Joey Harrington NFL Career Overview
Joey Harrington was a professional quarterback who played in the National Football League for four seasons between 2003 and 2007. He was selected third overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2003 NFL Draft out of the University of Oregon. Harrington started 34 games across four teams, compiling a career passer rating of 72.8 and 44 touchdown passes against 56 interceptions, according to Pro-Football-Referencecareer stats page.
His most productive season came in 2004 with the Lions, when he threw 22 touchdowns and 26 interceptions in 15 starts. Harrington also played for the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and New Orleans Saints, though he served primarily as a backup and situational starter during his final seasons. His career earnings from NFL contracts totaled an estimated 28 million dollars before endorsements and post-career ventures.
Joey Harrington Salary and Contract Details
Harrington signed a six-year contract with the Detroit Lions worth approximately 40 million dollars, with around 14 million guaranteed at signing, as reported by OverTheCapcontract breakdown. His base salary declined sharply after his initial rookie deal, dropping below 1 million dollars per season during his final years with the Falcons and Saints. He was released by Detroit after the 2006 season following a 3-13 record as a starter.
The Lions paid Harrington a total of roughly 20 million dollars in base salary over his first three seasons, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks on the roster despite limited on-field success. His later contracts with Miami and Atlanta were mostly veteran minimum deals worth under 2 million dollars combined. These financial details illustrate the steep drop-off many high draft picks experience when performance does not meet expectations.
Joey Harrington Net Worth and Post-NFL Activities
Estimates of Joey Harrington net worth range from 3 million to 6 million dollars as of the latest available public reporting, factoring in NFL earnings, real estate holdings, and post-career business activities. He has maintained a low public profile since retiring from football, with limited endorsement deals and no major ownership stakes in publicly traded companies.
Harrington has been involved in private business ventures and real estate investments in the Pacific Northwest, though specific financial details remain undisclosed. He has not pursued coaching or front office roles in the NFL, instead focusing on personal business interests outside professional football. For broader context on athlete financial outcomes, see related analyses of NFL career earnings and post-retirement wealth trends.