Net Worth Ranker
What Is LaVar Arrington’s Net Worth?
LaVar Arrington, a retired American professional football player, has an estimated net worth of $20 million. This valuation is primarily attributed to his earnings from his NFL career, subsequent media ventures, and entrepreneurial activities. Arrington’s financial journey reflects a combination of on-field success and off-field business acumen.
Early Life and Collegiate Career
LaVar RaShad Arrington was born on June 30, 1978, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His parents are Michael, a military man and ordained minister, and Carolyn, a special education teacher within the Pittsburgh public school system. Arrington attended North Hills Senior High School, where his athletic prowess was evident. As a standout linebacker and running back, he amassed 4,357 rushing yards on 711 attempts and scored 72 touchdowns. His achievements earned him accolades, including the 1996 “Parade” National Player of the Year, Bobby Dodd National High School Back of the Year, Gatorade Player of the Year, and “USA Today” Pennsylvania Player of the Year. He was also a track athlete and received basketball recruitment interest from Georgetown, North Carolina, and UMass. Ultimately, Arrington accepted a football scholarship to Penn State University.
From 1997 to 1999, Arrington played for Joe Paterno’s Nittany Lions football team. During this period, he became known for his impactful plays, including “The LaVar Leap.” His collegiate success led to a “Sports Illustrated” cover feature in the 1999 College Football Preview and Heisman Trophy candidacy. In 1999, Arrington received the Dick Butkus Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, and Lambert Award. He earned All-Big Ten honors and First-team All-American selections in both 1998 and 1999. After his junior season, Arrington declared for the NFL Draft.
NFL Career and Contracts
The Washington Redskins selected LaVar Arrington with the second overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played for the team from 2000 to 2005, earning recognition as a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Second-team All-Pro. He was also named to the PFWA 2000 All-Rookie Team. Arrington’s initial contract details included a signing bonus, though specific figures are not publicly available. After signing an extension with Washington, a mishap involving his agent, Carl Poston, led to the agent’s suspension. The issue revolved around the omission of $6.5 million in bonuses from earlier drafts in the final contract revision.
In 2006, Arrington bought his free agency from the Washington Redskins for $4.4 million, indicating the value he placed on controlling his career path. Subsequently, in April 2006, LaVar reached an agreement with the New York Giants, signing a seven-year contract for $49 million. However, a season-ending injury in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys cut his time with the Giants short. The team released him the following year. Over his seven-year NFL career, Arrington accumulated approximately $44 million in salary earnings. This figure does not include earnings from endorsements or other revenue streams. His eight-year, $68 million extension with the Washington Redskins included a $4.2 million signing bonus. However, he did not fulfill the entirety of this contract.
Motorcycle Accident and Retirement
In June 2007, Arrington was involved in a motorcycle accident in Maryland. He lost control of his Kawasaki Ninja, resulting in a collision with a guardrail. The accident caused a broken right forearm, lower vertebrae fractures, and deep leg cuts. While he initially intended to play in the 2007 NFL season, a “New York Daily News” article in September 2007 announced his retirement. The accident and subsequent injuries significantly impacted his ability to continue his NFL career.
Post-NFL Career: Broadcasting and Media Ventures
After retiring from the NFL, LaVar Arrington transitioned into broadcasting. He began with pregame and postgame shows for Comcast SportsNet and later became a permanent member of the Comcast team. He also hosted a weekday afternoon radio talk show in Washington, D.C., called “The LaVar Arrington Show with Chad Dukes.” The financial terms of these broadcasting roles were not disclosed, but they contributed to his post-NFL income.
In 2014, Arrington joined the “NFL AM” program on NFL Network. In 2019, he became a football analyst on FS1 for “Speak For Yourself.” The exact salary figures for these positions are not publicly available, but they are significant sources of income. These media roles capitalized on his football expertise and provided him with a platform to share his insights.
Arrington also appeared in television commercials for Eastern Motors alongside other athletes such as Clinton Portis, Sean Taylor, Carmelo Anthony, and Antawn Jamison. These commercials offered additional income and exposure. In 2002, he participated in an episode of TLC’s “While You Were Out,” helping to redesign a room for his brother, Michael. Arrington also served as a judge on ESPN’s “Dream Job.” These appearances enhanced his visibility and contributed to his overall earnings.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 2008, LaVar Arrington formed the sports agency Leap Management. This venture aimed to represent and manage athletes, providing them with guidance and support. In 2010, he founded Xtreme Precision, a football training system that offered camps nationwide. Xtreme Precision used state-of-the-art technologies to accelerate the development of young players. The financial success of these ventures is not publicly documented, but they represent Arrington’s efforts to diversify his income streams.
Arrington opened a restaurant named The Sideline in Landover, Maryland, in January 2008. However, the restaurant faced challenges and closed down in December 2009 after an incident involving a shooting outside the main entrance. The failure of The Sideline likely resulted in financial losses for Arrington. The incident damaged the restaurant’s reputation and contributed to its closure. This venture illustrates the risks associated with entrepreneurship, even for high-profile individuals.
Personal Life and Family
LaVar and his wife, Trishia, have four children together. They reside in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Arrington has a younger brother, Eric, and an older brother, Michael, who played basketball at Slippery Rock University. Further details about their personal assets are not publicly available. This information provides a glimpse into his family life and location.
