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15 Retired NFL Stars Who Are Way Less Rich Than You’d Think

The NFL is a league of massive contracts, flashy jewelry, and endorsement deals galore. But for every player who retires with generational wealth, there’s another whose post-football financial situation is surprisingly underwhelming.

Whether bad investments, messy divorces, failed business ventures, or overspending, these retired NFL stars didn’t exactly ride off into the sunset with a mountain of cash. Some had huge careers and Pro Bowl credentials, but still had bank accounts that might make your cousin’s Etsy side hustle look impressive.

15. Jamal Anderson

Jan 31, 1999; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Atlanta Falcons running back Jamal Anderson (32) carries the ball against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXXIII at Dolphin Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Falcons 34-19.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

The former Falcons star made the “Dirty Bird” dance famous, but his post-NFL finances weren’t quite as memorable. Anderson has dealt with legal issues and financial setbacks that drained much of his once-impressive earnings.

14. Bernie Kosar

Jan 4, 1986; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback (19) Bernie Kosar is pressured as he releases the ball during the 1986 Divisional Playoff against the Miami Dolphins at the Orange Bowl. The Dolphins defeated the Browns 24-21.
Tony Tomsic-Imagn Images

Kosar had a solid career with the Browns and Dolphins, but poor financial decisions in retirement took a toll. He even filed for bankruptcy at one point, citing that his debts far outweighed his assets.

13. Clinton Portis

October 21, 2007; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis (26) scores in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field in Landover, MD.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Portis earned millions during his playing days but later admitted to nearly going broke. He blamed bad advisors and lost investments for draining his savings after retirement.

12. Chris McAlister

Dec 17, 2000; Tempe, AZ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Baltimore Ravens defensive back Chris McAlister (21) on the sidelines against the Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium.
Peter Brouillet-Imagn Images

A former Pro Bowl cornerback with the Ravens, McAlister once claimed he lived with his parents because he couldn’t afford child support. His career earnings didn’t stretch as far as expected once the game ended.

11. Terrell Owens

Feb 06, 2005; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles receiver Terrell Owens in action against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 24-21.
Imagn Images

Despite being one of the most electrifying receivers of his era, Owens has been public about his financial struggles since leaving the league. Multiple child support obligations and a lack of stable post-career income contributed to his struggles.

10. Vince Young

Aug 23, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Vince Young (13) during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field.
Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Young signed a lucrative rookie deal and landed endorsement deals early, but financial mismanagement led to bankruptcy. Among his infamous purchases? A reported $5,000-a-week Cheesecake Factory habit.

9. Ray Rice

Dec 13, 2010; Houston, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Texans 34-28.
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Rice never got a shot at a comeback after his career ended abruptly due to off-field issues. His financial status reportedly hit sharply without those playing checks rolling in.

8. Raghib “Rocket” Ismail

Dec 12, 1993; Los Angeles, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Raiders kick returner Raghib Ismail (86) in action against the Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Long Photography-Imagn Images

Once one of the highest-paid players in the game thanks to a massive CFL contract, Ismail struggled with money post-retirement. A series of bad business ventures left his fortune looking more like a fizzle than a rocket.

7. Lawrence Taylor

Oct 13, 1985; Cincinnati, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Giants Linebacker (56) LAWRENCE TAYLOR tackles Cincinnati Bengals Receiver (80) CRIS COLLINSWORTH at Riverfront Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Giants 35-30.
Tony Tomsic-Imagn Images

Taylor was an all-time great on the field, but his post-NFL life has been full of financial turbulence. Legal troubles, substance issues, and poor financial decisions chipped away at his wealth.

6. Andre Rison

Jan 26, 1997; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Green Bay Packers receiver Andre Rison (84) catches a pass for a touchdown reception against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XXXI at the Superdome. The Packers defeated the Patriots 35-21.
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Rison made headlines for his flashy play and lifestyle, but it caught up with him financially. He’s faced multiple legal issues and was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands in back child support.

5. Deuce McAllister

Sept 28, 2008; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister (26) runs upfield during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome. The Saints defeated the 49ers 28-17.
Matt Stamey-Imagn Images

The former Saints running back filed for bankruptcy after a failed car dealership business. Despite a productive NFL career, his financial empire didn’t last long in retirement.

4. Warren Sapp

Oct 1, 2006 Oakland, CA, USA: Oakland Raiders defensive tackle (99) Warren Sapp during the 4th quarter against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Sapp was a Hall of Fame defensive tackle with a big personality and even bigger paychecks, but he filed for bankruptcy in 2012. Lavish spending and unpaid bills were major contributors to his money woes.

Read More: 22 NFL Stars Who Got Rich Fast and Went Broke Even Faster

3. Mark Brunell

Sep 13, 1998; Jacksonville, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell (8) looks to throw against the Kansas City Chiefs during the 1998 season at Alltel Stadium.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Brunell made over $50 million during his career but filed for bankruptcy after several real estate investments collapsed. Being a quarterback didn’t prepare him for the housing market crash.

Read More: 15 NFL Legends Who Were Forced to Retire in Their 20s

2. Adam “Pacman” Jones

Oct 1, 2018; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Adam Jones (24) against the Kansas City Chiefs at Broncos Stadium at Mile High.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jones was notorious for his off-field issues, extending into his financial life. Despite earning millions, legal troubles and excessive spending left him far less comfortable than expected.

Read More: 14 NFL Stars Who Were Very Smart With Their Money

1. Michael Vick

Oct 22, 2006; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback (7) Michael Vick runs the ball up the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Steelers in overtime 41-38.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Vick’s dogfighting scandal cost him his NFL career and tens of millions of dollars. He filed for bankruptcy and spent years trying to pay off debts, a stunning fall for a player once at the top of the league.

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