Blake Bortles Net Worth

Blake Bortles’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the NFL Quarterback’s Finances and Career

Introduction: The Jacksonville Jaguar’s Quarterback

Blake Bortles, a name synonymous with the Jacksonville Jaguars for several years, carved out a career in the National Football League marked by both promise and periods of inconsistency. Drafted with high expectations, Bortles’s journey is a story of fluctuating performance, significant financial gains, and ultimately, a career that spanned multiple teams before concluding in retirement. This article delves into Blake Bortles’s net worth, career earnings, early life, college career, NFL journey, and legacy within the football world. We’ll explore the financial aspects of his professional career, examining his contracts, endorsements, and overall wealth accumulation.

What is Blake Bortles’s Net Worth?

As of the latest estimates, Blake Bortles’s net worth is approximately $20 million. This figure represents a culmination of his NFL salaries, potential endorsement deals, and other investments made throughout his career. Bortles’s financial success reflects the lucrative nature of professional football, particularly for quarterbacks who secure substantial contracts and endorsement opportunities.

Contracts and Career Earnings: A Financial Breakdown

Blake Bortles’s NFL career was highlighted by several significant contracts, notably his rookie deal and subsequent extensions. In 2014, upon being drafted, Bortles signed a 4-year contract valued at $20.6 million. This initial contract provided a solid foundation for his financial future. Later, in 2018, the Jaguars showed their continued belief in him by signing him to a 3-year contract extension worth $54 million. Throughout his NFL tenure, which lasted from 2014 to 2021, Blake Bortles earned a total of $48 million in NFL salary alone, according to reports. When combined with potential earnings from endorsements, his total career earnings likely exceeded this figure. Over the course of his career, Bortles played in 78 games, earning an average of approximately $615,000 per game, before taxes and other withholdings. While Bortles also threw 75 interceptions during those 78 games, his financial success demonstrates how valuable quarterbacks are in the NFL.

Early Life and High School: The Genesis of a Football Career

Robby Blake Bortles was born on April 28, 1992, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, to Suzy and Rob Bortles. Growing up with a brother, Colby, who pursued a career in baseball as a player and coach, Bortles was immersed in the world of sports from a young age. He attended Oviedo High School, where he distinguished himself in both football and baseball. His high school football career was particularly remarkable, with Bortles setting records for passing yards (5,576) and touchdowns (53) in Seminole County, establishing himself as a top prospect early in his career.

Collegiate Career: UCF and the Road to the NFL

Bortles continued his football journey at the University of Central Florida (UCF) on a scholarship. After redshirting in 2010, he began to see significant playing time in 2011, appearing in ten games for the UCF Knights. His sophomore season in 2012 marked a turning point, as he started all 14 games, recording 3,059 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. His performance peaked in 2013, leading the Knights to victory in the inaugural championship of the American Athletic Conference and a significant upset over Baylor in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. This victory marked UCF’s first major bowl win in the school’s history. Shortly after this success, Bortles made the decision to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Highs, the Lows, and the Franchise Records

In the 2014 NFL draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Blake Bortles with the third overall pick in the first round. The Jaguars were hoping that Bortles would become their franchise quarterback, and he immediately showed flashes of his potential. In his rookie season, Bortles displayed his dual-threat capabilities, rushing for at least 20 yards on seven different occasions. However, he also led the NFL in sacks taken (55) for a significant loss of yardage (345 yards). He finished his rookie season with 2,908 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. In 2015, Bortles significantly improved his performance. He set new Jaguars franchise records for single-season passing yards (4,428) and touchdowns (35). However, he also recorded a career-high 18 interceptions and, for the second consecutive season, led the league in sacks taken. The 2016 season was a disappointment for both Bortles and the Jaguars, as the team struggled to a 3-13 record amid organizational changes.

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Bortles’s performance took a positive turn in 2017, leading the Jaguars to a 10-6 record and their first division title in 18 years. He finished the regular season with 3,687 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. The Jaguars returned to the playoffs after a decade, defeating the Buffalo Bills and upsetting the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team advanced to the AFC Championship Game, where they ultimately lost to the New England Patriots. The 2018 season was less successful for Bortles. He posted career lows with 2,718 passing yards and 11 interceptions, and the Jaguars failed to make the playoffs. Following this season, the Jaguars released Bortles, and he was replaced by newly signed quarterback Nick Foles.

Los Angeles Rams: A Brief Stint as a Backup

After his release from the Jaguars, Bortles signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams to serve as the backup quarterback to Jared Goff. During his time with the Rams in 2019, he appeared in three games, completing one pass for three yards. This marked a transitional period in his career as he adjusted to a new role and team dynamic.

Green Bay Packers: A Short-Lived Opportunity

In the spring of 2021, Bortles signed a one-year contract with the Green Bay Packers. However, he was released during the summer but later re-signed to the team’s practice squad in November. He played in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs but was released shortly after. This brief stint with the Packers showcased Bortles’s adaptability and continued desire to compete at the highest level despite fluctuating opportunities.

New Orleans Saints: The Final Stop Before Retirement

In late 2021, Bortles signed with the New Orleans Saints on Christmas Eve to serve as a backup to rookie quarterback Ian Book. Despite his presence, he didn’t see any playing time, and was waived in the spring of 2022 after the Saints signed quarterback Andy Dalton. Later that year, Bortles announced his retirement from the NFL during the “Pardon My Take” podcast, concluding his playing career after a journey marked by memorable moments, financial success, and ultimately, a transition into a new phase of life.

Legacy and Retirement: Bortles’s Place in Football History

Blake Bortles’s NFL career, while not reaching the highest echelons of quarterback stardom, leaves a lasting impact. His financial success, highlighted by a net worth of approximately $20 million, reflects his achievements and the value he brought to the game. Bortles is remembered for his pivotal role in leading the Jaguars to their most successful season in recent history and his resilience in navigating various team changes and roles. His story serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of professional sports, the blend of talent and opportunity, and the evolution of a player’s career. Now retired, Bortles’s legacy is a testament to his journey in the NFL, from his early successes to his later transitions, and his financial accomplishments throughout his career.