Before Keldric Faulk plays a single snap for the Tennessee Titans, the No. 31 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft should establish residency in the state of Tennessee the second his jet touches wheels down in Nashville.
Faulk the league with a ~$17 million rookie contract and an ~$9 million signing bonus, and is already staring at a massive financial upgrade.
APSM breaks down Faulk’s real estate and residency options across his new NFL financial landscape. and suggests where the young man could establish his primary residence to maximize his net worth:
Does Keldric Faulk
Own Any Property?
Faulk grew up in Highland Home, Alabama, became a national recruit, and stayed in‑state to play at Auburn.
There are no public records of Faulk owning real estate in Alabama or Tennessee.
Given his profile:
- High‑end SEC recruit
- Strong Auburn NIL, but not seven‑figure NIL
- Likely rented in Auburn (Alabama)
- NIL money probably went to training, family support, savings and finding representation
This Titans rookie deal is his first major wealth event, and Tennessee might just be the perfect market for the rookie to create generational wealth.
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Market #1: Alabama (Home/College State)
- Median Home Price: ~$220,000
- Property Tax Rate: ~0.4%
- State Income Tax: 5.0%
- Cost of Living: ~15-20% below U.S. average
- Market Trend: 3-5% annual appreciation (Montgomery, Birmingham, Huntsville)
Pros
- Extremely low property taxes
- Affordable housing
- Strong appreciation in Huntsville and Birmingham suburbs
- Family ties and support system
Cons
- 5.0% income tax
- Not where he plays
- Slower appreciation than Nashville
Market #2: Tennessee
(Drafted State)
- Median Home Price (Nashville metro): ~$450,000
- Property Tax Rate: ~0.6%
- State Income Tax: 0%
- Cost of Living: Manageable compared to coastal NFL markets
- Market Trend: 5-8% annual appreciation (Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro)
Pros
- 0% state income tax
- No tax on signing bonus
- Explosive Nashville real estate growth
- Strong rental demand
- Perfect alignment with where he plays
- Business‑friendly environment
Cons
- Nashville prices rising quickly
- Insurance costs increasing in some counties
Best Housing/Rental Markets
Alabama
- Best housing markets: Huntsville, Birmingham suburbs, Prattville
- Best rental markets: Montgomery, Birmingham
- Appreciation: 3-5% annually
Tennessee
- Best housing markets: Nashville (Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville), Murfreesboro
- Best rental markets: Nashville metro
- Appreciation: 5-8% annually
Residency Impact on
Faulk’s Signing Bonus
- Gross Signing Bonus: $8,900,000
- Federal Tax (37%): $5,607,000
| Residency State | State Tax Rate | State Tax on Bonus | Estimated Net Signing Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 0% | $0 | ~$5.607M |
| Alabama | 5.0% | ~$445,000 | ~$5.162M |
Tennessee could potentially save Faulk:
- ~$445,000 vs Alabama
That’s nearly half a million dollars that can compound for a decade or more into millions.
Want to Understand How
Athletes Actually Lose it All?
The APSM “7 Ways Athletes Go Broke” Report covers the primary reasons more athletes end up broke over 70% of the time within just five years after retirement from their sport/league primarily due to:
- Hidden behavioral traps behind collapse.
- Spending patterns that drain wealth faster than income can replace it.
- High-risk advisors and predatory industries.
- Divorce, taxes, lifestyle creep & breakdowns.
These are real athlete case studies you can learn from, to avoid the same fate as an athlete,
parent, advisor or fan alike.
Future-proof your own frameworks,
avoid the exact same mistakes.
If you want real financial literacy,
the kind that protects you, not just informs you…
This is the blueprint.
Investment Scenario: Turning ~$5.6M Into Generational Wealth
Using the Tennessee residency net:
Estimated Net Signing Bonus (TN):
~$5,607,000
If he invests that entire amount into index funds, mutual funds or other similar proven vehicles:
| 5‑Year ROI | Projected Value |
|---|---|
| 10% | ~$9.0M |
| 12% | ~$9.8M |
| 15% | ~$11.2M |
| 20% | ~$14.0M |
This is how you turn a rookie contract into 8‑figure wealth before the second deal (extension year).
APSM Real Estate Verdict
Tennessee should be his primary residence.
Alabama should be his secondary market.
If Keldric Faulk wants to maximize his rookie earnings, protect his signing bonus, and build long‑term wealth, the APSM suggested move is:
- Establish Tennessee residency immediately.
- Buy smart in Nashville suburbs.
- Use Alabama for family/offseason ties.
- Invest aggressively from Day 1.
Faulk has one of the cleanest financial setups in the entire first round if he decides to invest in TN.
Suggested Real Estate Strategy
for Keldric Faulk
- Primary residence: Tennessee (Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville)
- Secondary: Alabama property for family/offseason
- Work base: Nashville metro
- Invest: Majority of signing bonus into index funds + Tennessee real estate
- Goal: Turn ~$5.6M into $9+ million by Year 5
Next Reads
- 2026 NFL Draft: Every 1st Round Contract Details, Net Income & Residency Analysis
- Nashville Tennessee is Titans #4 Pick Carnell Tate’s Financial Breakout Route: 2026 NFL Draft Rookie Real Estate & Residency Analysis
- Cam Ward’s Rookie Contract with the Tennessee Titans
- Alabama State Athlete Taxes
- Tennessee State Athlete Taxes
Disclaimer: This article contains general financial information for educational purposes and does not constitute professional financial advice.
