Net Worth Ranker
What Is Warren Moon’s Net Worth?
Warren Moon, a distinguished former football player and sports broadcaster, has accumulated a net worth of $16 million. His financial success stems primarily from his career as a professional football player, with earnings augmented by endorsements and subsequent broadcasting roles. During his NFL career, Moon earned around $40 million between salaries and endorsements. This income, combined with strategic financial management, contributes to his current net worth.
Early Career and CFL Dominance
Harold Warren Moon was born on November 8, 1956, in Los Angeles, California. He was the middle child with six sisters, and their father died when Warren was just seven years old. Moon’s early life was marked by the need to balance athletic aspirations with family responsibilities. He decided to play only one sport so he could work the rest of the year to help his mother, a nurse, support the family. He chose football and attended Alexander Hamilton High School where he took over as the starting quarterback for the varsity squad his junior year. Moon was named to the All-City team. Warren enrolled at West Los Angeles College, where he was a record-setting quarterback for the two-year college football team. Despite demonstrating exceptional talent at West Los Angeles College, initial interest from four-year colleges was limited. He eventually secured a spot at the University of Washington. While with the Washington Huskies, Moon led them to the Pac-8 title and a Rose Bowl victory over Michigan during his senior year. His performance earned him the MVP title of the game, marking a significant early milestone in his football journey.
After college, the NFL showed limited interest in Moon, prompting him to pursue a career in the Canadian Football League (CFL). His tenure with the Edmonton Eskimos was nothing short of spectacular. Over six seasons, Moon led the Eskimos to five Grey Cup victories. He was named the Grey Cup MVP in 1980 and 1982 and the CFL Most Outstanding Player in 1983. He was a three-time CFL passing touchdown leader (1979, 1982, 1983) and two-time passing yardage leader (1982, 1983). Moon also won the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy in 1983 and was inducted into the Edmonton Elks Wall of Honor. These accomplishments in the CFL significantly boosted his profile and set the stage for his eventual entry into the NFL. The financial details of his CFL contracts are not widely publicized, but his success certainly increased his market value.
NFL Career and Contract Details
Warren Moon’s outstanding performance in the CFL sparked a competitive bidding war among NFL teams eager to acquire his services. Ultimately, the Houston Oilers secured Moon’s talents, reuniting him with Hugh Campbell, his former head coach from Edmonton. In 1984, Moon signed a five-year, $5.5 million contract with the Oilers. This contract was a substantial investment for the Oilers, reflecting Moon’s proven abilities and the anticipation surrounding his NFL debut. During his decade-long stint with the Oilers, Moon guided the team to the playoffs seven times, establishing himself as a prominent quarterback in the league. He led the league in passing touchdowns in 1990 and topped the charts in passing yards in both 1990 and 1991.
Further solidifying his financial standing, Moon signed a lucrative five-year, $10 million contract in 1989, which included a $1 million signing bonus. This contract was groundbreaking, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL at the time. By the end of this contract, Moon’s salary peaked at $4 million per year, equivalent to approximately $7.5 million today when adjusted for inflation. Beyond the Oilers, Moon also played for the Minnesota Vikings (1994-1996), Seattle Seahawks (1997-1998), and Kansas City Chiefs (1999-2000). While his postseason success in the NFL was limited, his consistent performance earned him nine Pro Bowl selections (1988-1995, 1997), underscoring his value and contributing to his overall earnings. By the time he retired in 2000, Moon had amassed over $37 million in NFL salary earnings alone.
Accolades, Hall of Fame Induction, and Continued Recognition
Warren Moon’s exceptional career has been punctuated by numerous accolades and honors. In 1989, he was named NFL Man of the Year, recognizing his contributions both on and off the field. The following year, in 1990, he received the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, further cementing his status as one of the league’s top players. His contributions to the Oilers/Titans franchise are permanently recognized through his induction into the team’s Ring of Honor, and his No. 1 jersey has been retired by the Tennessee Titans. The pinnacle of his career recognition came in 2006 when Moon was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This honor was particularly significant as he became the first black quarterback and the first undrafted quarterback to achieve this distinction. Moon also holds the unique distinction of being the only player enshrined in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, highlighting his remarkable achievements in both leagues. These accolades not only reflect his outstanding performance but also enhance his legacy, further contributing to his long-term financial prospects through potential endorsements and media opportunities. There are no public records regarding specific endorsement deals or the income derived from them.
Post-Playing Career and Broadcasting Ventures
Following his retirement from professional football in 2000, Warren Moon transitioned into a career as a sports broadcaster. While specific details about his broadcasting contracts and earnings are not publicly available, his presence in the media landscape has likely contributed to his continued financial stability. Sports broadcasting roles typically involve analyzing games, providing commentary, and engaging with audiences through television, radio, or online platforms. Moon’s extensive knowledge of the game, combined with his articulate and insightful commentary, would have made him a valuable asset to any broadcasting network. Though precise figures are not accessible, it is reasonable to assume that his broadcasting career has added to his overall net worth. It’s worth noting that many former professional athletes find success in broadcasting, leveraging their expertise and name recognition to secure lucrative contracts and build successful post-playing careers. Without specific data, however, it’s challenging to quantify the exact financial impact of his broadcasting work on Warren Moon’s net worth.
Personal Life and Relationships
Warren Moon married his high school sweetheart, Felicia Hendricks, in 1981. The couple’s relationship spanned two decades before ending in divorce in 2001. Details regarding any financial settlements or arrangements stemming from the divorce are not publicly available, and therefore, the impact of the divorce on Warren Moon’s net worth cannot be definitively assessed. Public information primarily focuses on his professional achievements and sporting career, with limited disclosure regarding personal financial matters or private settlements.
Warren Moon’s Net Worth: A Summary
In summary, Warren Moon’s $16 million net worth is primarily the result of his successful professional football career in both the CFL and NFL, which allowed him to amass considerable earnings through salaries and endorsements. His transition into sports broadcasting after retirement likely provided a continued source of income. While precise financial details of his contracts, investments, and personal life remain private, his accomplishments on and off the field have undoubtedly contributed to his overall financial standing. The combination of his playing career earnings, potential broadcasting income, and strategic financial management over the years has positioned Warren Moon as a financially secure and respected figure in the world of sports.
