Most NFL quarterbacks get drafted with million-dollar contracts and media fanfare. Kurt Benkert took a different path. The 6’3″ signal-caller from Virginia turned an undrafted status into multiple income streams worth more than most people realize. His story shows how smart career moves, content creation, and staying ready for opportunities can build real wealth in professional sports.
Quarterback
Kurt Benkert’s football journey started at the University of Virginia, where he threw for over 5,000 yards during his college career. Born on July 17, 1995, Benkert knew he faced long odds when NFL teams passed on him during the 2018 draft. Teams questioned his arm strength and mobility, but they underestimated his football IQ and work ethic.
The Atlanta Falcons signed him as an undrafted free agent in May 2018. While most undrafted players fade into obscurity, Benkert carved out a six-year NFL career by mastering the mental side of quarterbacking. He spent time with the Falcons, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers, learning from veteran quarterbacks and proving his value as a reliable backup.
His playing time remained limited, but Benkert understood something many athletes miss: your worth extends beyond game stats. He started building his brand early, creating content that showcased his personality and football knowledge. This approach would pay dividends far beyond his NFL salary.
Kurt Benkert Net Worth
Kurt Benkert’s net worth sits around $2.8 million as of 2025, a figure that reflects his diverse income portfolio rather than just NFL earnings. This estimate considers his career football earnings, YouTube revenue, streaming income, and various brand partnerships that have grown his wealth over the past seven years.
The calculation includes his guaranteed NFL money, estimated YouTube ad revenue from over 180,000 subscribers, Twitch streaming profits, and sponsorship deals. His net worth represents the total value of his assets minus any liabilities, giving a clearer picture of his actual financial position.
Many online sources underestimate his wealth by focusing only on NFL contracts. These estimates often miss his digital content earnings, which have become a significant part of his income. His approach to building multiple revenue streams while playing professional football sets him apart from many athletes who rely solely on their sport for income.
Career Earnings Breakdown
Benkert’s NFL career earnings total approximately $1.4 million across six seasons. His largest contract came with the Green Bay Packers in 2021, where he signed a one-year deal worth $660,000 with $40,000 guaranteed. The Falcons initially signed him for $495,000 over three years, though most went unguaranteed.
Practice squad salaries made up a substantial portion of his early earnings. NFL practice squad players earned $8,400 per week in 2018, increasing to $11,500 by 2021. Benkert spent significant time on practice squads, which provided steady income while he developed his skills and waited for opportunities.
His time with the San Francisco 49ers in 2022 and 2023 added roughly $200,000 to his career earnings through practice squad wages and brief roster bonuses. Teams valued his preparation and ability to run scout team offenses that mimicked upcoming opponents.
The exact figures from each team remain private, but contract tracking sites show Benkert earned more than many undrafted quarterbacks who never made active rosters. His longevity in the league, even in limited roles, translated to consistent paychecks that formed the foundation of his current wealth.
YouTube and Streaming Income
Benkert’s YouTube channel represents his smartest financial move outside of football. Starting in 2019, he began posting content that mixed football insights with gaming and lifestyle videos. His subscriber count has grown to over 180,000, with videos regularly hitting six-figure view counts.
YouTube ad revenue varies based on views, engagement, and advertiser demand, but creators with his following typically earn $2-5 per 1,000 views. His most popular videos exceed 500,000 views, suggesting monthly ad revenue between $3,000-8,000 during peak periods. Annual YouTube income likely ranges from $40,000-75,000, depending on upload consistency and viral hits.
Sponsorship deals add another layer to his streaming income. Gaming companies, sports betting platforms, and lifestyle brands pay creators like Benkert anywhere from $500-5,000 per sponsored video. His authentic personality and engaged audience make him attractive to brands targeting young male sports fans.
Twitch streaming provides additional income through subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships. While his Twitch following is smaller than his YouTube base, live streaming creates more personal connections with fans who are willing to financially support content creators they enjoy watching.
Net Worth Growth Over Time
Benkert’s wealth accumulation follows a steady upward trend that accelerated after 2020. His 2018 rookie year saw modest earnings of around $35,000 from his practice-squad time with Atlanta. By 2019, NFL wages and early YouTube revenue pushed his annual income to roughly $85,000.
