How did a fan-favorite tight end go from breaking NFL records to launching a podcast and running an art gallery? That’s the kind of financial journey worth exploring.
Chris Cooley net worth in 2025 isn’t just a number—it’s a reflection of his career decisions, life changes, and smart transitions beyond football.
In this article, PBC takes you through the key moments that shaped his earnings, salary history, post-NFL ventures, and how he maintains his lifestyle today.
Chris Cooley Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Christopher Ken Cooley |
| Popular Name | Chris Cooley |
| Birth Date | July 11, 1982 |
| Age | 42 (as of March 24, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Powell, Wyoming, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | Utah State University |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Angela Cooley (m. 2002–2005) |
| Children | 1 (Sloane Cooley) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Tanner Cooley |
| Parents | Ken Cooley, Nancy Cooley |
| Height (meters) | 1.91 meters |
| Net Worth | $8 million |
| Source of Wealth | NFL contracts, broadcasting, podcasting, art gallery |
What is Chris Cooley Net Worth in 2025?
Did you know that Chris Cooley once signed a $30 million deal during his NFL prime? As of 2025, Chris Cooley net worth is estimated at $8 million.
While he may not be among the top earners in football history, his smart transition from athlete to broadcaster, podcaster, and artist proves financial success goes beyond just on-field performance.
Comparable names or entities connected to Cooley include:
- Washington Redskins
- NFL
- ESPN 980
- Utah State University
- Madi Debray
- Cooley & Kevin
- Art Gallery
- Sloane Cooley
- Powell, Wyoming
- Fred Davis
Want to see how he stacks up among top-paid public figures? Here’s what you need to know about his income and how he built it.
Chris Cooley Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How did he earn his money during his football career?
He built most of his fortune as a tight end for the Washington Redskins, where he played from 2004 to 2012.
Drafted 81st overall in 2004, he quickly became a fan favorite and team leader. His standout moment came in 2007 when he signed a six-year, $30 million contract extension.
He led all NFC tight ends in fan votes and set a team record with 429 receptions, proving his value and securing his position in team history.
Performance bonuses and incentives were baked into those contracts, which contributed to steady income during his peak years.
What were the most lucrative years in his playing career?
The 2007–2012 span was undeniably his financial high point. The massive extension in 2007 reflected his rising value.
Cooley also scored brand visibility with appearances and media features, adding to his appeal both on and off the field.
These years coincided with him earning multiple accolades, including Pro Bowl selections in 2007 and 2008 and being named to Washington’s Greatest Players list in 2022.
His total career stats—429 receptions, 4,711 yards, 33 touchdowns—bolstered his financial worth during this window.
What financial opportunities came after he retired from the NFL?
Retirement didn’t mean disappearing from the spotlight. In 2013, he joined the Redskins’ radio broadcast team and began co-hosting Cooley & Kevin on ESPN 980.
He later launched The Chris Cooley Show podcast, further diversifying his income. These moves helped preserve his brand while generating new revenue streams.
He also ran a successful art gallery in Leesburg, VA from 2010 to 2019, blending his artistic talent with entrepreneurship.
This post-NFL path is a case study in how athletes can leverage their name and interests after sports.
Did he have any endorsement or sponsorship deals?
Yes, but mainly regional. He was featured in TV ads for Easterns Automotive Group alongside teammates like Clinton Portis and Antwaan Randle El. While not a major endorser like other NFL stars, Cooley’s niche fanbase gave him enough local visibility for minor endorsements and merchandise sales.
He even had a personalized memorabilia store on eBay, offering jerseys and trading cards
These small streams created a steady side income while reinforcing his personal brand.
How does he manage his finances and lifestyle today?
Since 2020, he’s been living a more grounded life in Powell, Wyoming, his hometown. After selling his Virginia property in 2021, Cooley and his wife Madi opted for a quieter lifestyle.
Though there’s no detailed public info on his investment portfolio, it’s clear that he’s not chasing the spotlight.
What role did his personal life play in his financial decisions?
His marriage, divorce, and eventual fatherhood played an obvious role in where he chose to live and how he prioritized his finances.
After divorcing former cheerleader Christy Oglevee, Cooley later married Madi Debray and became a father to Sloane.
These life events likely influenced his decision to relocate and scale back business commitments, moving from high-profile D.C. life to a small-town setting. Emotional and family stability seems to outweigh flashy ventures for him now.
What is his financial legacy within the Washington Redskins?
Cooley’s legacy in Washington is solid. He’s the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions by a tight end, a record that cements his name in team history.
Even after retirement, his voice and presence remained integral to Redskins media. His deep connection to the franchise adds long-term value to his brand and financial history.
Being named among Washington’s Greatest Players in 2022 further affirms his lasting impact.
How do his earnings compare to other NFL tight ends from his era?
Compared to contemporaries like Antonio Gates or Jason Witten, Cooley earned less overall. But his post-career success and record-setting stats still make him one of the most respected tight ends of the 2000s.
His net worth may not break records, but his strategy, adaptability, and balanced life arguably offer greater long-term value than short-term wealth accumulation.
Conclusion
Like his football plays, Chris Cooley’s financial journey is thoughtful and strategic. Explore more athlete stories at Pennbookcenter.com—and don’t forget to comment, share, or dive into other financial breakdowns.
