Josh McCown Net Worth

## Josh McCown’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the NFL Veteran’s Career and Earnings

Introduction: The Career of Josh McCown

Josh McCown is an American football coach and former quarterback whose career spanned an impressive 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his resilience, leadership, and longevity, McCown played for a remarkable 12 different teams, earning a reputation as a respected veteran. His net worth is estimated to be $20 million, reflecting both his NFL salary earnings and current coaching position. Currently, he serves as the quarterbacks coach for the Carolina Panthers. This article provides an in-depth look at McCown’s career, from his early days to his current role, exploring his earnings, achievements, and impact on the sport.

Early Life and High School Football

Joshua Michael McCown was born on July 4, 1979, in Jacksonville, Texas. Growing up, he developed a passion for football, which was further fueled by his family’s involvement in the sport. Both of his brothers, Randy and Luke, also pursued football careers. At Jacksonville High School, McCown experienced a significant growth spurt that enhanced his potential as a quarterback. During his senior year in 1997, his outstanding performance earned him the title of East Texas Player of the Year. He led his team to the playoffs and also showcased his athleticism in basketball, earning All-District second-team honors as a shooting guard.

Collegiate Career at SMU and Sam Houston State

McCown’s collegiate journey began at Southern Methodist University (SMU) from 1998 to 2000. During his three seasons at SMU, he displayed his passing abilities, accumulating 4,022 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. However, he also threw 34 interceptions. Seeking a change, McCown transferred to Sam Houston State University for his senior year. There, he significantly improved, surpassing his SMU touchdown total in just one season. At Sam Houston State, he threw for 3,481 yards and 32 touchdowns, leading the team to a 10-3 record and a playoff victory over Northern Arizona. Although they lost to Montana in the I-AA quarterfinals, McCown’s performance earned him a spot in the 2002 Senior Bowl, a showcase for college football’s top prospects.

NFL Career: A Journey Through 12 Teams

Josh McCown’s NFL career is distinguished by its longevity and the variety of teams he played for. Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2002, he went on to play for 11 other teams, including the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and Philadelphia Eagles. His journey reflects his adaptability and determination, as he often served as a backup or spot starter. McCown’s career earnings totaled $52 million, reflecting the multiple contracts and seasons he played in the league. He consistently demonstrated leadership and a strong work ethic, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

Arizona Cardinals: Early NFL Years (2002-2005)

McCown’s NFL career began when he was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2002 NFL Draft. He made his debut on December 1, 2002, in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. After playing only one other game that season, he saw increased playing time in 2003, serving as the backup to Jeff Blake for most of the season before starting the final three games. In the final game of the season, he threw a game-winning touchdown pass against the Minnesota Vikings, eliminating them from playoff contention. McCown finished the 2003 season with 1,018 passing yards and five touchdowns, along with a career-high 158 rushing yards. In 2004, he started the first nine games, leading the Cardinals to a 4-5 record. He returned to start the final four games, throwing his first career 300-yard game on December 12. He ended the season with 2,511 passing yards and 11 touchdowns.

McCown signed a one-year contract extension with the Cardinals in March 2005. In October, he set a new career high of 398 passing yards with two touchdowns in a loss to the Carolina Panthers. He finished the season with 1,836 passing yards and nine touchdowns over nine games. Following the 2005 season, McCown became a free agent, concluding his time with the Cardinals with 33 games played, 5,431 passing yards, and 25 touchdowns.

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Detroit Lions: A Brief Stint (2006)

In March 2006, McCown signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Lions. He served as the backup quarterback to Jon Kitna for the entire season. After the season, he requested a trade to seek a starting position elsewhere, highlighting his ambition and drive to lead a team.

Oakland Raiders: Starting Role and Injury (2007)

McCown was traded to the Oakland Raiders in April 2007, where he was named the starting quarterback. However, his time as the starter was cut short when he suffered a foot injury in the third game of the season. He was replaced by Daunte Culpepper for a period before returning to the starting role. He finished the season with 1,151 passing yards and 10 touchdowns across nine games.

Miami Dolphins: A Short-Lived Tenure (2008)

Becoming a free agent in late February 2008, McCown signed a two-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. However, he lost the starting position to free agent quarterback Chad Pennington and was traded before the start of the regular season after not playing in the final three preseason games.

