Detroit Lions Career and Draft Profile
Joey Harrington was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft as the third overall pick out of the University of Oregon. He started as the primary quarterback for the Lions from 2002 through 2005, playing in 58 regular-season games and starting 54 of them. His Lions tenure is documented by the team's official records and the Pro Football Hall of Fame database Pro Football Hall of Fame.
During his four seasons with Detroit, Harrington compiled a career passer rating of 73.3 and threw 55 touchdown passes against 44 interceptions. The Lions finished with a combined record of 15 wins and 49 losses during his starts, placing him in the bottom quartile of Lions quarterbacks by winning percentage over the same span Pro-Football-Reference.
Contract Details and Earnings
Harrington signed a six-year, $40 million contract with the Detroit Lions in July 2002, with approximately $10 million guaranteed at signing. The deal included escalator clauses tied to playing time and performance incentives that could increase total compensation. NFL salary-cap data and contract breakdowns are tracked by Spotrac and OverTheCap OverTheCap.
His total guaranteed money across the deal was reported at $10 million, with base salaries escalating from $3.5 million in 2002 to $6 million in the final guaranteed year. The contract placed him among the top-paid quarterbacks in the league during the early 2000s, though his on-field production did not match the financial commitment Spotrac.
Post-Lions Career and Financial Impact
After leaving Detroit, Harrington played for the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and New Orleans Saints through 2007. He later transitioned into broadcasting and business ventures, including ownership interests in sports-related companies. His career earnings from NFL contracts are estimated to exceed $45 million when including all guaranteed and incentive-based compensation.
Harrington's financial trajectory is often cited in discussions about high draft picks and contract management. His post-career activities include media roles and investments in real estate and technology startups, aligning with patterns seen among former NFL quarterbacks who leverage their earnings into diversified portfolios Forbes.