The Flores FU Formula?

February 23, 2022

The benefits of having financial freedom have never been clearer than in the case of Brian Flores. Could Flores’ finances have been well planned enough to allow him to stand up in the face of injustice, no matter the consequence?

According to the court documents filed on behalf of Flores, the former Miami Dolphins coach, who was fired despite a winning season, alleges that his interview with the New York Giants was only set in order to satisfy the Rooney Rule, requiring NFL teams to interview at least two minority candidates who are not already on the team.

In his statement, Flores said, “God has gifted me with a special talent to coach the game of football, but the need for change is bigger than my personal goals.” He also noted, “In making the decision to file the class action complaint, I understand that I may be risking coaching the game I love and has done so much for my family and me.” Flores’ sincerest hope is “that by standing up against systemic racism in the NFL, others will join me to ensure that positive change is made for generations to come.”

Flores’ statement acknowledges that he may never work for the league again. But in order to make such a sacrifice, he needed to be financially free. Does Flores have what is called “FU” money?  “FU” money arises from wise financial decisions and savings goals with the understanding that one may not always want to work in the career or industry that they currently occupy. Thanks to the fact that their bank account is fat, at any point the person can say “FU”.

Flores is not the only notable person who may understand the value of FU money. World Champion Heavyweight Boxer Muhammad Ali is known for his swiftness in the ring and his sacrifice in the world. 

Ali dropped many “FU’s” when sparring with his opponents. His most bodacious “FU” occurred when Ali refused to fight in the Vietnam War after his draft number was called. He was jailed and stripped of his titles for draft evasion.

But Ali could take such a risk not only because he was one of the highest paid athletes in the world, but because he managed those earnings wisely. Ali’s charges were eventually dropped and his conscientious objection allowed. He continued to make “FU” money by launching his own media conglomerate and taking ownership of all of his media rights. Today, Muhammad Ali Enterprises, LLC is still continuing the legacy of the boxer and the power of financial freedom. 

To all aspiring freedom fighters on the football field, in the ring, or in your office, harness your earning power early, save wisely, and invest robustly to ensure you are (F)inancially (U)nhampered so that your (F)reedom is (U)ncompromised. 

Today’s News:

On February 20, 2022, the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Brian Flores as their senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach. Though this is not a head coaching position, Flores’ dedication to social justice was rewarded by a team whose ownership is a champion of equality themselves.

The Rooney Family — Pittsburgh Steelers owners —  launched the Rooney Rule in partnership with the NFL in 2003 to increase the diversity of coaches in the League. Their current head coach and the only coach to never have a losing season, Mike Tomlin, is a benefactor of this rule. Given his new position several levels lower than a head coaching position, one might correctly assume that Flores took a significant pay cut from his estimated $3 million dollars a year salary in solidarity with his fellow Black coaches in the league. Flores, in the end, still chose sacrifice over salary. 

Flores’ FU Formula should (F)oster (U)niversal change across the NFL and beyond.