The 2020 season marked a turning point. His content creation gained traction during the pandemic as people spent more time online. Combined with increased practice squad wages, his income jumped to approximately $140,000. His net worth crossed the $200,000 mark for the first time.
Green Bay’s signing in 2021 provided his biggest single-year earnings boost. The $660,000 contract, plus growing YouTube revenue, pushed his annual income above $700,000. This windfall allowed him to invest in equipment, expand his content creation, and build financial reserves.
By 2023, diversified income streams generated steady cash flow even as his NFL opportunities decreased. His estimated annual income of $180,000-250,000 comes primarily from digital content, with occasional football earnings supplementing his base.
His net worth growth from essentially zero in 2018 to nearly $3 million by 2025 demonstrates the power of building multiple income sources while maintaining low overhead costs.
Income Sources & Investments
Beyond NFL salaries and content creation, Benkert has developed several additional revenue streams. Brand partnerships with athletic wear companies provide both cash payments and free gear that reduces his personal expenses. His authentic social media presence makes him valuable to companies targeting sports fans.
Speaking engagements and football camps contribute occasional income. His NFL experience and communication skills make him a sought-after speaker for youth sports organizations and corporate events. These appearances can pay $2,000-8,000 depending on the audience size and event prestige.
Benkert has been smart about avoiding flashy investments that drain athlete bank accounts. Instead of expensive cars and jewelry, he focuses on building his brand and creating sustainable income sources. His equipment investments in cameras, computers, and studio setup directly support his content creation business.
Real estate investments remain private, but his social media posts suggest he owns property rather than renting. Property ownership builds equity and provides tax advantages for self-employed content creators earning substantial income from multiple sources.
Assets & Lifestyle
Benkert maintains a relatively modest lifestyle compared to high-profile NFL players. His social media shows a comfortable but not extravagant way of living. He drives practical vehicles and wears casual clothing in most posts, suggesting he prioritizes financial security over status symbols.
His primary assets likely include his residence, content creation equipment, and investment accounts built from his peak earning years. Unlike athletes who spend heavily on luxury items, Benkert appears focused on long-term financial stability rather than short-term consumption.
Gaming equipment represents both a business expense and a personal asset. High-end computers, streaming gear, and gaming setups allow him to create professional-quality content while pursuing his hobbies. This approach turns entertainment expenses into business investments.
His lifestyle choices reflect someone planning for life after professional sports. Rather than living like he’ll always earn NFL money, he’s built habits and income sources that can sustain him regardless of football opportunities.
Career Highlights & Achievements
Benkert’s NFL career highlights include brief appearances with multiple teams and respect from coaches for his preparation and leadership. His most memorable moment came during a 2021 preseason game where he completed 10 of 15 passes for 151 yards, showing he belonged on an NFL field.
His YouTube channel hit major milestones with several viral videos. Gaming content featuring NFL players and reaction videos to draft picks have generated hundreds of thousands of views. His subscriber growth from zero to over 180,000 represents a significant business achievement.
Recognition from fellow content creators and athletes validates his brand-building efforts. Collaborations with other NFL players and gaming influencers expand his audience and create networking opportunities that extend beyond football.
His ability to maintain NFL roster spots for six seasons while building a media presence demonstrates exceptional time management and dedication. Most players struggle to excel at one thing, but Benkert succeeded at both professional football and content creation.
Financial Outlook & Future Projections
Benkert’s financial future looks stable even as his NFL career winds down. His content creation provides sustainable income that doesn’t depend on physical performance or team needs. YouTube and Twitch revenue can grow as his audience expands and content improves.
Coaching opportunities could provide new income sources. His NFL experience and communication skills make him a candidate for quarterback coaching positions at high schools, colleges, or professional teams. Coaching salaries vary widely but can provide steady income for former players.
Brand partnerships will likely increase as his post-NFL content focuses more on lifestyle and business topics. Companies value authentic influencers who have built genuine connections with their audiences over several years.
His diversified income approach positions him well for long-term financial success. While many athletes struggle financially after their playing careers end, Benkert has built multiple revenue streams that can support him for decades. His net worth should continue growing as he focuses full-time on content creation and business ventures.
The key to his continued success will be adapting his content as his audience evolves and finding new ways to monetize his unique background as both an NFL player and digital creator.