Did you know Chris Long once donated his entire NFL salary to charity? That’s not something you hear every day.
His financial journey is as unique as his career, filled with smart contracts, charitable giving, and long-term impact.
In this article, PBC dives into Chris Long net worth, exploring his salary history, how he built his fortune in the NFL, and what he’s been doing financially since retirement.
From record-breaking contracts to his foundation’s incredible mission, this is the financial side of a Super Bowl champion that’s worth reading.
Chris Long Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Christopher Howard Long |
| Popular Name | Chris Long |
| Birth Date | March 28, 1985 |
| Age (as of 03/24/2025) | 39 years old |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | University of Virginia (Sociology, no degree) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Megan O’Malley (m. 2013) |
| Children | 2 |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Kyle Long, Howie Long Jr. |
| Parents | Howie Long, Diane Addonizio |
| Height (meters) | 1.91 m |
| Net Worth | $40 million |
| Source of Wealth | NFL salary, media roles, charity foundation |
What is the Net Worth Of Chris Long in 2025?
As of 2025, Chris Long net worth is estimated at $40 million. This figure reflects not just his NFL career, but also his off-field ventures and philanthropic impact.
Unlike some players who rely solely on endorsements or salary, he combined his athletic earnings with meaningful charitable giving and strategic moves after retirement.
He played 11 seasons in the NFL and signed major contracts with the Rams, including a $56.5M rookie deal and a $50M extension.
But what really set him apart was donating his entire 2017 salary to charity, a rare and admirable move in professional sports.
Here are people and organizations closely related to his financial ecosystem:
- Howie Long
- Philadelphia Eagles
- St. Louis Rams
- New England Patriots
- Waterboys
- Chris Long Foundation
- NFL
- University of Virginia
- Terry Bradshaw
- Robert Quinn
Looking to explore the finances of more influential names? Check out our picks for celebs with serious financial power.
Chris Long Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How he built his wealth over his NFL career
Chris Long’s financial journey began in 2008 when he was drafted second overall by the St. Louis Rams.
His rookie contract was valued at $56.5 million, with $29 million guaranteed. This made him one of the highest-earning defensive rookies that year.
By 2012, he signed a four-year $50 million extension with $27 million guaranteed, elevating his earnings even further.
Throughout his 11-year career, he accumulated not just impressive stats (including 70 career sacks and multiple seasons with double-digit totals), but consistent paychecks across teams.
He played for:
- St. Louis Rams (2008–2015)
- New England Patriots (2016)
- Philadelphia Eagles (2017–2018)
He won back-to-back Super Bowl titles with the Patriots (Super Bowl LI) and Eagles (Super Bowl LII). That accomplishment alone added significant bonuses and solidified his value as a key asset to winning franchises
What his salary history reveals about his NFL value
His salary history shows a clear arc of increasing value, beginning with his rookie deal, then peaking with his second contract extension.
These figures highlight how much teams valued his versatility as a defensive end and locker room leader.
In 2011, the Rams restructured his deal to provide salary cap relief. This restructuring gave him a $12.1M signing bonus, and a base salary over $10M the following year, bringing his cap hit in 2012 to $18.3M.
Despite injuries in later seasons, including ankle surgery in 2014, Long remained a reliable contributor. He was a consistent Pro Bowl alternate, known for his high pressure rates and leadership rather than just stats.
Where his money comes from beyond playing football
After retiring in 2019, he didn’t fade from the spotlight. Instead, he launched the Green Light Podcast, which features athletes, celebrities, and gambling coverage. It’s one of his primary income streams today, leveraging his NFL insight and personality.
He also appears as a panelist on Inside the NFL since 2023, enhancing his media presence and adding a stable post-retirement revenue stream.
His brand continues to grow, offering speaking engagements, and building a loyal following through both football and humanitarian work.
How he manages and uses his finances for impact
Chris Long doesn’t just earn—he gives. In 2017, he made headlines for donating his entire season’s salary to charity. That year, he split the funds among education initiatives and scholarship programs.
He also founded the Chris Long Foundation, with a major focus on his clean water initiative, Waterboys. Inspired by a trip to Tanzania, Waterboys aims to build wells across East Africa.
Its initial goal was to build 32 wells—one for every NFL team. Today, the project aims to bring clean water to 1 million people.
He even climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with veterans to raise money. This commitment to impact shows how his finances extend beyond personal wealth into social change.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan or just financially curious, Chris Long’s story shows what success with purpose looks like. For more celebrity finance insights, visit Pennbookcenter.com and join the conversation by sharing or commenting.
