Net Worth Ranker
What Is Chris Long’s Net Worth?
Chris Long, a retired American professional football player, boasts a net worth of $40 million. This financial standing primarily stems from his successful NFL career, endorsement deals, and philanthropic endeavors.
Chris Long’s NFL Career and Earnings
Chris Long’s journey to a $40 million net worth began with his selection as the second overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. While specific contract details for his rookie deal are not publicly available, such a high draft position typically commands a substantial signing bonus and a lucrative multi-year contract. He played for the Rams from 2008 to 2015, during which time he established himself as a consistent and impactful defensive player.
In 2012, Long signed a four-year contract extension with the Rams worth $50 million, with $27 million guaranteed. This contract significantly boosted his earnings and contributed substantially to his net worth. Over his eight seasons with the Rams, he accumulated significant earnings through base salaries, roster bonuses, and performance incentives.
After his tenure with the Rams, Long signed with the New England Patriots in 2016. While the exact details of his contract with the Patriots are not publicly disclosed, it was likely a one-year deal aimed at adding veteran leadership and pass-rushing prowess to the team. Playing for the Patriots provided Long with the opportunity to win his first Super Bowl ring, further enhancing his marketability and potential endorsement opportunities. His time with the Patriots, while shorter, also contributed to his overall career earnings.
In 2017, Long joined the Philadelphia Eagles. His contract with the Eagles was a two-year deal worth $4.5 million, with $2.25 million guaranteed. This contract underscored his value as a veteran presence and a reliable defensive player. With the Eagles, Long won his second Super Bowl ring in consecutive seasons, solidifying his legacy as a successful and accomplished player. He chose to donate his entire salary from the final six games of the 2017 season to charities supporting educational equity in Philadelphia, and then he donated his entire 2018 salary to charity. This philanthropic gesture, while not directly adding to his net worth, further enhanced his public image and potential for future opportunities.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
While specific details of Chris Long’s endorsement deals are not widely publicized, it is reasonable to assume that he secured various endorsements throughout his NFL career. Professional athletes of his caliber often partner with brands in areas such as apparel, footwear, sports equipment, and nutritional products. These endorsements provide additional income streams and contribute to their overall net worth. Information on business ventures of Chris Long is not publicly available, but this is a common way for NFL players to increase their net worth outside of the NFL career and endorsement deals.
Philanthropic Activities: The Waterboys
Chris Long’s commitment to philanthropy has not only made a positive impact on communities in need but has also shaped his public image and potential opportunities. In 2015, he founded the Waterboys, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing clean drinking water to communities in need. Inspired by a trip to Tanzania, where he witnessed the challenges faced by people without access to clean water, Long launched the Waterboys with the goal of building 32 water wells in Tanzania, representing each NFL team.
Through fundraising initiatives such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with other NFL veterans and organizing various campaigns, the Waterboys have successfully raised significant funds to support their mission. To date, the organization has completed over 100 water projects, providing clean water to over 500,000 people in East Africa. While these philanthropic activities do not directly increase Long’s net worth, they enhance his reputation and create opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with other organizations and individuals. His net worth has allowed him to put resources towards this cause.
Early Life and Education
Christopher Howard Long was born in Santa Monica, California, in March 1985. He is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long and Diane Addonizio. Long attended St. Anne’s-Belfield School in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he excelled in football and lacrosse. While specific details of his early life and upbringing are not publicly available, growing up in a family with a strong connection to the NFL undoubtedly influenced his career path. The family has a history of NFL success, with both of his brothers also playing in the NFL.
Long played college football at the University of Virginia, where he established himself as one of the nation’s top defensive players. In 2006, he was named second-team All-ACC, and in 2007, he earned first-team All-ACC honors, was a unanimous All-American, and was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He also won the Dudley Award and the Ted Hendricks Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top defensive end. His outstanding college career solidified his status as a top NFL prospect and paved the way for his successful professional career. No information about his education contributing to his net worth is available.
Career Milestones
Chris Long’s career is marked by several significant milestones that contributed to his financial success and overall net worth. Being drafted second overall in the 2008 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment, as it guaranteed him a lucrative contract and immediate recognition. Signing a $50 million contract extension with the Rams in 2012 further solidified his financial standing and demonstrated his value to the team. While specific numbers are not available for every year of his career, it is safe to assume these numbers increased with each contract.
Winning back-to-back Super Bowl rings with different teams – the New England Patriots in 2017 and the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 – was a significant achievement that enhanced his legacy and marketability. These Super Bowl victories not only brought him personal satisfaction but also opened doors to potential endorsement opportunities and increased his long-term earning potential. He ended his career with 70 sacks, and this impressive statistic contributed to his net worth through contract negotiations and playing time.
