Being an NFL star comes with fame, glory, and much money, but not everyone handles the cash part like a pro. Between bad investments, wild spending habits, and too many “business partners,” some players watched their bank accounts evaporate before hitting the big 4-0.
From multimillion-dollar contracts to financial cautionary tales, these 15 players prove that wealth doesn’t always mean wisdom. Here’s a look at some of the most infamous NFL stars who blew through fortunes while still young enough to make a comeback.
15. Jamal Anderson
The Dirty Bird legend made a splash with the Falcons but ran into serious money problems after retirement. Lavish spending and legal issues drained his once-impressive earnings fast.
14. Bernie Kosar
Kosar made millions during his time in the league, but filed for bankruptcy thanks to failed real estate ventures and helping out too many people financially. Even his dad reportedly borrowed in his name.
13. William “Refrigerator” Perry
The beloved Bears icon had a larger-than-life persona, and his lifestyle followed suit. Medical bills and financial mismanagement left him in rough shape financially in his later years.
12. Travis Henry
Henry had talent and a massive contract, but couldn’t avoid poor choices. Between legal trouble and child support for multiple kids, his fortune vanished quickly.
11. Terrell Owens
T.O. made nearly $80 million during his playing days but later admitted to being broke. A combination of bad investments, expensive lifestyle choices, and trusting the wrong people didn’t help.
10. Andre Rison
“Bad Moon” Rison lived up to the nickname with a flashy lifestyle and countless financial woes. His money went up in flames—literally—when his house was famously burned down by then-girlfriend Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.
9. Clinton Portis
Portis earned millions with the Broncos and Redskins but ended up filing for bankruptcy. He later revealed he was close to confronting one of his financial advisors with violence after realizing how badly he was misled.
8. Mark Brunell
Brunell was a solid quarterback with a lengthy career, but lost everything through bad investments. Real estate was his downfall, and he filed for bankruptcy despite earning over $50 million.
7. Raghib “Rocket” Ismail
Rocket scored a massive deal early in his career, but the money didn’t last. Poor financial planning and trusting the wrong people drained his earnings.
6. Ray Rice
Rice’s downfall was driven by more than just money; financial trouble followed quickly after his NFL exit. Endorsements vanished, contracts disappeared, and the fortune he built unraveled in record time.
5. Luther Elliss
Elliss was a Pro Bowl defensive lineman who made solid money in the league. However, with 11 children and some unfortunate financial decisions, he filed for bankruptcy in his late 30s.
4. Vince Young
Young earned over $30 million in the NFL and somehow managed to spend nearly all of it within a few years. One of the wildest revelations? He once dropped $5,000 a week at Cheesecake Factory.
3. Chris McAlister
The former Ravens cornerback went from NFL stardom to claiming he couldn’t afford child support or a car. He told a judge he was living with his parents despite making tens of millions.
Read More: 14 NFL Stars Who Were Very Smart With Their Money
2. JaMarcus Russell
The poster child for wasted potential also became a cautionary tale for financial mismanagement. He earned more than $30 million guaranteed, and it was reportedly gone within just a few years.
Read More: 22 NFL Stars Who Got Rich Fast and Went Broke Even Faster
1. Warren Sapp
Sapp made over $80 million in salary and endorsements but filed for bankruptcy in 2012. Lavish spending, back taxes, and legal fees wiped out one of the biggest bags in NFL history.
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