What Is Vince Young’s Net Worth?
Vince Young, a former NFL quarterback, currently possesses a net worth of approximately $400,000. This figure reflects a significant downturn from his peak earning years during his professional football career. His financial journey showcases both the potential for high earnings in professional sports and the challenges of managing wealth effectively.
Vince Young: Football Career Earnings and Contract Details
Young’s professional football career spanned several years, most notably with the Tennessee Titans. In 2006, the Tennessee Titans signed him for $2.6 million for the season. During his peak performance years of 2007-2008, Vince Young earned an annual salary of $13.1 million. Over his NFL career, Young earned a total of $34 million in salary. This included the substantial earnings from his initial rookie contract and an additional $4 million from his final NFL season playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. These earnings were primarily composed of his base salaries, reflecting his on-field performance and contractual agreements with the teams he represented. The Tennessee Titans selected Vince Young as the third overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Young signed a six-year contract worth around $26 million. It included nearly $18.5 million in guaranteed money.
Beyond his base salaries, Young also secured endorsement deals with major brands such as Reebok, Madden NFL, and Campbell’s Soup. These endorsements contributed significantly to his overall income during his active years. While the specific financial details of these endorsements remain largely private, industry experts estimate that they collectively added around $30 million to his earnings. However, by 2012, reports surfaced indicating that Young had exhausted a considerable portion of his football fortune, facing near-financial ruin. This stark financial decline led to his filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2014.
During his time with the Titans, Young showcased his talent, earning accolades such as NFL Rookie of the Year and two Pro Bowl selections. He amassed a 30-17 record as a starter with a 75.4 quarterback rating. Although he had notable achievements, inconsistencies and injuries impacted his long-term prospects with the team. Following his departure from the Titans, Young had brief stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, and Green Bay Packers. However, he struggled to replicate his earlier success and did not secure any substantial long-term contracts with these teams.
Vince Young: Early Life and Education
Vincent Paul Young Jr. was born on May 18, 1982, in Houston, Texas, and raised by his mother, Felicia, and grandmother. His early life was marked by both challenges and triumphs, including surviving a significant childhood accident at the age of seven when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle. Despite the setback of being hospitalized for months, he continued to excel athletically and academically.
Young attended Dick Dowling Middle School and Madison High School. He showcased his athletic abilities across various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track. His performance as a quarterback at Madison High School earned him national recognition. He was named National Player of the Year by “Student Sports” and “Parade”. He also won the Pete Dawkins Trophy at the Army All-American Bowl. He was also named the 2001 Texas 5A Offensive Player of the Year. These accolades underscored his potential as a top-tier football prospect.
After graduating from high school, Young enrolled at the University of Texas. He continued his football career at the collegiate level. He was named Big 12 Conference Offensive Freshman of the Year, Rose Bowl Most Valuable Player (twice), All-American Offensive Player, and Big 12 Male Athlete of the Year, and he won the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, Maxwell Award for College Player of the Year, Cingular All-America Player of the Year Award, Manning Award, ESPY Award for Best Game, and ESPY Award for Best Championship Performance. In 2005, Young received 1st Team All-Big 12 Conference honors, and between his sophomore and junior years, he appeared on the cover of the magazine “Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.” Young led the Texas Longhorns to a national championship in 2005. He defeated the University of Michigan in the 2004 Rose Bowl and the USC Trojans in the 2006 Rose Bowl. His achievements led to his #10 jersey being retired by the University of Texas in August 2008.
Vince Young: Legal and Financial Issues
In January 2014, Vince Young filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. He listed assets of $500,000 to $1 million and liabilities ranging from $1 million to $10 million. The bankruptcy filing underscored the extent of his financial difficulties after earning millions in his professional career. In September 2012, reports surfaced that Young had defaulted on a $1.9 million payday loan. He faced further financial problems due to various legal disputes. Young filed a lawsuit against Pro Player Funding LLC, alleging forged loan documents. He also sued his former agent and a North Carolina financial planner, claiming misappropriation of more than $5 million.
In early 2016, Young was arrested for DWI in Austin, Texas, and was fined $300 and ordered to complete 60 hours of community service. He was arrested for DWI again in February 2019 and was released on bail later that day. In July 2014, Young listed his 4,323-square-foot Houston home for sale at $849,000, later reducing the price to $815,000. The four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom house located in Houston, Texas, did not attract buyers at the initial price point. Previously, in 2011, he sold a 9,338-square-foot, eight-bedroom home in Brentwood, Tennessee, for $1.15 million. This sale occurred as he transitioned between NFL teams. His financial troubles were further compounded by a series of lawsuits and disputes with financial advisors.
Post-NFL Career and Current Activities
After announcing his retirement from the NFL in June 2014, Vince Young transitioned into roles within the University of Texas. He initially worked in the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. In 2021, the school hired him as a special assistant in the athletic department. These positions allowed him to remain involved in the university community and contribute to student development. His responsibilities included mentoring student-athletes, participating in community outreach programs, and assisting with alumni relations.
Young has received several honors, including inductions into the Texas Sport Hall of Fame (2017), Rose Bowl Hall of Fame (2018), and College Football Hall of Fame (2019). In addition to his professional and collegiate accolades, Vince Young and his mother established the Vincent Young Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to “improving the quality of life of underprivileged children with a special focus on promoting academic and athletic excellence.”