Most financial mistakes athletes make don’t happen at the end of their careers — they happen at the very beginning.

In Episode One of The Rookie Playbook, Tristan Bowen sits down with the version of himself that just signed his first contract. Drawing from his experience as the first MLS Homegrown player and years spent watching teammates navigate money for the first time, Tristan reframes the rookie conversation away from wealth and toward control.

This episode breaks down the financial foundation every rookie needs before investing, buying, or upgrading their lifestyle. Tristan explains why financial literacy matters more than income, how early purchases quietly limit freedom, and why budgeting creates peace rather than restriction. He also outlines a simple, low-pressure approach to investing — one that prioritizes time, patience, and learning over flash.

This is not financial hype. It’s a grounded, honest look at how money pressure affects performance, decision-making, and life after the game. Episode One sets the foundation for everything that follows — because when the career ends, financial decisions don’t.