Money talks in professional sports, however, sometimes, the smartest flex is showing everybody you do not need to act rich, that is exactly why Tank Bigsby went viral this week after casually posting himself sitting in the upper deck during a Philadelphia 76ers game despite already earning millions in the NFL.
Fans immediately connected the dots. Big contracts do not automatically create smart athletes, except Bigsby’s approach to money has quietly earned respect around the league. Reports circulating on May 12, 2026 revealed the Philadelphia Eagles running back only spends endorsement money while saving the bulk of his NFL salary.
Tank Bigsby’s Upper-Deck 76ers Post Proves Eagles RB Is Playing The Long Game
Jacksonville Jaguars
Dec 8, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Luke Farrell (89) celebrates the touchdown of running back Tank Bigsby (4) against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The viral Instagram story quickly became one of the most talked-about NFL side stories online. Bigsby, who has already earned more than $4M, during his professional career, was spotted sitting far from courtside while watching the Eagles play.
And honestly, fans did love it.
“Smart money makes money.”
Role Model: Despite earning over $4 million in his career so far, Eagles star RB Tank Bigsby posted that he was watching a 76ers game in the upper deck area.
Bigsby is extremely smart with his money and only spends what he makes from sponsorships.
Smart money makes money 👏 pic.twitter.com/78CIMzDT3P
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 11, 2026
That became the running theme across social media after screenshots of Bigsby’s post started circulating online Tuesday. Instead of flashing luxury suites or VIP treatment, the 24-year-old RB looked completely comfortable blending in with regular fans.
The timing made the reaction even bigger because Bigsby’s stock has quietly risen since arriving in Philadelphia during the 2025 season. The Eagles acquired him from the Jacksonville Jaguars before Week 2 in exchange for fifth- and sixth-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
At the time, fans questioned why the Eagles needed another RB behind Saquon Barkley, however, the move ended up paying off.
Bigsby averaged nearly six yards per carry during the 2025 campaign and delivered a breakout performance against the New York Giants, rushing for more than 100 yards while sharing the backfield with Barkley.
Even teammates saw it coming.
“I’m not surprised,” Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata said after Bigsby’s breakout game. “That boy’s hungry.”
Head coach Nick Sirianni also explained why Philadelphia targeted Bigsby in the first place.
That explosiveness gave the Eagles another dangerous piece in an already loaded offense led by Jalen Hurts. More importantly, Bigsby embraced his role immediately after arriving from Jacksonville without a full training camp, however, his production on the field impressed coaches, fans are now talking just as much about his discipline away from football.
According to reports tied to the viral post, Bigsby lives by a simple financial rule: sponsorship money is for spending, NFL money is for saving. In a league where careers can change overnight, that mindset hit home for a lot of people online.
The funniest part is, Bigsby probably did not expect any of this attention but just went to watch basketball. Instead, he accidentally became one of the NFL’s newest examples of how to handle fame, money, and success the right way.