When you think of NFL players, images of star quarterbacks and record-breaking contracts might come to mind. But not every success story in professional football is built on superstardom. Will Compton is a prime example of someone who turned grit, resilience, and determination into a successful career on and off the field. From going undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft to playing key roles for teams like the Washington Redskins and Tennessee Titans, Compton’s journey is anything but ordinary. Beyond his football career, he has carved out a niche for himself as a media personality and entrepreneur, further boosting his financial success.
Will Compton’s net worth is not just a product of his time in the NFL but also a testament to his ability to adapt and thrive in diverse ventures. Whether it’s his widely popular podcast, Bussin’ With the Boys, or his collaborations with brands, Compton has built a life that transcends his football career. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at Will Compton’s financial journey—examining his NFL earnings, post-football ventures, and the lessons we can learn from his inspiring path to success.
Will Compton Net Worth
Will Compton’s NFL Earnings: Breaking Down His Football Career Contracts
Will Compton’s path in the NFL was anything but conventional. As an undrafted free agent in 2013, his journey to carving out a place in professional football required persistence and hard work. Despite not having the multi-million-dollar contracts of top draft picks, Compton built a solid career, earning respect as a reliable linebacker and contributing to various teams throughout his time in the league. Let’s take a closer look at his NFL earnings and how they contributed to his financial success.
Washington Redskins (2013-2017)
Compton’s professional football journey began with the Washington Redskins, where he signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2013 NFL Draft. Initially, he fought to secure a spot on the roster and proved his worth over time. By 2015, he became a regular starter and one of the defensive leaders for the team.
Rookie Contract (2013): As an undrafted free agent, Compton signed a modest rookie deal. His initial salary was in line with league minimums, around $405,000 annually at the time.
Success as a Starter (2015-2017): After establishing himself as a starting linebacker, his earnings increased, particularly when he was given an exclusive rights tender in 2016 and then a restricted free agent tender in 2017.
Estimated Earnings (2013-2017): $2.5 million across five seasons.
Tennessee Titans (2018)
After leaving Washington, Compton signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans in 2018. The deal was reportedly worth $1.5 million, a respectable contract for a role player and depth linebacker. During his time with the Titans, Compton played in 12 games and brought valuable experience and leadership to the team.
Contract Value: $1.5 million
Role with the Team: Primarily used as a situational linebacker and special teams player.
Oakland Raiders (2019)
In 2019, Compton joined the Oakland Raiders during the season. While his role was limited, his presence added depth to the roster, especially on defense.
Estimated Earnings: Around $720,000 for his time with the Raiders.
Las Vegas Raiders (2021)
Later in his career, Compton returned to the Raiders organization (now the Las Vegas Raiders) in 2021. Although his on-field appearances were sparse, his veteran presence and leadership qualities remained an asset to the team.
Estimated Earnings: Approximately $500,000 for his brief stint with the Raiders.
Total Career NFL Earnings
While Will Compton didn’t earn the kind of massive, long-term contracts that Pro Bowl players typically secure, his total earnings across his NFL career are still impressive, especially given that he was undrafted.
Total Estimated NFL Earnings: Between $5 million and $6 million
This figure reflects not only his talent but also his perseverance and ability to capitalize on opportunities throughout his career.
How NFL Earnings Shaped Compton’s Financial Path
For most NFL players, their time in the league represents their primary source of wealth, and Will Compton is no exception. However, his relatively modest earnings compared to superstar players pushed him to think beyond football early in his career. His ability to parlay his football career into other ventures, such as podcasting and brand partnerships, demonstrates his foresight in planning for life after the NFL.
Compton’s NFL earnings provided a solid foundation for his financial success, allowing him to explore new opportunities and expand his wealth through creative and entrepreneurial ventures. While he may not have walked away from the league with eight-figure contracts, his adaptability and resourcefulness have positioned him as a role model for athletes transitioning to life beyond sports.
The “Bussin’ With the Boys” Podcast: A Game-Changer for Will Compton
While many NFL players transition into broadcasting or coaching after their playing days, Will Compton took a different route that turned out to be a game-changer for his career and finances. Alongside his co-host and NFL offensive lineman Taylor Lewan, Compton launched the widely popular podcast “Bussin’ With the Boys” in 2019. The podcast not only opened doors to new opportunities but also became a significant source of income and a platform to build his personal brand.
