Net Worth Ranker
What Is Stephen Gostkowski’s Net Worth?
Stephen Gostkowski, a former American professional football kicker, has accumulated a net worth of $15 million throughout his career. His financial standing primarily stems from his NFL salary and endorsements. Gostkowski spent the majority of his career with the New England Patriots, solidifying his reputation as one of the most accurate and reliable kickers in the league.
Stephen Gostkowski’s Career Earnings and Contract Details
During his 15-year NFL career, Stephen Gostkowski earned $39 million in salary. This substantial income was primarily derived from two major contracts. In 2010, he secured a 4-year contract extension with the New England Patriots valued at $14 million. This contract solidified his position as a key player for the team and recognized his contributions on the field. The deal averaged $3.5 million per year, a significant amount for a kicker at the time. The Patriots further demonstrated their commitment to Gostkowski in July 2015, when they signed him to a new 4-year contract worth $17 million. This contract provided an annual average salary of $4.25 million, reflecting his consistent performance and value to the team. In comparison to his earnings, Gostkowski’s net worth is approximately 38.5% of his total career earnings.
Early Life and College Career
Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Stephen Gostkowski spent his formative years in Madison, Mississippi. He showcased his athletic abilities at Madison Central High School, excelling in both baseball and football. Notably, he was proficient in both sports, demonstrating a diverse range of athletic talents. Upon graduating high school, Gostkowski received a baseball scholarship to the University of Memphis. He initially played baseball, serving as both a pitcher and a position player for the university’s baseball team, before transitioning to football. While at Memphis, Gostkowski played college football, setting school records for points scored (369) and field goals made (70). His collegiate success laid the foundation for his future NFL career.
Professional Career with the Patriots
The New England Patriots drafted Stephen Gostkowski in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, a decision that initially raised eyebrows among some observers. However, Gostkowski quickly silenced critics, converting 20 of 26 field goal attempts during his rookie season. This strong start demonstrated his potential and marked the beginning of a highly successful career with the team. As he grew more comfortable in his role, Gostkowski’s accuracy improved substantially. He established himself as one of the most dependable kickers in the league, regardless of weather conditions. Gostkowski’s consistency during his time with the Patriots was nothing short of remarkable. He led the NFL in scoring in five seasons: 2008 (148 points), 2012 (158 points), 2013 (150 points), 2014 (156 points), and 2015 (151 points). These statistics underscore his significant contributions to the Patriots’ offensive output. He set an NFL record by making 523 consecutive extra points, a testament to his precision and reliability. This record highlights his exceptional consistency and accuracy over a prolonged period.
Playoff Success and Super Bowl Appearances
Stephen Gostkowski played a crucial role in the New England Patriots’ dynasty years, contributing to the team’s success with his accurate and consistent kicking. He participated in six Super Bowls: XLII (2008), XLVI (2012), XLIX (2015), LI (2017), LII (2018), and LIII (2019). The Patriots won three of these Super Bowls: XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks (28-24), LI against the Atlanta Falcons (34-28 in overtime), and LIII against the Los Angeles Rams (13-3). His reliability in the playoffs was essential to the Patriots’ dominance, although he occasionally faced criticism for rare misses in crucial moments. Despite these occasional setbacks, Gostkowski’s overall playoff performance was impressive, converting 39 of 44 field goal attempts (88.6%) in postseason play. This high percentage demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure in critical game situations. Gostkowski kicked 144 points in the playoffs throughout his career.
Final Season and Legacy
After being released by the Patriots following the 2019 season, Stephen Gostkowski signed with the Tennessee Titans for what would be his final NFL season in 2020. While he experienced some inconsistencies early in the season, he finished strong, making several game-winning kicks. He retired after the 2020 season, leaving an indelible mark on NFL kicking history. Gostkowski’s career statistics place him among the greatest kickers of all time. He ranks among the top 10 in NFL history in points scored (1,875, 9th overall), field goals made (398, 9th overall), and field goal percentage (86.3%, 13th overall). Beyond the numbers, Gostkowski revolutionized the position with his ability to consistently make long-range kicks while maintaining accuracy on shorter attempts. His success in cold weather and challenging conditions at Gillette Stadium set him apart from many of his peers.
