Net Worth Ranker
What Is Mark Brunell Net Worth?
Mark Brunell, a former American football quarterback and current quarterbacks coach for the Detroit Lions, has an estimated net worth of $400,000 as of March 2025. This figure reflects a challenging financial history, despite a successful NFL career where he earned millions. While playing in the NFL Mark Brunell earned $70,637,625.
Early Career and Earnings
Born in Los Angeles, California, Mark Brunell (born September 17, 1970) first garnered attention during his high school years at St. Joseph High School. His football prowess continued at the University of Washington, leading to his draft by the Green Bay Packers in 1993. Brunell’s career took off when he was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995. Over his professional career, Brunell played for the Green Bay Packers (1993–1994), Jacksonville Jaguars (1995–2003), Washington Redskins (2004–2007), New Orleans Saints (2008–2009), and New York Jets (2010–2011). According to Over The Cap, Mark Brunell’s career earnings totalled $70,637,625. His yearly earnings include:
- New Orleans Saints (2008-09): $4.7 Million
- New Orleans Saints (2009-10): $1.6 Million
- Washington Redskins (2004-05): $9.4 Million
- Washington Redskins (2005-06): $1 Million
- Washington Redskins (2006-07): $4 Million
- Washington Redskins (2007-08): $2 Million
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2000-01): $7.3 Million
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2001-02): $8.9 Million
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2002-03): $6.3 Million
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-04): $6.8 Million
Brunell achieved significant milestones with the Jaguars, including three Pro Bowl selections (1996, 1997, 1999) and the 1997 Pro Bowl MVP award. In Jacksonville, Brunell started 117 games between 1995 and 2003. He also led the NFL in passing yards in 1996. His time with the New Orleans Saints also saw him win a Super Bowl ring XLIV.
Financial Troubles and Bankruptcy
Despite earning an estimated $50 million during his NFL career, Mark Brunell faced severe financial difficulties after retiring. In June 2010, he declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy, listing $5.5 million in assets against $24.7 million in debts. Brunell’s financial woes stemmed from several failed business ventures, including real estate investments and Whataburger franchise. Brunell invested $9 million in Whataburger franchises but lost all of it. He also invested in real estate projects in Traverse City and Grand Rapids, Michigan, which contributed to his financial downfall. The operation of 11 Whataburger franchise locations in which Brunell was involved was not affected by the bankruptcy.
Details of the Bankruptcy Filing
The bankruptcy filing revealed that Brunell’s largest debts included a $5 million guarantee of a loan to JWB Owner LLC and over $4 million in personal loan guarantees to his defunct Champion LLC business. Both companies were involved in real-estate investments. The bankruptcy paperwork also listed some assets that may be liquidated to repay creditors: a small collection of guns, including a 12 gauge Remington shotgun and a Winchester 45, three vehicles, including a 2008 Ford F-250 pickup truck, One Super Bowl ring and three rings from the Rose Bowl.
Real Estate and Business Ventures
Brunell’s financial troubles were significantly impacted by the real estate foreclosure crisis. He was a partner in Champion LLC, which borrowed over $2 million to buy high-end properties in Jacksonville, on which to build condos. When the property bubble crashed, Brunell lost his entire investment of $11 million and tried to cover the company’s loan payments with his own money. Brunell and his wife Stacy have already disposed of their $9.5 million home in a sale that broke Jacksonville records.
Post-Bankruptcy and Current Status
After filing for bankruptcy in 2010, Brunell worked to reorganize his finances. In December 2011, his Chapter 11 bankruptcy case came to an end. Brunell’s reorganization plan included selling some assets to pay off unsecured creditors and acknowledged that his income would drop sharply after retiring from the New York Jets. According to court documents, Brunell made a total of $960,000 in salary and bonuses from the Jets during the season. The plan called for him to pay $350,000 to unsecured creditors to settle their claims. In April 2011, it was stated that Brunell “believes at this point that his future income can only be predicted to be $5,000 per month.” As of 2021, he was working as a quarterbacks coach for the Detroit Lions, marking his first foray into NFL coaching.
Career Earnings vs. Net Worth
While Mark Brunell accumulated significant career earnings of over $70 million, his current net worth of $400,000 demonstrates the impact of poor investment decisions and the risks associated with business ventures. Brunell’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for athletes and other high-income earners about the importance of sound financial planning and risk management.