Carolina Panthers: Backup Role (2008-2009)

McCown joined the Carolina Panthers in late August 2008, where he served as the backup to Jake Delhomme for the 2008 season, playing in two games. In 2009, he played only one game before being placed on injured reserve in mid-September, ending his season prematurely.

Hartford Colonials: UFL Stint (2010)

As a free agent, McCown joined the UFL and signed with the Hartford Colonials in the summer of 2010. He served as the team captain, passing for 1,463 yards and 10 touchdowns in eight games. This stint in the UFL demonstrated his commitment to playing football even when opportunities in the NFL were limited.

San Francisco 49ers: Short-Lived (2011)

In August 2011, McCown signed with the San Francisco 49ers, but he was released in early September, marking another short chapter in his extensive career.

Chicago Bears: Career Revival and Success (2011-2013)

McCown signed with the Chicago Bears in late 2011 as a backup to Caleb Hanie. He spent one season with the team before being waived on August 31, 2012. However, he re-signed with the Bears in November after starting quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a concussion. He then signed with the Bears again in 2013 and had one of the best seasons of his career. He threw for a career-high four touchdowns and ran for another, becoming the first Bears quarterback since 1970 to score five touchdowns in a game. McCown received the Bears’ Brian Piccolo Award for his achievements.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mixed Results (2014)

In March 2014, McCown signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During his first and only season with the team, he threw for 2,206 yards and 11 touchdowns across 11 games. He was released by the Buccaneers in February 2015.

Cleveland Browns: Record-Setting Performance (2015-2016)

After being released by the Buccaneers, McCown signed a three-year contract with the Cleveland Browns. In Week 5 of the 2015 season, he set a new regular-season single-game career record with 457 passing yards. He was later placed on injured reserve in early December, ending his season after eight games. In 2016, he played in five games, amassing 1,100 passing yards and six touchdowns. McCown was released by the Browns in early 2017.

New York Jets: Career-Best Season (2017-2018)

In March 2017, McCown signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets. He had a strong season, passing for 2,926 yards and 18 touchdowns, both single-season career highs, before being placed on injured reserve in mid-December across 13 games. He subsequently signed a one-year contract extension with the Jets in 2018, further highlighting his value and performance.

Philadelphia Eagles: Playoff Appearance and Emergency Role (2019-2020)

After his tenure with the Jets, McCown announced his retirement and accepted a role as an NFL analyst for ESPN. However, he returned to the NFL in August 2019, signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. The team made it to the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, where McCown completed his first-ever playoff pass. Ultimately, the Eagles lost to the Seattle Seahawks. In 2020, McCown was signed to the Eagles’ practice squad as an emergency quarterback, demonstrating his willingness to assist the team in any capacity.

Houston Texans: Coaching Aspirations (2020-2021)

McCown was signed by the Houston Texans in late 2020. After being considered for the team’s head coach position but not selected, he was released in March 2021. He sought the position again in early 2022, but was again turned down, showing his interest in a coaching career.

Coaching Career: From Volunteer to NFL Coach

McCown transitioned to coaching, starting as a volunteer quarterbacks coach at Marvin Ridge High School in Waxhaw, North Carolina. He then became an assistant coach at Myers Park High School in Charlotte, where his sons played. In early 2023, McCown was hired as the quarterbacks coach for the Carolina Panthers, marking a significant step in his coaching journey.

Personal Life and Legacy

Josh McCown’s personal life is centered on his family. He and his wife, Natalie, have four children. They reside in Waxahachie, Texas. Beyond his football career, McCown is involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving in athletic ministries and speaking to church youth. His legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the game, making him a respected figure in the NFL.

Conclusion: Josh McCown’s Impact on Football

Josh McCown’s career stands out for its longevity, versatility, and the respect he garnered throughout the league. From his early days with the Cardinals to his coaching role with the Panthers, McCown has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to the game. His net worth of $20 million reflects his successful career and ongoing contributions to football. He is a prime example of perseverance and a valuable asset to any team he has been a part of, leaving a lasting impact on the NFL.