USA Track and Field Legend Reveals How Tom Brady’s Win Forced Him to Make Major Financial Decision
After a legendary career in track and field, retired sprinter Justin Gatlin has found a new way to inspire the world. With an extraordinary 20-year journey, Gatlin is celebrated as one of the greatest 100m sprinters of all time. He famously defeated Usain Bolt at the 2013 Golden Gala and collected an impressive haul of five Olympic medals and ten World Championship titles. His name is forever etched in the annals of track and field history.
But Gatlin’s impact didn’t end when he hung up his running spikes. Now, he’s using his voice and experiences to inspire others in a whole new way. Through his YouTube channel, “Red Set Go,” he’s engaging with audiences, sharing insights, and hosting conversations on a variety of topics. However, there’s a fascinating twist to his story that many people may not know—a moment when NFL legend Tom Brady deeply influenced his life. Let’s uncover how Tom Brady’s success led Gatlin to make a major financial decision.
Justin Gatlin Draws Inspiration from Tom Brady
Reflecting on his early days as an up-and-coming athlete, Justin Gatlin shared how he found inspiration in none other than Tom Brady. In a candid conversation with financial advisors Andrew Brereton and Rodney Green, Gatlin reminisced about how Brady’s first Super Bowl victory sparked an unexpected but pivotal decision that would shape his career—and it all began with a car.
“I bought a whip first. Those were the first things I bought; I remember it,” Gatlin said with a nostalgic smile. “I watched the Super Bowl, and Tom Brady had just won his first—I’m aging myself here—his first Super Bowl, and they had the Cadillac Escalade. I saw that and thought, ‘I’m getting that.’ That was my only gift to myself.”
The iconic Cadillac Escalade, showcased during that pivotal Super Bowl, left a lasting impression on Gatlin, and it was his first major purchase as a professional athlete. The influence Brady had on Gatlin wasn’t just about winning championships; it was about rewarding success—a mindset that would play a key role in Gatlin’s approach to his career.
Balancing the Present with the Future
Gatlin’s decision to buy the Cadillac Escalade may have been an indulgence, but it was far from reckless. Offering an honest glimpse into his financial journey, Gatlin spoke about how he balanced his desire for luxury with wise financial planning.
“I think everything else financially, I eventually put the money away,” Gatlin revealed. “I was very wise with it—stocks and investments. I took the time to wait and see how my season panned out. But I had to get that car first. It was my treat, and I’ve never regretted it.”
This blend of indulgence and prudence was a defining characteristic of Gatlin’s approach to finances throughout his career. It was never about splurging for the sake of it; each decision was calculated, a reward earned through hard work and a reminder of his accomplishments.
Gatlin’s ‘Mantra’ with Cars and Financial Wisdom
Justin Gatlin’s career wasn’t just defined by the medals he won or the records he set—it was also marked by his savvy financial decisions. Over his illustrious 20-season career, Gatlin became the proud owner of 15 cars, all purchased outright. Leasing was never an option; instead, he made sure each car was fully his. This approach was part of a larger strategy to safeguard his financial stability.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had at least 15 cars,” Gatlin shared. “But I did it wisely. I put myself in a position where I wouldn’t lose too much value. I’d enjoy the whip, and when I competed at a high level, I’d treat myself to something better. Each car was mine, and I never leased—it was my way of keeping full control over my assets.”
For Gatlin, cars weren’t just material possessions—they were symbols of his hard work, accomplishments, and ability to enjoy life while maintaining responsibility. His mantra of “working hard, treating yourself, but staying wise” exemplifies the mindset of an athlete who not only strived for greatness on the track but also aimed to set an example off it.
A Legacy Beyond the Track
Gatlin’s financial journey serves as an inspiring tale for athletes and fans alike. It’s easy to get lost in the glitz and glamour of the sports world, but Gatlin’s balanced approach is a testament to careful planning, perseverance, and the importance of knowing when to reward oneself. His wise investments, calculated decisions, and disciplined approach reflect the true essence of an athlete who understood both the thrill of success and the value of sustainability.
Even today, through his YouTube channel and his continued involvement in the sports community, Gatlin inspires others with stories that go beyond his athletic triumphs. He’s shown that true success is more than just medals and records—it’s about leaving a lasting impact and using one’s experiences to uplift and educate others.
Justin Gatlin’s journey, influenced by sports legends like Tom Brady, is a reminder to everyone that there’s more to winning than what happens on the track. It’s about the choices you make, the lessons you learn, and the legacy you build for the next generation.
*How do you feel about Gatlin’s off-track decisions? Let us know in the comments below.*
