Net Worth Ranker
What Is Darren McFadden’s Net Worth?
Darren McFadden, a retired American professional football player, has an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2024. This valuation reflects his successful career in the National Football League (NFL), endorsements, public speaking engagements, and other ventures accumulated over the years.
Career Earnings and Contract Details
During his NFL career, Darren McFadden amassed significant earnings, totaling approximately $49.3 million in salary alone. His most lucrative year was the 2009 season with the Oakland Raiders, where he earned $16.7 million. This substantial income stemmed from his position as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and the terms of his rookie contract. Here’s a breakdown of his earnings by team and year:
- Dallas Cowboys (2015-2017):
- 2015: $1.3 million
- 2016: $1.6 million
- 2017: $980.3 thousand
- Oakland Raiders (2008-2014):
- 2008: $2.6 million
- 2009: $16.7 million
- 2010: $1.7 million
- 2011: $11.2 million
- 2012: $4.8 million
- 2013: $6.7 million
- 2014: $1.7 million
McFadden’s career spanned from 2008 to 2017, during which he showcased his talents as a running back for both the Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys. Over 103 games, he accumulated career earnings of $47,637,500, which averages to approximately $462,500 per game. Despite a salary disparity between NFL and Major League Baseball players, McFadden’s earnings demonstrate his success in professional football.
Early Life and Career Highlights
Born on August 27, 1987, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Darren McFadden quickly rose to prominence as a standout running back. His exceptional high school performance led him to the University of Arkansas, where he continued to excel. McFadden’s college career was marked by numerous accolades, including twice winning the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award. He also became the first sophomore to win the Doak Walker Award, recognizing the nation’s best running back, an honor he received twice. Additionally, he earned the 2006 Jim Brown Trophy, awarded to the top running back in the NCAA, and the 2007 Walter Camp Award, given to the best player in the nation. McFadden was a two-time consensus All-American honoree. Notably, he was a two-time runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2006 and 2007.
McFadden holds Arkansas’ rushing record with 4,590 career yards, ranking third in SEC history. He is also one of three SEC players to rush for 1,000 yards in his first three seasons. In 2019, McFadden was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, followed by an induction into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2020, cementing his legacy as one of the best running backs in SEC history.
NFL Career and Key Statistics
Darren McFadden was drafted by the Oakland Raiders as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career. He played for the Raiders from 2008 to 2014. Later in his career, he joined the Dallas Cowboys, playing from 2015 to 2017. During his time in the NFL, McFadden recorded 5,421 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, alongside 2,114 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns. In 2012, he was ranked number 60 on the list of the best 100 NFL players of the year.
During his Raiders tenure, McFadden rushed for 4,427 yards and 33 total touchdowns. His standout season came in 2010, when he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and scored seven touchdowns. In 2015 with the Cowboys, McFadden rushed for a season-high 152 yards and one TD, ultimately finishing with the fourth-most rushing yards in the NFL (1,089).
Financial Challenges and Legal Issues
In June 2016, Darren McFadden filed a $15 million lawsuit against his longtime business manager, Michael Vick (not the former NFL player). The lawsuit alleged that Vick defrauded McFadden and misappropriated funds, including a $3 million loss in a Bitcoin-related business venture. McFadden claimed that Vick promised to reimburse any invested funds but instead used the money to start a Bitcoin “business” and kept all revenues and assets for himself. This legal action cited violations of Arkansas law regarding the conduct of financial managers and advisors and underscores the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments.
Personal Life
Away from football, McFadden is married to Tita, and they have four children. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.
