Sam Bradford is a retired American football quarterback with an estimated net worth of $70 million.
During his NFL career, Bradford earned over $130 million in salary alone, placing him among the highest-paid quarterbacks in league history despite a career shortened by injuries.
Bradford played in the NFL from 2010 to 2018, suiting up for multiple franchises, including the St. Louis Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Arizona Cardinals.
Though his on-field availability was often limited, his contracts signed during a quarterback-friendly era—proved historically lucrative.
Early Life And High School Career
Sam Bradford was born Samuel Jacob Bradford on November 8, 1987, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to parents Kent and Martha Bradford.
A gifted all-around athlete, Bradford excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and golf while attending Putnam City North High School.
Although he earned recognition as a standout baseball pitcher, Bradford ultimately committed to football. As a senior quarterback, he threw for 2,029 yards and 17 touchdowns in 12 games, earning:
-
Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State Team honors
-
Second-Team All-State recognition by The Oklahoman
His success made him one of the most sought-after quarterback recruits in the region.
College Career At The University Of Oklahoma
Bradford accepted an athletic scholarship to play for the University of Oklahoma, where he competed under head coach Bob Stoops.
Rise to Stardom
After being redshirted in 2006, Bradford unexpectedly earned the starting quarterback role in 2007 following the dismissal of Rhett Bomar. He quickly flourished, leading the Sooners to:
-
A Big 12 Championship
-
An appearance in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl
National Stage And Heisman Trophy
In the 2009 BCS National Championship Game against Florida, Bradford threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns. While Oklahoma fell short, Bradford’s overall season performance earned him college football’s highest individual honor—the Heisman Trophy.
He became the fifth Oklahoma player to win the award, joining legends such as Billy Sims and Jason White.
NFL Career Overview
Following shoulder surgery, Bradford declared for the 2010 NFL Draft and was selected first overall by the St. Louis Rams.
Early NFL Success
Bradford made an immediate impact, setting an NFL rookie record for most completions in a season and earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
From 2010 to 2018, Bradford played for:
-
St. Louis Rams
-
Philadelphia Eagles
-
Minnesota Vikings
-
Arizona Cardinals
While injuries limited his total games played, he remained a reliable passer when healthy.
Contracts And Career Earnings
Bradford entered the NFL at a unique financial moment. In 2010, he signed what was then the richest rookie contract in NFL history, featuring $50 million in guaranteed money.
Career Earnings Highlights
-
Over $130 million in total NFL salary
-
$65 million earned with the Rams (2010–2014)
-
$24 million earned between June 2017 and June 2018
Despite appearing in just 83 career games, Bradford ranks among the top 25 highest-paid players in league history.
Eye-Opening Career Averages
-
$1.56 million per game played
-
$70,000 per completion
-
$1.25 million per touchdown
-
$6,684 per passing yard
During his brief stint with Arizona, he earned approximately $5 million per game, playing just three contests.
Personal Life And Interests
Bradford is a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation, tracing his ancestry through the federal Dawes Rolls. He is the first Cherokee Nation member to start at quarterback for a Division I university since Sonny Sixkiller.
His father, Kent Bradford, was also a standout football player at Oklahoma, further cementing football as a family tradition.
Outside football, Bradford:
-
Is an avid ice hockey fan (Vancouver Canucks supporter)
-
Competes as a scratch golfer
-
Participates in Christian faith-based media projects
In 2009, Oklahoma City officially declared January 13 as “Sam Bradford Day.”
Marriage And Life After Football
Bradford became engaged to Emma Lavy in 2016, and the couple married later that year in Aspen, Colorado.
Since retiring from football, Bradford has largely stepped away from the spotlight, focusing on family, faith, and personal interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sam Bradford retire early?
Recurring injuries, particularly shoulder and knee issues, significantly limited his playing availability.
Did Sam Bradford win the Heisman Trophy?
Yes, he won the Heisman Trophy while playing for the University of Oklahoma.
What is Sam Bradford doing now?
Bradford lives a private life focused on family, golf, and faith-related activities.