Life as an NFL WAG might seem glamorous on the surface, but for Bryce Watts Hansen, wife of former NFL wide receiver Chad Hansen, it was a far cry from the image portrayed on social media or in pop culture. In a candid TikTok series, Bryce pulled back the curtain on the financial realities of being married to a player whose career was defined by uncertainty and frequent moves between teams.
From Draft Day to Eight Teams
Chad Hansen entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick for the New York Jets in 2017, following a standout college football career at the University of California, Berkeley. Over the next five years, Chad played for eight different teams, including the Jets, Patriots, Titans, Broncos, Saints, Texans, Lions, and Falcons.
Bryce recalled the whirlwind nature of their life, saying, “You’re essentially a professional mover. Six different states, eight different teams—it was chaotic.” She shared that they had to frequently uproot their lives with little notice, facing unexpected costs at every turn.
Contracts Aren’t Always What They Seem
One of the biggest misconceptions Bryce debunked is the idea that every NFL player is a millionaire. “Chad signed multiple contracts, but they weren’t guaranteed. If you’re cut during the offseason, you’re not seeing that money,” she explained.
Bryce detailed how Chad often signed contracts only to be released shortly after. For example, he was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots in September 2018 but waived just eight days later. Similar situations occurred with the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos.
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The Hidden Costs of Constant Relocation
Moving from team to team brought significant financial strain. “At one point, we were paying rent for three different places simultaneously,” Bryce shared. This happened because they had just signed a lease in New Jersey when Chad was released from the Jets, then moved to Foxborough for the Patriots and later relocated again.
“Moving isn’t cheap,” she added. “For our move to Atlanta, it ended up costing around $10,000. And that’s not including storage units for the times we didn’t know where we’d land next.”
Bryce also explained how they sometimes opted for short-term hotel stays instead of leases, which ended up being more expensive. “You’re paying over $100 a day for flexibility, but it adds up fast.”
Misconceptions About NFL Perks
Another myth Bryce shattered is the idea that NFL players and their families receive free tickets to games. “Even if you’re on the team, the tickets aren’t free,” she clarified. “Players have to pay taxes on those tickets, and if they want box seats, they’re paying full price.”
She added that even high-profile players pay out of pocket for their families to attend games, making it a misconception that tickets are a perk of the job.
Smart Spending and Sacrifices
Bryce credited Chad’s financial prudence for helping them navigate the instability. “He’s a boring spender, but he was smart. Instead of splurging on cars or houses, he invested in stocks, which allowed us to weather the periods between team signings.”
Chad still drives the 2006 truck he got in high school, a testament to his conservative spending habits. This financial discipline was crucial, especially during the two years after Chad’s last NFL season when he officially retired.
Health Expenses and Long-Term Costs
Bryce also shed light on the additional expenses players face to stay in peak physical condition. “Doctor’s appointments, rehab, training programs—those costs aren’t covered by teams once you’re cut or retired. It’s up to the players to invest in their health, and those expenses can pile up.”
Life After the NFL
Chad officially retired in 2022, and Bryce admitted the transition wasn’t easy. “For two years, we essentially had no income. I took odd jobs to help us stay afloat while Chad figured out what was next,” she shared.
A Message for Aspiring NFL Families
While Bryce emphasized that they feel blessed to have experienced the NFL lifestyle, she hopes her transparency helps others understand the less glamorous side of being part of the league. “The money is good, but it’s not what people think. There’s a lot of uncertainty and hidden costs that most fans don’t realize.”
For Bryce and Chad Hansen, the NFL journey was one of both opportunity and challenge, offering valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of financial planning.
As Bryce puts it, “We were fortunate, but it’s not the fairytale people imagine. It’s a grind, just like anything else.”
