In the world of professional sports, athletes often amass significant wealth during their careers. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the net worth of former NFL player Montee Ball. Known for his college football prowess and brief stint in the NFL, Ball’s financial journey is an intriguing one.
Quick Facts about Montee Ball:
- Net Worth: $2 Million
- Full Name: Montee Ball Jr.
- Born: December 5, 1990 (33 years old)
- Birthplace: Wentzville, Missouri
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
- Professional Career: 2013-2015
What is Montee Ball’s Net Worth?
As of 2024, Montee Ball’s net worth is estimated at $2 million. This figure aligns closely with his total career earnings, suggesting that Ball has managed to maintain much of the wealth he accumulated during his brief NFL career.
Factors Influencing Montee Ball’s Net Worth
- Short NFL Career: Ball’s professional career lasted only three years, limiting his potential earnings compared to longer-tenured players.
- Rookie Contract: The bulk of Ball’s earnings came from his rookie contract with the Denver Broncos.
- Post-NFL Activities: While specific details are limited, any post-NFL endeavors or investments could have impacted his current net worth.
- Personal Challenges: Ball has been open about personal struggles that affected his career, which may have influenced his financial situation.
Early Life and College Career
Montee Ball was born in McPherson, Kansas, but grew up in Wentzville, Missouri. He attended Timberland High School, where he first showcased his exceptional football skills. Ball’s talent on the field earned him a spot at the University of Wisconsin, where he would become one of the most prolific running backs in college football history.
During his college career, Ball’s achievements were nothing short of remarkable:
- Won the Archie Griffin Award and Doak Walker Award
- Named Big Ten Championships Game MVP
- Three-time Big Ten Champion
- Two-time First-team All-Big Ten selection
- Two-time Big Ten Running Back of the Year
Ball set NCAA Division I FBS records for career touchdowns (83) and career rushing touchdowns (77), cementing his place in college football history.
NFL Career and Earnings
Ball’s impressive college performance led to him being drafted 58th overall by the Denver Broncos in the 2013 NFL Draft. His professional career, however, was short-lived, spanning from 2013 to 2015.
Here’s a breakdown of his NFL earnings:
- Denver Broncos (2013): $1.3 Million
- Denver Broncos (2014): $562.5 Thousand
- Denver Broncos (2015): $125 Thousand
- New England Patriots (2015): $19.8 Thousand
Total Career Earnings: Approximately $2 Million
Comparison to Other NFL Running Backs
To put Ball’s net worth in perspective, it’s worth comparing it to other running backs from his draft class or with similar career lengths:
- Le’Veon Bell (drafted 2013): Estimated net worth of $12 million
- Eddie Lacy (drafted 2013): Estimated net worth of $5 million
These comparisons highlight how career longevity and performance can significantly impact an NFL player’s long-term financial status.
Life After Football
Since retiring from the NFL, Ball has focused on personal growth and has been open about his struggles with alcoholism. He’s become an advocate for mental health awareness, particularly among athletes. While these activities may not directly contribute to his net worth, they showcase Ball’s efforts to create a positive impact post-football.
Conclusion
Montee Ball’s net worth of $2 million reflects a complex journey from college football stardom to a brief NFL career and beyond. While his professional career didn’t reach the heights many predicted, Ball’s financial standing demonstrates the potential for even short-term NFL players to secure significant wealth. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of financial management and personal growth, both during and after a professional sports career.
As with many retired athletes, Ball’s future financial trajectory will likely depend on his post-NFL ventures, investments, and personal financial management. His openness about personal challenges and advocacy work may also open doors to new opportunities, potentially influencing his net worth in the years to come.
