Vince Young's Net Worth in 2024: The Financial Journey of the Former NFL Star

By Jason Bolton August 27, 2024 08:51

Photo by Mary Ann Chastain/Getty Images

Former NFL Quarterback Vince Young has been on a financial roller-coaster ever since his college football days. He spent some time being one of the league's biggest busts, more so exaggerated by others when you consider those drafted before him over the next several years. In this piece, we'll discuss Young's current net worth, earnings during his NFL career, and his financial hardship. We'll also dig into his post-football life and predict how much money he could have accumulated by 2024.

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Early Career and NFL Earnings

Young was Tennessee's No. 3 overall selection in 2006 out of Texas. The base of the contract was the $25 million he received when signing with the Titans. The article details a lavish lifestyle Young says has landed him in bankruptcy after six seasons of NFL earnings:

Tennessee Titans (2006-2010): $30 million
Philadelphia Eagles (2011): $4 million
Buffalo Bills (2012): $350,000

Vince Young's total salary throughout his NFL career was about $35.4 million. That number doesn't include his endorsement deals, which were purported to be approximately $30 million per year from Reebok, Madden NFL, and Campbell's Soup.

Bankruptcy and Financial Struggles

Despite making over $65 million in salary and endorsements after being awarded the aforementioned top-pick contract, Young ran into significant money trouble just two years following his on-field career. In 2012, it was reported that Young had taken out a $1.9 million payday loan and defaulted on the debt.

In January 2014, Young filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after years of financial problems. Young claimed assets of between $500,000 and $1 million and debts ranging from "$1 million to 10 million," according to court documents that didn't specify an exact amount.

Why Young Went Broke

Poor Financial Decisions: Young enjoyed spending, famously running a $5,000 weekly tab at The Cheesecake Factory.

Bad Money Management: Young was struck working poorly, taking his finances together, and trusted that with an advisor and an uncle he had recruited as drivers.

Current Net Worth and Assets

It's far from the $43 million he claims his empire was worth at its height, but it also suggests something of a comeback following bankruptcy four years earlier.

Young's Assets Include:

Real Estate: Though he recently sold his Houston home and a larger property (4,323 square feet) in Brentwood, Tennessee, Young probably still has some real estate holdings.
Business Interests: His holdings in the Vince Young Steakhouse and other businesses increase his net worth.

Projections for 2024

As the above demonstrates, Vince Young seems set to get back on his financial feet in time for 2024, though it might be less than he made while playing football. There are a few things that might affect his net worth:

Business Expansion: The profitability of his restaurant chain, serving steaks, and other business endeavors may affect the scale at which he can generate new wealth.
University Position: He earns a modest university salary in Texas.
Public Speaking Engagements/Appearances: Young, now a cautionary tale of financial ruin after an NFL career that saw him become not necessarily the superstar some were expecting or he demanded but merely good or very young, may have some earning potential as an ex-professional athlete with a regrettable back story.
Possible media opportunities: Young's broadcasting background could make him look for more work in sports television.

Given the next few years, it's likely that Young will net modest increases into 2024, but million dollars remain out of reach, which is oriented toward $500K-$750K. Of course, a speculative forecast depends on the performance of his current projects and any new ventures he may take up.

Lessons Learned and Legacy

Hundreds of young athletes earn large sums of money yearly, and Vince Young serves as a tragic reminder. His tale reminds us about the significance of financial literacy, responsible spending, and thoughtful investing.

He has been open about his financial blunders, sharing them as teaching lessons for others. However, his playing career could not be challenged, and his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019 underscored that. Though Young will likely never reach the financial windfall he experienced in his NFL days, his current pool of wealth and efforts to rebuild find him on a more positive track in 2024.