If former Redskins player LaVar Arrington could give one piece of advice to himself, it would be to be just a little more careful with his money.

Arrington, who played seven seasons in the NFL including linebacker for the Redskins and the Giants addressed the financial concerns he wishes he had had in an open letter to himself in The Players' Tribune.

In the letter Arrington stresses the importance of learning to tighten his inner circle and redefine his definition of a “friend". Arrington explains how he realized that the reality of becoming a professional athlete is that everybody wants a piece of what you have. He goes on to explain how the basis of a friendship should include the value that the other person brings to your life not simply what they are seeking in return.

“You’re gonna have to make some cuts, bruh. That’s just the truth. And you can’t have any shame in that. No guilt. No regret. Because in life, there are some areas in which you need to be selfish.”

Later in the letter Arrington also stresses the importance of learning how to say no and making his family a priority in his life because when his football comes to an end that will be all that he has.

"Not just to avoid bad deals or investments, but also to maintain your freedom. Because someday you will have a wife and kids at home, and football — because that’s the investment that nets you the greatest return — will take up a lot of your time. So when you’re away from the game, you’re going to need that freedom to be present at home and enjoy your family instead of jet-setting all over the place to explore business opportunities or to live like a celebrity or a superstar. You’ll be fortunate enough to marry a fine woman. Let her be the superstar. She’ll deserve that and so much more."

Since his career ended in 2006, Arrington has explored various business ventures including opening a restaurant and most recently, becoming a coach at Maranatha High in Pasadena, California.

MORE REDSKINS NEWS: