A former NFL star, Chris Long has built an impressive financial legacy. With a net worth of $40 million, his earnings stem from lucrative contracts, Super Bowl wins, and impactful philanthropy. Dive into this comprehensive financial analysis by NFL Player Fortune for all the details.
Chris Long Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Christopher Howard Long |
| Popular Name | Chris Long |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | March 28, 1985 |
| Age | 39 |
| Parents | Howie Long (Father), Diane Addonizio (Mother) |
| Siblings | Kyle Long (Brother), Howie Long Jr. (Brother) |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife/Spouse | Megan O’Malley |
| Children | 2 |
| Net Worth | $40 million |
| Height | 6’3″ (191 cm) |
| Weight | 268 lbs (122 kg) |
| Number (No) | 91 |
| Career Information | High School: St. Anne’s-Belfield, College: University of Virginia, NFL Draft: 2008 (Round 1, Pick 2) |
| Career History | St. Louis Rams (2008–2015), New England Patriots (2016), Philadelphia Eagles (2017–2018) |
| Career Highlights and Awards | 2× Super Bowl champion, Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Unanimous All-American (2007) |
| Career NFL Statistics | 329 tackles, 70 sacks, 14 forced fumbles |
| Medal Record | Super Bowl LI, Super Bowl LII |
What is the Net Worth of Chris Long in 2024?
Chris Long’s net worth stands at an impressive $40 million in 2024, positioning him among financially successful retired NFL players. His wealth reflects a combination of NFL contracts, endorsements, and philanthropic initiatives.
Here’s how his net worth compares to similar players:
- Matthew Stafford: $80 million
- Von Miller: $60 million
- Clay Matthews III: $50 million
- Andrew Luck: $40 million
While Chris Long trails behind the wealthiest NFL players like Matthew Stafford, his philanthropic ventures and clean-water initiatives have earned him unique recognition, and his investments and post-retirement media ventures further bolster his financial stability.
What is Chris Long’s salary/income in 2024?
Although Chris Long retired in 2019, his financial portfolio remains active. He earned $92.94 million during his career, with notable contracts such as:
- 2008 (Rams): 5 years, $48 million ($21.75 million guaranteed).
- 2012 Extension (Rams): 4 years, $48.19 million ($23.55 million guaranteed).
- 2016 (Patriots): 1 year, $2.5 million.
- 2017–2018 (Eagles): 2 years, $8.5 million.
Key Financial Achievements:
- His most considerable single-year earnings came in 2009, totaling $16.59 million.
- By the end of his career, he had amassed $49.8 million in guaranteed money.
Post-retirement, his income is derived from hosting the Green Light Podcast and his involvement in the Chris Long Foundation, maintaining a stable financial presence. While his playing days are over, he remains a noteworthy figure in the NFL community, leveraging his brand and investments.
Chris Long’s Career Earnings: An In-Depth Analysis
Chris Long, a former NFL defensive end, accumulated an impressive $92.94 million in career earnings over his 11-season tenure in the league. As a standout player for teams like the St. Louis Rams, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles, Long’s contracts reflected his value as a top-tier defensive player. Beyond his NFL career, Long is celebrated for his philanthropic efforts, mainly through his Waterboys Initiative.
How Much Did Chris Long Earn in the NFL?
Chris Long’s career earnings were shaped by carefully negotiated contracts, bonuses, and performance incentives. Here’s a breakdown of his earnings by team:
- St. Louis Rams: $84.69 million over eight seasons
- New England Patriots: $3 million for one season
- Philadelphia Eagles: $5.25 million over two seasons
What Contributed to Chris Long’s Wealth?
Long’s contracts were built around guaranteed money, performance-based bonuses, and roster incentives.
- Guaranteed Money:
- Total guaranteed: $49.8 million
- Rookie contract guaranteed: $21.75 million
- Extension guaranteed: $23.55 million
- Bonuses and Escalators:
- $750,000 performance incentive during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run
- $3 million roster bonus in 2015 with the Rams
- Largest Cash Payment:
- Long earned $16.59 million in 2009, his single highest payout year.
These elements significantly influenced his total earnings and made him one of the most well-compensated defensive players of his time.
Chris Long’s Contracts by Team
St. Louis Rams (2008–2015):
Long’s rookie contract and subsequent extension with the Rams comprised the bulk of his career earnings:
- 2008 Rookie Contract:
- Value: $48 million
- Guaranteed: $21.75 million
- Duration: 5 years
- 2012 Contract Extension:
- Value: $48.19 million
- Guaranteed: $23.55 million
- Duration: 4 years
New England Patriots (2016):
- Signed a one-year deal worth $2.5 million.
- Included $1 million guaranteed and performance-based escalators.
- Played a vital role in the Patriots’ Super Bowl LI victory.
Philadelphia Eagles (2017–2018):
- Signed a two-year deal initially valued at $4.5 million; renegotiated to $8.5 million.
- Guaranteed: $3 million
- Key incentives tied to postseason success, including Super Bowl LII.
Chris Long’s Financial Highlights and Bonuses
| Category | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Signing Bonus | $8.248 million | As part of his 2012 extension with the Rams |
| Roster Bonus | $3 million | Paid by the Rams in 2015 |
| Performance Bonuses | $750,000 | Incentives during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run |
| Guaranteed Salary | $37.48 million | Across his career, paid fully |
How Did Performance Shape Chris Long’s Earnings?
