- Estimated Net Worth: $5 Million to $8 Million.
- Total Career Earnings: Approximately $12.8 Million (USD).
- Peak Contract: 5-year, $8.5 Million extension with the Dallas Cowboys in 2007 (Highest paid punter at the time).
- Key Source of Wealth: NFL salaries, signing bonuses, and post-career investments.
The Matt McBriar Wealth Check
We usually obsess over quarterbacks and wide receivers when we talk about NFL money. But special teams players quietly stack cash too. Matt McBriar, the Australian punter who changed how the position was played, is a perfect example.
You are probably wondering exactly how much this Cowboys legend has in the bank.
Matt McBriar currently sits on an estimated net worth between $5 million and $8 million.
He didn't just earn a standard paycheck. McBriar was one of the highest-paid players at his position during his prime. He brought the "Aussie Rules" style of kicking to the American mainstream, and Jerry Jones paid him well for it. Let's break down where that money came from and how much of it he managed to keep.
NFL Career Earnings Breakdown
To understand his net worth, we have to look at his salary history. McBriar spent over a decade in the league. His biggest checks came from his time with the Dallas Cowboys, but he also had stints with the Eagles, Steelers, and Chargers.
The Rookie Years
McBriar came into the league as an undrafted free agent. That means no massive signing bonus right out of the gate. He had to prove himself. In 2003, the Denver Broncos signed him, but he didn't stick.
The Cowboys picked him up, and that is where the checks started clearing. His early salaries were modest by NFL standards, hovering around the league minimum for rookies. This was roughly $230,000 to $300,000 a year back then.
The Big Payday: 2007 Extension
This is the moment Matt McBriar secured his financial future. After dominating the field and earning Pro Bowl honors, the Dallas Cowboys made him the highest-paid punter in the league.
In 2007, he signed a five-year contract extension worth $8.5 million.
That deal included a $2.5 million signing bonus. For a punter in the mid-2000s, that was serious money. It put him in a bracket similar to financial heavyweights like 50 Cent relative to his specific position in the sport.
Here is a look at his estimated cash earnings by team:
| Team | Years Active | Estimated Total Cash Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | 2004 – 2011 | ~$10,500,000 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 2012 | ~$1,100,000 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 2013 | ~$840,000 |
| San Diego Chargers | 2014 | ~$340,000 |
| TOTAL | 2004 – 2014 | ~$12,780,000 |
Taxes and Agent Fees
Seeing $12.8 million on paper looks amazing. But McBriar didn't walk away with all of that. We have to factor in the "jock tax" and other expenses.
Professional athletes pay taxes in every state they play in. Since the Cowboys are in Texas, McBriar had a huge advantage for his home games. Texas has zero state income tax. This likely saved him hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to playing for a team in California or New York.
However, he still had expenses:
- Federal Tax: Takes about 37-40%.
- Agent Fees: usually 3% to 5% of the contract value.
- NFLPA Dues: Union fees and other costs.
After Uncle Sam and his management team took their cuts, his take-home pay was likely closer to the $6.5 million to $7 million range. Smart investing would grow that pot to his current net worth.
Comparison: Matt McBriar Salary vs. Modern Punters
It is easy to look at contracts today and think McBriar was underpaid. Modern punters like Michael Dickson (another Aussie) are signing deals worth over $14 million.
But you have to adjust for the era. When McBriar signed his $8.5 million deal, the salary cap was much lower. He was setting the market. He paved the way for the massive contracts Australian kickers get today.
He proved that specialized kicking skills were worth premium roster spots and premium dollars. If you are looking for insider tips to boost your career and earnings in any field, McBriar's path is a good case study: become the best at a niche skill that no one else can replicate.
Life and Wealth After Football
Matt McBriar retired officially around 2015. So, how does a retired NFL player maintain a multi-million dollar net worth?
Most athletes invest in real estate, stocks, or local businesses. While McBriar keeps his private life very quiet, avoiding the flashiness of reality TV or constant social media, his background suggests smart money moves.
He earned a degree in business administration. This education likely helped him manage his portfolio better than the average player who goes broke within five years of retirement. He hasn't blown his money on flashy depreciating assets. You won't see him flexing high-end acoustic guitars or fleets of supercars publicly.
He currently resides in San Diego, an area known for high property values. Owning a home there contributes significantly to his overall asset value.
The "Aussie" Impact on Earnings
McBriar was a trailblazer. Being one of the first successful Australians in the NFL gave him unique marketing angles, though punters rarely get big endorsement deals like shoes or soda commercials. His wealth came strictly from his performance on the field.
Why Punter Net Worths Are Hard to Track
Unlike quarterbacks who have every dollar reported by ESPN, punters fly under the radar. Tracking Matt McBriar net worth involves looking at public contract data and applying standard financial models for high-net-worth individuals.
We know his gross earnings. We know the tax advantages of playing in Dallas. We know he had a long career (11 seasons). This longevity is the key. The average NFL career is only about 3 years. McBriar played nearly four times that length. That allowed him to compound his earnings and weather market downturns like the 2008 financial crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Matt McBriar make in his career?
Matt McBriar earned approximately $12.8 million in total salary and bonuses during his NFL career, with the majority coming from the Dallas Cowboys.
Was Matt McBriar the highest-paid punter?
Yes, for a brief period. In 2007, his 5-year, $8.5 million contract extension made him the highest-paid punter in the NFL at that time.
Does Matt McBriar still work for the Cowboys?
No, Matt McBriar is retired from professional football. He occasionally appears at team events but does not hold an official coaching or front-office role publicly.
Is Matt McBriar rich compared to other NFL players?
Compared to star quarterbacks, his wealth is modest. However, compared to the average NFL player who lasts only 3 years, McBriar is very wealthy, sitting in the top tier of career earnings for special teams players of his era.
Where does Matt McBriar live now?
Reports indicate that Matt McBriar resides in the San Diego area with his family after retiring from the NFL.
What is the average salary of an NFL punter?
In 2026, the average NFL punter salary is around $1.5 million to $2 million per year. McBriar averaged around $1.2 million annually during his career, which was high for that time period.
How much did Matt McBriar make in his career?
Matt McBriar earned approximately $12.8 million in total salary and bonuses during his NFL career, with the majority coming from the Dallas Cowboys.
Was Matt McBriar the highest-paid punter?
Yes, for a brief period. In 2007, his 5-year, $8.5 million contract extension made him the highest-paid punter in the NFL at that time.
Does Matt McBriar still work for the Cowboys?
No, Matt McBriar is retired from professional football. He occasionally appears at team events but does not hold an official coaching or front-office role publicly.
Is Matt McBriar rich compared to other NFL players?
Compared to star quarterbacks, his wealth is modest. However, compared to the average NFL player who lasts only 3 years, McBriar is very wealthy, sitting in the top tier of career earnings for special teams players of his era.
Where does Matt McBriar live now?
Reports indicate that Matt McBriar resides in the San Diego area with his family after retiring from the NFL.
What is the average salary of an NFL punter?
In 2026, the average NFL punter salary is around $1.5 million to $2 million per year. McBriar averaged around $1.2 million annually during his career, which was high for that time period.
