Net Worth Ranker
What Is Vontaze Burfict’s Net Worth?
Vontaze Burfict, a former professional football linebacker, has an estimated net worth of $12 million. This net worth primarily stems from his earnings during his NFL career, which spanned from 2012 to 2019. While specific breakdowns of his income from endorsements or other ventures are not publicly available, the majority of his wealth is attributed to his NFL contracts and related earnings.
Vontaze Burfict: Early Career and Contract Details
Burfict’s NFL journey began in 2012 when he signed a three-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals after going undrafted. Specific financial details of this initial contract aren’t publicly accessible. However, his performance led to a four-year contract extension with the Bengals prior to the 2014 season. Although the exact value of this extension isn’t confirmed in the provided text, these types of contracts usually have substantial signing bonuses and annual salaries reflective of a player’s perceived value and performance. One year contract with the Oakland Raiders, it remains uncertain how much of this value was earned given the suspension.
In his rookie season with the Bengals in 2012, Burfict quickly established himself, leading the team with 127 tackles. While the specific salary for his rookie year isn’t detailed, undrafted rookies typically earn the league minimum, which was $390,000 in 2012. In 2013, he recorded a league-leading and career-high 171 combined tackles. Leading the league in tackles increased his value and solidified his position within the team.
Controversies, Suspensions, and Financial Repercussions
Burfict’s career was marked by numerous on-field incidents that resulted in fines and suspensions, significantly impacting his earnings. In 2013, he was fined $31,000 for striking an opponent in the crotch and hitting a defenseless receiver. In 2014, he faced another fine of $25,000 for intentionally twisting the ankles of opponents. In December 2015, Burfict was fined a total of $69,454 for another violent incident. These repeated fines accumulated over time, reducing his overall income.
His most significant financial blow came in 2019 when he received the longest on-field suspension in NFL history – 12 games – while playing for the Oakland Raiders. This suspension effectively eliminated a large portion of his salary for that season. While the exact value of his one-year contract with the Raiders isn’t publicly available, it’s estimated to be worth millions of dollars. However, due to the suspension, he only played in four games, missing out on a substantial portion of his potential earnings. For violating the NFL’s drug policy prior to the 2018 season he earned a four-game suspension. During the season, he was fined $112,000 for unnecessary roughness.
Early Life and Background
Vontaze Burfict Jr. was born on September 24, 1990, in Los Angeles, California. His early life was marked by challenges, as his father was incarcerated for most of his childhood. Burfict and his older half-brother, DaShan, were primarily raised by their mother, a city bus driver. The family later moved to Corona after his mother remarried. There, Burfict attended Centennial High School, where he excelled on the Huskies football team. In 2008, he recorded 159 tackles, two quarterback sacks, and two interceptions. The Huskies achieved an undefeated season and won the CIF state championship.
Burfict initially committed to the University of Southern California but ultimately switched to Arizona State University (ASU). In his freshman season with the Sun Devils, he earned Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. As a sophomore in 2010, he led the team with 90 total tackles and was named a first-team All-American. In his junior season, his production decreased to 69 total tackles. He subsequently chose to forgo his senior year to enter the NFL draft. Prior to his junior season at ASU, Burfict was considered one of the best linebacker prospects in the nation. However, his inconsistent play, coupled with behavioral issues, negatively impacted his draft stock. His performance at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, where he also failed a drug test, further diminished his prospects.
Net Worth Calculation and Considerations
Vontaze Burfict’s $12 million net worth is primarily based on his NFL earnings. While specific details of his contracts, including signing bonuses and incentives, are not publicly available, it’s plausible to estimate his career earnings based on his playing years and the average salaries for linebackers in the NFL. Given his performance and the contracts he signed, he likely earned several millions of dollars throughout his career. However, fines and suspensions reduced the amount of earnings over time.
The calculation of Burfict’s net worth also involves considering potential expenses, taxes, and investments. NFL players typically face significant taxes on their income, and managing their finances effectively is crucial for long-term financial stability. Information on Burfict’s specific investments or other assets is not available in the provided text. However, it’s reasonable to assume that he has some investments or assets beyond his direct NFL earnings.
Burfict’s estimated net worth of $12 million places him among the more financially secure former NFL players. While it’s less than the net worth of some of the league’s biggest stars, it still represents a substantial achievement, particularly considering his challenging upbringing and the controversies that marked his career. His career earnings and subsequent financial management have contributed to his current financial standing.
