Will Compton has an estimated net worth of around $5 million to $8 million, driven by his nine-year career as an NFL linebacker and his massive success in sports media. While many professional athletes struggle to maintain their wealth after leaving the gridiron, Compton built a post-football empire anchored by the Bussin' with the Boys podcast. Understanding his financial trajectory requires looking past standard salary registries to examine how modern athletes transition into lucrative digital media contracts.
NFL Career Earnings and Contracts
Compton entered the NFL in 2013 as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Nebraska, signing with the Washington Redskins. Undrafted rookies face steep odds, often grinding through practice squads and non-guaranteed minimum deals before earning a stable roster spot. Compton relied on grit, high football IQ, and leadership to carve out a nearly decade-long career.
According to tracking data from Spotrac, Compton pulled in approximately $7.28 million in total NFL base salaries and game checks over his professional playing days. His journey included stints with:
- Washington Redskins (where he earned his highest single-season salaries, peaking near $1.7 million in 2017)
- Tennessee Titans
- New Orleans Saints
- Las Vegas Raiders
Though he rarely secured multi-year mega-contracts reserved for star quarterbacks or elite edge rushers, his steady accumulation as a hard-working reserve and occasional starter provided a solid financial foundation.
The Pivot to Podcasting and Barstool Sports
Long before hanging up his cleats, Compton began laying the groundwork for his second career. Alongside co-host and former NFL offensive lineman Taylor Lewan, he launched the Bussin' with the Boys podcast. The show quickly grew into one of the most popular sports culture podcasts in the country, offering unfiltered locker room humor, player interviews, and genuine insights into professional football life.
The show's massive growth caught the attention of major digital media companies. In 2021, the hosts partnered with Barstool Sports, integrating their brand into a massive digital network. This partnership supercharged their reach, merchandise sales, and ad revenue. During his time under the Barstool umbrella, Compton's earning potential shifted dramatically away from athletic contracts and toward high-value content creation.
The Massive FanDuel Deal
The financial turning point for Compton's post-football career arrived when Bussin' with the Boys left Barstool Sports to secure a landmark licensing agreement. Dave Portnoy publicly revealed that Compton and Lewan signed a three-year, $30 million deal with FanDuel.
This eight-figure payout completely changed the scale of Compton's personal wealth. Securing a $10 million annual payout package places him among the highest-earning independent sports media personalities who transitioned out of traditional sports leagues.
Financial Management and Lifestyle
Unlike athletes who burn through cash on luxury depreciating assets immediately after signing rookie deals, Compton used his modest early NFL earnings as seed capital for his personal brand. He embraced transparency regarding financial realities, often discussing the grind of chasing non-guaranteed contracts on Spotrac. By treating his personal identity as a media business, he turned a journeyman football career into a top-tier digital media asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Will Compton make in the NFL?
Across nine seasons playing for teams like Washington and Tennessee, Compton accumulated roughly $7.28 million in total football salary.
Who is the co-host of Bussin' with the Boys?
Compton hosts the podcast alongside Taylor Lewan, a former three-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle who played extensively for the Tennessee Titans.
What was the value of the FanDuel contract?
Media reports and industry disclosures confirmed that the podcast signed a three-year agreement worth approximately $30 million.
Did Will Compton get drafted?
No, Compton went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft out of Nebraska before signing with Washington as a free agent.