Long’s consistent on-field performance ensured his contracts reflected his value.
- Career Stats:
- Sacks: 70
- Tackles: 329
- Forced Fumbles: 14
- Key Achievements:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (LI with the Patriots, LII with the Eagles)
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2018)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2008)
His reliability and ability to deliver in high-pressure games, such as Super Bowl LII, justified his lucrative incentives and contract terms.
Post-Retirement Ventures and Philanthropy
After retiring in 2019, Chris Long continued to build his wealth and legacy:
- Green Light Podcast:
- Revenue from sponsorships and ad placements supports his post-NFL income.
- Waterboys Initiative:
- Raised funds for 32 water wells in East Africa.
- Donated his entire 2017 salary (approximately $1 million) to charity.
- Media Appearances:
- Panelist on Inside the NFL, adding to his post-career earnings.
Overview of Chris Long
Chris Long is a former NFL defensive end whose career and philanthropy have left a lasting legacy. Born on March 28, 1985, in Santa Monica, California, Long played 11 successful seasons in the NFL and won back-to-back Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. A leader on and off the field, he is celebrated for his contributions to football and his impactful charity work. Through the Waterboys Initiative, Long has improved the lives of over a million people by providing clean drinking water in underserved communities.
Early Life
Chris Long grew up in a family steeped in football. His father, Howie Long, is a Hall of Fame defensive end, and his younger brother, Kyle Long, played in the NFL as a guard. Chris’s early years were marked by athleticism and discipline. Raised in Charlottesville, Virginia, he attended St. Anne’s-Belfield School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and lacrosse.
Long’s early exposure to football, coupled with the mentorship of his father, influenced his career aspirations. His strong performance in high school, where he achieved 91 tackles and 15 sacks during his senior year, earned him a four-star rating and national attention as a top defensive end recruit.
College Career
Chris Long attended the University of Virginia, where he played under head coach Al Groh from 2004 to 2007. Despite a challenging freshman year, during which he battled mononucleosis, Long showcased his potential with solid performances. His leadership ability became apparent during his junior and senior years, with Long serving as team captain.
In 2007, he earned unanimous All-American honors, a testament to his dominance on the defensive line. Long recorded 14 sacks that season, ranking among the nation’s best. His relentless effort on the field led to numerous awards and cemented his place as one of his era’s most impactful college players.
College Statistics
| Year | Games Played (GP) | Tackles (Total) | Tackles for Loss (TFL) | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 1.0 | 0 |
| 2005 | 12 | 46 | 10 | 2.0 | 0 |
| 2006 | 12 | 57 | 12 | 5.0 | 1 |
| 2007 | 13 | 69 | 19 | 14.0 | 2 |
| Total | 43 | 177 | 43 | 22.0 | 3 |
Awards and Honors
College:
- Unanimous All-American (2007).
- ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2007).
- Ted Hendricks Award (2007).
- Dudley Award (2007).
NFL:
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2018).
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (LI with the Patriots, LII with the Eagles).
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2008).
- Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week multiple times.
Professional Career
Chris Long entered the NFL as the second overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, selected by the St. Louis Rams. His rookie contract was worth $48 million, with $21.75 million guaranteed.
- St. Louis Rams (2008–2015): Long spent eight seasons with the Rams, where he emerged as one of the league’s premier defensive ends. He recorded a career-high 13 sacks in 2011 and consistently led the team in quarterback pressures.
- New England Patriots (2016): Signing a one-year contract worth $2.5 million, Long played a pivotal role in the Patriots’ historic Super Bowl LI victory. His efforts in the game helped secure the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.
- Philadelphia Eagles (2017–2018): Long joined the Eagles on a two-year deal and contributed to their first-ever Super Bowl win in 2018. Beyond his performance on the field, Long donated his 2017 salary to charity, emphasizing his commitment to giving back.
Key Financial Achievements:
- Total career earnings: $92.94 million.
- Largest single-year cash payment: $16.59 million (2009).
- Guaranteed earnings: $49.8 million.
NFL Career Statistics
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 162 |
| Tackles (Total) | 329 |
| Sacks | 70.0 |
| Forced Fumbles | 14 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 6 |
| Pass Deflections | 11 |
NFL Records
- One of six players to win consecutive Super Bowls with different teams.
- Led the NFL in quarterback hurries for three consecutive seasons (2010–2012).
- Notable leadership in NFL philanthropy, highlighted by his Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
Personal Life
Off the field, Chris Long has made a significant impact through his philanthropic efforts. He founded the Waterboys Initiative in 2015, raising funds to build water wells in East Africa. The initiative has provided clean drinking water to over a million people.
Long is also the host of the Green Light Podcast, where he shares insights into football, sports culture, and philanthropy. Married to Megan O’Malley since 2013, Long is a devoted father to two children.
Conclusion
Chris Long’s financial journey showcases an NFL career balanced with philanthropy and intelligent financial decisions. For more on NFL stars’ fortunes, visit nflplayerfortune.com and explore in-depth player profiles. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
