As glamorous as life in the NFL can be, retirement doesn’t always come with a golden parachute. Especially for quarterbacks who once signed jaw-dropping contracts, only to fumble their finances after hanging up the cleats.
From bad business ventures to unchecked spending habits, these former field generals remind us that a cannon for an arm doesn’t mean you’ll crush it in wealth management. Here are NFL quarterbacks whose bank accounts didn’t quite make it to the Hall of Fame.
11. Mark Brunell
A savvy lefty on the field, Brunell was less lucky with real estate investments. He declared bankruptcy in 2010 after bad deals drained his fortune.
10. Todd Marinovich
Touted as the next big thing, Marinovich’s career and financial life unraveled fast. His post-football struggles with addiction didn’t help his bank account either.
9. Vince Young
The former Texas legend signed a huge rookie deal, but that didn’t stop the money from vanishing. He reportedly spent thousands at Cheesecake Factory alone and filed for bankruptcy in 2014.
8. Art Schlichter
Schlichter’s story is a cautionary tale of gambling gone wrong. The former Ohio State standout lost millions through addiction and ended up serving prison time.
7. Erik Kramer
Kramer had a respectable career, but his post-NFL financial situation turned dark. After personal tragedy and struggles with depression, he battled through both emotional and monetary challenges.
6. Joe Gilliam
Gilliam broke barriers as a starter for the Steelers in the ’70s, but addiction and poor decisions drained his money fast. He was eventually homeless despite once being a pioneer in the league.
5. Michael Vick
Vick famously went bankrupt after his prison sentence, despite earning over $100 million in contracts. He eventually bounced back, but his financial downfall was headline-making.
4. Warren Moon
Moon made plenty during and after his career, but legal fees and settlements took a toll. He stayed active in broadcasting, but his fortune took hits along the way.
3. JaMarcus Russell
Once the poster child for rookie contract riches, Russell’s $60 million deal didn’t last long. Questionable work ethic met questionable financial decisions—and the rest is history.
2. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football lit up college football and cashed in on the hype, but money management wasn’t in his playbook. His short stints in the NFL and chaotic lifestyle didn’t help his bottom line.
1. Bernie Kosar
The Cleveland hero made millions during his playing days, but financial missteps—including bad investments—left him filing for bankruptcy in 2009. He’s been open about learning the hard way.
Read More: 10 Times NFL Stars Filed For Bankruptcy
