be disastrous without a job. Good move David.
Mac
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 3:40 p.m.
I definitely consider myself a cheap skate!! But, generic ketchup? Really? Any ketchup other than Heinz is unacceptable!! :) Good luck Molk!
redwingshero
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 1:35 p.m.
Considering T.O just publicly disclosed that we wasted/blew $80 million dollars over he NFL career, Molk should probably stick with buying generic ketchup and groceries. I can understand why he doesn't want to buy, even in this market. He's a NFL player, he might not stay in the same place his whole career.
David Paris
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
How does he expect to get a gold-digging, hot California blond with THAT attitude???
Hailmary
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 1:16 p.m.
ah the privilege of youth to be able to map your life right down to the cheap ketchup. David, come back and talk to us in twenty years. I live near San Diego and it's a lovely town but it's not free.
semperveritas
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.
congrats to molk and the chargers. glad that all of his hard work and loyalty to his sport are paying off. HOWEVER, generic ketchup??? that's way too much commitment to principle.
observer
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 11:22 a.m.
He just seems to do a lot of talking......about himself........
ex734
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.
reporter asks question about Molk. Molk answers question about himself. Interesting concept isn't it?
Ted Bundy
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.
Hey Sparty! Yes he is talking about himself. But at least he didnt say "Do you know who I am? I'm the best player on Michigan State!"
Steve McQueen
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 8:37 a.m.
San Diego will be good for Dave Molk. It will bring out the creative side of him living by the sea. Hopefully the Chargers will be patient enough for Molk to get a true shot at the starting center gig. He probably wont start this year, but dont be surprised if he is not starting in his second year. He is that kind of player and has been since he punched that ohio DL who cheapshotted him in the face back when he was a freshman in 08.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 3:23 a.m.
It sounds odd but NFL athletes need to think first about retirement funding and keep a tight rein on their agent and accountant fees as well as their own spending. Be wary of "investment advisors" as well. I disagree with Mr. Molk's take on the real estate front: housing prices and interest rates are both low and have been for a few years. Waiting until everyone's "confident" about paying for a house (as an investment) in a rising market isn't exactly the best strategy. Money itself is without value: it's value is in proportion to the enablement and enjoyment it brings. Some people will buy the cheapest (crappiest) ketchup in order to pay more for something that brings greater pleasure or fulfills a genuine need. But then, buying the cheapest salt and sugar provide the same enjoyment as the most expensive brands.
Susie Q
Thu, May 10, 2012 : 12:49 a.m.
I agree with your sound reasoning. David Molk sounds like a smart young man. But maybe housing prices in San Diego are not so low.....it may not be the best use of his $.
Scott Laux
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 2:23 a.m.
Molk is intelligent. 78% of NFL players go into bankruptcy within two years of retirement. It's not that Molk is a genius. He just isn't part of the American culture of "spend everything you make and then some".