Associated Press is reporting that three former Cornhuskers now playing in the NFL are investors in a new West Omaha financial institution–United Republic Bank, established in December.

Josh Bullocks of the New Orleans Saints, brother Daniel of the Detroit Lions and Demorrio Williams of the Atlanta Falcons are shareholders of the bank’s parent company, Republic Corp.

Michael Pate, the bank’s president and chief executive, said Thursday that a friend of his knew the football players’ financial adviser, and Pate pitched the bank investment to her. Later Pate met with the players themselves and went over the bank’s business plan.

“These guys are pretty smart,” Pate said. “They understood exactly what they were getting into.”