Net Worth Ranker
What Is Desmond Howard Net Worth?
As of early March 2025, Desmond Howard’s **net worth** is estimated to be $14 million. This fortune has been accumulated through a combination of his NFL career as a wide receiver, punt returner, and kickoff returner, as well as his subsequent career as a college football analyst for ESPN and commentator for the Detroit Lions Television Network.
Desmond Howard’s NFL Career and Earnings
Howard’s professional football career spanned 11 seasons, during which he played for several teams. After being drafted by the Washington Redskins as the 4th overall pick in the 1992 NFL Draft, he played with the Redskins until the end of the 1994 season. He then played for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995 and had a notable season with the Green Bay Packers in 1996. His career earnings through 2025 amount to $12,249,147. A breakdown of his earnings by team and year includes:
- Washington Redskins (1992): $3.4 million
- Washington Redskins (1993): $737.5 thousand
- Washington Redskins (1994): $837.5 thousand
- Jacksonville Jaguars (1995): $700 thousand
- Green Bay Packers (1996): $300 thousand
- Oakland Raiders (1997): $2.2 million
- Oakland Raiders (1998): $800 thousand
- Green Bay Packers (1999): $117.6 thousand
- Detroit Lions (2000): $440 thousand
- Green Bay Packers (2000): $525 thousand
- Detroit Lions (2001): $1.6 million
- Detroit Lions (2002): $577 thousand
His most notable professional season was in 1996 with the Green Bay Packers. He led the NFL in punt returns (58), punt return yards (875), punt return average (15.1), and punt return touchdowns (3), while also gaining 460 kickoff return yards and catching 13 passes for 95 yards. His 875 punt return yards surpassed the old record of 692 yards set by Fulton Walker in 1985.
Howard’s performance in Super Bowl XXXI is particularly noteworthy. He set a Super Bowl record with 90 punt return yards and 154 kickoff return yards, totaling 244 all-purpose yards, also tying a Super Bowl record. He returned a kickoff for a 99-yard touchdown, which was the longest return in Super Bowl history at the time. For his performance in Super Bowl XXXI Howard won the Super Bowl MVP award, making him the first ever (and only) player to receive such a prestigious award on a special team.
Post-NFL Career and Broadcasting
After retiring from the NFL in 2002, Desmond Howard transitioned into broadcasting. In 2005, he joined ESPN as a college football analyst and became a regular on the “College GameDay” program. In addition to his role on “College GameDay,” Howard has contributed to various ESPN programs and coverage. He also works as a commentator for the Detroit Lions Television Network.
While the specific details of his ESPN contract and salary aren’t publicly available, it’s estimated that his early days at ESPN brought in a reported $500,000 annual salary. His continued presence in sports media has allowed him to maintain a high income. He also called games for the NFL on Fox for one season with Carter Blackburn.
Endorsements and Other Ventures
Throughout his football and broadcasting careers, Desmond Howard has endorsed numerous companies and brands, including EA Sports, Nissan, AFLAC, UPS, Wendy’s, and Coca-Cola. He has also been featured in Heisman House commercials for Nissan and Modelo commercials. These endorsements have further contributed to his **net worth**.
Howard and his family established the Desmond and Rebah Howard Scholarship Fund to support scholars through the lead scholars program. The initiative supports solutions addressing the low enrollment numbers of black students at the University of Michigan.
Howard has also been involved in various charitable activities, reflecting his dedication to giving back to the community. He supports several charitable organizations and inspires young athletes to prioritize academics and athletics. He also had a partnership with Modelo for a CFP Sweepstakes.
Howard is believed to own properties, including a luxurious home in Miami, Florida, and real estate investments in Ohio and Michigan. His automotive collection includes both luxury and functional vehicles, blending style with practicality.