The Birth of Bussin’ With the Boys
“Bussin’ With the Boys” started as an idea to create a laid-back, unfiltered space where athletes, celebrities, and influential figures could share stories and experiences. The unique twist? The podcast is hosted on an actual retrofitted bus, which serves as the iconic set for every episode.
With its informal vibe, humor, and candid conversations, the podcast quickly gained traction among sports fans and beyond. From NFL stars to musicians and comedians, the podcast features an impressive lineup of guests, making it a must-listen for anyone looking for entertaining and insightful discussions.
Launched: 2019
Co-Host: Taylor Lewan (NFL offensive lineman, Tennessee Titans)
Platform: Initially available on audio platforms, the podcast later expanded to YouTube, adding a visual element that attracted a broader audience.
Why the Podcast is a Success
The success of “Bussin’ With the Boys” lies in its authenticity and relatability. Unlike traditional interviews or sports analysis shows, the podcast is a raw and humorous take on life in and out of the NFL. Will Compton’s charisma and natural storytelling abilities, combined with Taylor Lewan’s larger-than-life personality, create a dynamic that resonates with listeners.
Some reasons behind the podcast’s success include:
Unique Concept: The retrofitted bus as the set adds a quirky charm that sets it apart from standard studio-based podcasts.
Candid Conversations: Guests open up about their lives, careers, and struggles in a way that feels genuine and unscripted.
Wide Range of Guests: From NFL players to musicians, comedians, and influencers, the diverse guest list attracts a broad audience.
Social Media Engagement: Compton and Lewan actively engage with fans on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes content and clips that go viral.
Revenue Streams from the Podcast
“Bussin’ With the Boys” has become a lucrative venture for Will Compton, thanks to multiple revenue streams generated by the show.
Sponsorships:
The podcast has secured sponsorship deals with major brands such as Bud Light, Barstool Sports, Chevy, and more. These sponsorships are a key source of income and have allowed the show to grow and expand.
Ad Revenue:
With its episodes available on YouTube and audio platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, the show earns significant ad revenue. The visual aspect on YouTube, in particular, draws large numbers of views, translating into steady income.
Merchandise Sales:
Compton and Lewan have capitalized on the podcast’s popularity by launching a line of branded merchandise. From apparel to accessories, the “Bussin’ With the Boys” merchandise has a loyal fan base, generating additional revenue.
Barstool Sports Partnership:
In a strategic move, the podcast partnered with Barstool Sports, a media giant known for supporting independent creators. This collaboration expanded the show’s reach and provided resources for marketing and production, further boosting its profitability.
How Much Does the Podcast Make?
Although exact figures are not publicly available, industry experts estimate that “Bussin’ With the Boys” generates hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, if not more.
Sponsorship Deals: These are estimated to contribute six figures annually, especially with high-profile brands involved.
Ad Revenue: With the podcast’s growing YouTube presence and significant downloads on audio platforms, ad revenue could easily bring in an additional $100,000 to $200,000 annually.
Merchandise Sales: Merchandise revenue likely adds another six-figure income stream, considering the popularity of the podcast and its loyal fan base.
Combined, these revenue streams make the podcast a major contributor to Will Compton’s net worth.
Impact on Will Compton’s Personal Brand
“Bussin’ With the Boys” has done more than just boost Compton’s bank account; it has solidified his status as a media personality and entrepreneur. The podcast has allowed him to connect with fans in a way that goes beyond his NFL career.
Increased Visibility: The podcast has expanded Compton’s audience to include not just sports fans but also people who enjoy comedy, entertainment, and pop culture.
Career Transition: By building a successful platform outside football, Compton has ensured financial stability and relevance even after his NFL playing days.
Networking Opportunities: Hosting high-profile guests has allowed Compton to build relationships with influential figures across industries.
Future of the Podcast
“Bussin’ With the Boys” shows no signs of slowing down. With its growing popularity and expanding audience, the podcast is poised to become an even bigger cultural phenomenon. Plans for live events, new merchandise lines, and collaborations with other creators could further increase its revenue potential.
