Josh McCown net worth has intrigued many due to his long career in the NFL, serving mostly as a backup quarterback. Unlike other NFL players, he spent nearly two decades playing for 12 different teams, steadily growing his income.
From his days with the Arizona Cardinals to his coaching career with the Minnesota Vikings, Josh McCown has made a name for himself, not just for his skills but also for his impressive earnings.
Here at Andomoney, I’ll dive into how he built his wealth, focusing on his roles as a player and coach.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Joshua Treadwell McCown |
| Popular Name | Josh McCown |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | July 4, 1979 |
| Age | 45 years old (as of 2024) |
| Parents | N/A |
| Siblings | Luke McCown, Randy McCown |
| Birthplace | Jacksonville, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Jacksonville High School, SMU, Sam Houston State |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Natalie McCown |
| Children | 4 children (Owen McCown, Aiden McCown, Bridget McCown, Aubrey McCown) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| Source of Wealth | NFL Salary, Coaching Income |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) |
What is the Net Worth Of Josh McCown in 2024?
In 2024, Josh McCown has a net worth of $20 million, earned from his long-standing career in the NFL and his current coaching roles.
Although McCown primarily served as a backup quarterback, his financial success rivals many starters in the league.
His total earnings over 16 seasons in the NFL reached $52 million. Comparing McCown’s wealth to other prominent figures in the football world shows how being strategic with team choices and contract negotiations pays off. He stands alongside:
- Arizona Cardinals
- Cleveland Browns
- Carolina Panthers
- Chicago Bears
- Philadelphia Eagles
- New York Jets
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Luke McCown
- NFL
- Kurt Warner
If you want to know more about the top-earning players in the NFL, feel free to check out this list of most affluent NFL players.
Josh McCown Salary and Finance Overview
How He Built His Wealth Through His NFL Career
Over 18 seasons, Josh McCown managed to secure contracts with 12 NFL teams. While many of his peers secured long-term contracts as starters, McCown found success in being the reliable backup.
His journey began in 2002 when the Arizona Cardinals drafted him. His first few seasons saw smaller contracts, but with time, his value as a backup quarterback grew.
By the time he joined the New York Jets in 2017, his salary peaked, with a one-year contract worth $6 million.
Significant Contributions to His Wealth as a Backup Quarterback
While the spotlight is often on starting quarterbacks, Josh McCown made his fortune as one of the league’s most reliable backups.
He played for teams like the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, and Chicago Bears. Each role added to his earnings, as teams paid him well to be the insurance policy behind their starters.
The flexibility of jumping between teams and securing short-term contracts allowed McCown to build a strong financial portfolio, totaling $52 million in NFL earnings alone.
His Coaching Career and Its Impact on His Income
In 2023, Josh McCown transitioned to coaching, starting with the Carolina Panthers as the quarterbacks coach.
This role marked a significant shift from earning as a player to generating income from coaching. While player salaries are higher, coaching provides a steady income and a new path to grow wealth.
With his extensive playing experience, McCown quickly established himself as a valuable coach and, in 2024, moved on to the Minnesota Vikings as their quarterbacks coach, further solidifying his income stream.
Key Career Achievements That Boosted His Earnings
Over the years, Josh McCown achieved several significant career highlights that contributed to his financial success. These include:
- Setting a personal record in 2017 with the New York Jets, where he completed a career-high 2,926 passing yards and 18 touchdowns.
- His 2013 season with the Chicago Bears, where he earned the third-best passer rating in the NFL, led to lucrative offers from teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- He became the oldest quarterback in NFL history to make his playoff debut in 2019, which drew attention and kept his career going longer than most players.
The Role of Endorsements and Media Appearances in His Financial Growth
Outside of the NFL, Josh McCown expanded his income with media appearances. In 2019, after briefly retiring, he worked as an NFL analyst with ESPN, adding another revenue stream.
His ability to stay connected to the sport, whether on the field or in the studio, helped maintain his financial success.
Although endorsements weren’t as big a part of his income as they are for other athletes, his visibility within football media has allowed him to continue building his wealth.
How Longevity in the NFL Helped Sustain His Financial Stability
Few players can claim an 18-year career in the NFL. This longevity played a crucial role in Josh McCown’s financial success.
His ability to remain in the league for so long, despite serving primarily as a backup, ensured he maintained a steady income.
Moreover, his willingness to adapt to new roles and step in when needed made him indispensable to many teams. This adaptability is what set him apart and helped secure his long-term financial stability.
The Financial Influence of His UFL Career and Retirement Comebacks
Beyond the NFL, Josh McCown briefly played in the United Football League (UFL), adding to his overall earnings.
His commitment to the sport saw him make several comebacks after retirement, particularly in 2019 when he joined the Philadelphia Eagles.
These returns to football not only boosted his income but also kept him relevant in the football community.
FAQs About Josh McCown
How long did he play in the NFL?
Josh McCown played in the NFL for 18 seasons, from 2002 to 2020.
What teams did he play for?
He played for 12 teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Chicago Bears.
Is he currently coaching?
Yes, in 2024, Josh McCown is the quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings.
Did he have a career-high season?
Yes, his 2017 season with the New York Jets was a career-high with 2,926 passing yards and 18 touchdowns.
How many children does he have?
Josh McCown has four children with his wife, Natalie McCown.
Has he won any significant awards?
He earned the Brian Piccolo Award while playing for the Chicago Bears in 2013.
Has he worked as an NFL analyst?
Yes, in 2019, he worked briefly as an NFL analyst for ESPN.
Did he play in the UFL?
Yes, Josh McCown played for the Hartford Colonials in the United Football League (UFL) in 2010.
Is he married?
Yes, he is married to Natalie McCown.
What college did he attend?
He attended Southern Methodist University and Sam Houston State University.
Conclusion
I hope this in-depth look at Josh McCown’s career and financial journey provided valuable insights. Feel free to leave your comments or explore more content at andomoney.com.
