Joey Harrington Career Overview
Joey Harrington is a former NFL quarterback drafted third overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2002 NFL Draft out of the University of Oregon. He played four seasons with the Lions from 2002 to 2005, starting the majority of games and leading the team to a 10-6 record in 2004, which secured a playoff berth. Harrington also spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and New Orleans Saints before leaving the league after the 2007 season. His career stats include 3,289 passing yards and 18 touchdowns with the Lions, according to Pro Football Reference. View Joey Harrington's full career stats here.
Harrington's time with the Lions remains the defining chapter of his professional career, where he became the franchise's first-round pick in the post-Barry Sanders era. The Lions traded for him using a pick acquired from the Washington Redskins, signaling high expectations for the quarterback position. He faced injuries and inconsistent offensive lines during his tenure, which impacted his overall performance and longevity. Despite the challenges, Harrington remains a notable figure in Lions history and is frequently discussed in retrospectives about the team's quarterback development. Find official NFL player profile details here.
Contract Details and Earnings
Joey Harrington signed a six-year contract with the Detroit Lions after being selected third overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. The deal was worth approximately $53 million, with a significant signing bonus, making him one of the highest-paid rookies at the time. The contract structure included base salary, roster bonuses, and performance incentives typical of first-round quarterback deals in that era. Financial details of the agreement were reported by multiple sports business outlets, including Forbes, which covers NFL contract breakdowns. Read Forbes coverage of major NFL contracts here.
During his Lions tenure, Harrington earned an average annual salary of roughly $8.8 million, placing him among the top earners on the 2002 Detroit roster. His total career earnings across all NFL teams are estimated to be in the range of $20 million to $25 million, factoring in base pay and bonuses from subsequent short-term deals. After retiring from professional football, Harrington transitioned into business and investment activities, though he has not pursued a high-profile executive role in sports management. Public records and sports business reports provide the most reliable estimates of his post-career income streams.
Post-NFL Life and Net Worth
Joey Harrington's estimated net worth is reported to be between $10 million and $15 million, derived from NFL earnings, endorsements, and post-career ventures. He has maintained a relatively private profile compared to other former first-round picks, focusing on family and business interests rather than media appearances. Harrington has been involved in real estate and private investment activities, though specific portfolio details are not publicly disclosed. Learn how net worth is calculated by Forbes Advisor here.
Harrington's financial trajectory reflects the typical earnings curve of a mid-career NFL quarterback who did not sustain long-term starting roles or reach Pro Bowl status. His Lions contract provided a strong financial foundation, and subsequent shorter deals helped preserve his wealth during and after his playing days. Comparisons to peers drafted in the same class highlight the impact of career longevity on long-term earnings, with Harrington's path diverging from franchise quarterback trajectories.