Podcasts

Built to Grow Podcast: How to Build Wealth Through Real Estate Investing with Devon Kennard

Former NFL linebacker Devon Kennard talks with Ryan Naylor about financial discipline, real estate investing, private lending, and building long-term wealth.

The AvaHR TeamUpdated September 2026 · 3 min read

In this episode of the Built to Grow Podcast, Ryan Naylor sits down with former NFL linebacker Devon Kennard to talk about life after professional football and how he turned his focus toward entrepreneurship, real estate investing, private lending, and building long-term wealth.

After nine years in the NFL, Devon had to think about what success would look like beyond the field. He shares how financial discipline, delayed gratification, and lessons from his time as an athlete shaped the way he approaches money, investing, and business today.

Listen to the episode

What Ryan and Devon cover

The conversation moves from the field to the balance sheet. Here's what they get into:

Leadership lessons Devon took from his NFL career, including his experience with Matthew Stafford
How he handled his first NFL paycheck and why delayed gratification mattered
Why understanding risk and liquidity is important for athletes and entrepreneurs
What his transition from professional football to entrepreneurship looked like
Lessons from real estate investing, house flipping, and private lending
Why cash flow plays an important role in building long-term wealth
How Devon thinks about IRR, leverage, and return on investment
Why investing in yourself can sometimes be the most valuable investment you make

Mandatory versus necessary

Devon also talks about the difference between doing what's mandatory and doing what's necessary. The discipline, preparation, and ability to work through adversity that helped him compete in the NFL now influence how he approaches investing and entrepreneurship.

Who this episode is for

If you're building a business, exploring real estate investing, or simply looking to make more intentional decisions with your money, this episode offers a look at how Devon approached the transition from one career to the next while building toward long-term financial success.