David Akers NFL Career Overview
David Akers is a former NFL kicker who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, and Washington Commanders. He spent the majority of his career with the Eagles and the 49ers, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition multiple times. His longest NFL tenure was with Philadelphia, where he became one of the most consistent kickers of his era. Akers retired after the 2013 season, finishing his career with over 1,400 extra points and 386 field goals. His career earnings and contracts are frequently referenced in NFL financial discussions.
According to OverTheCap, Akers earned a total of roughly $34 million in NFL salary across his career, with his largest annual paycheck coming during his time with the 49ers. His contract with San Francisco in 2011 was a major milestone, as it made him one of the highest-paid kickers in the league at that time. The deal reflected the market value of elite kickers in the NFL, where reliable scoring can directly impact game outcomes and team revenue. His career trajectory is often cited in articles about long-term earning potential for special teams players.
David Akers Salary and Contract Details
David Akers signed a major six-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2011 that was worth up to $25 million, with nearly $10 million guaranteed. That deal made him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL at the time, according to Spotrac. His average annual salary with the 49ers exceeded $4 million, a figure that placed him among the top earners at his position. The contract included standard incentives for field goals made from beyond 50 yards and other performance-based clauses.
Before the 49ers deal, Akers earned approximately $10 million over four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where his base salary grew steadily each year. His 2008 and 2009 contracts with the Eagles were worth around $2.5 million and $2.8 million per year respectively, based on data from Spotrac. After leaving San Francisco, he signed shorter-term deals with Detroit and Washington, earning roughly $1.5 million in his final NFL season. His career earnings reflect the wide range of compensation for kickers based on performance, longevity, and market demand.
David Akers Net Worth and Post-Career Financial Profile
David Akers net worth is estimated to be between $12 million and $18 million, with the bulk of his wealth accumulated during his 16-year NFL career. His primary income sources include NFL salary, performance bonuses, and postseason payouts. Kickers in the NFL can earn additional income through Pro Bowl bonuses, which Akers received multiple times during his career. His financial profile is often compared to other long-career special teams players in discussions about athlete wealth.
After retiring, Akers has maintained a lower public financial profile, though former NFL players often generate income through broadcasting, appearances, and business ventures. The NFL Players Association and financial advisors frequently highlight the importance of post-career planning for athletes, a topic relevant to players like Akers. His career earnings and net worth are tracked by sites like Spotrac and OverTheCap, which provide salary cap and contract data for NFL players. For broader context on NFL financial trends, resources from Forbes and the SEC offer additional data on sports industry economics.