Khalil Shakir Embraces Frugality Despite NFL Success
After securing a $60.2 million contract extension with the Buffalo Bills, wide receiver Khalil Shakir still finds himself checking the price of a soda before making a purchase.
“It’s something my parents instilled in me from a young age,” Shakir, 25, shared in an exclusive interview, reflecting on his financial mindset. “You think about how you want your life to look in 10 or 20 years, and I’m fortunate to play football and have this kind of money now.”
While he admits to being cautious with his spending, Shakir did make a significant purchase: a house in Buffalo. Transitioning from apartment living to a home with a yard for his dogs coincided with the arrival of his first child, daughter Sunny, born in November.
“For me, whether it’s a soda or a house, I just can’t stand seeing the number go down in my account,” he explained. “I’m just kind of a weirdo like that.”
As he navigates his fourth NFL season, with the Bills eyeing another playoff run, family remains central to Shakir’s life. He admits that thoughts of Sunny occupy “90 percent of the time” he spends at work, often scrolling through his camera roll filled with images of his newborn.
His new home might seem extravagant to some, but Shakir views it differently. “I think about a house not just as money gone,” he said. “Seeing it as an investment makes me feel much better.”
The timing of his home purchase aligns with his commitment to the Bills, the only professional team he has ever known. Shakir expresses deep appreciation for the team’s fanbase, known as Bills Mafia, which he describes as one of the most passionate in the NFL.
“Everyone here would throw on a helmet and shoulder pads right out of the stands if they had to,” he remarked. “The fans truly care about every individual on this team, and their support is unreal.”
Despite his financial prudence, Shakir’s teammates enjoy teasing him about his 2021 Subaru—a choice he considers another smart financial decision. This practicality aligns well with his recent partnership with Kelley Blue Book.
