Former NFL cornerback Joe Haden admitted that he blew through almost all of his first contract and had just $1 million left after spending on houses and cars
18:50 ET, 20 Jun 2026
Joe Haden of the Pittsburgh Steelers with his helmet off
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Joe Haden played 12 NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers(Image: Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Former NFL star Joe Haden detailed how he blew through his entire contract to the point he only had $1 million left.
Haden, a 12-year NFL veteran with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, admitted that he was not very wise with his money after signing his first multi-million dollar contract as a pro.
After being taken by Cleveland with the seventh overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Haden signed a five-year deal worth $50 million, the former Pro Bowl cornerback said on the Get Yo A– Up Show With Tony The Closer.
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Haden’s first instinct after coming into eight figures was to give out millions of dollars to his parents and siblings, from houses to cars to cash and more. Of course, he spent some on himself, too.
What Haden didn’t know was the amount of money he truly had. After taxes, he had nowhere near the sum he thought he did, and he quickly blew through most of it to the point he was starting at just $1 million in his accounts.
“I signed five years, $50 million. I get $26.6 (million) guaranteed. My first year in the league, I make $12.6 million,” Haden said. “I think I signed for $50 million, me, everybody here is like, Joe signed for five (years) and $50 million. He’s got $50 million.”
“Mom and dad, boom, $3 million after taxes, cash, what do y’all need mom and dad,” Haden continued. “I gave mom and dad $3 million. Then, I bought my mom and dad a $1 million house.”
Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden lines up
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Haden was selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft by Cleveland(Image: Photo by: 2014 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
It is not uncommon for professional athletes to spend a few million dollars upon signing their first contract. Those who did not come from money can feel a sense of responsibility to take care of family and friends by buying them houses, cars, and other luxurious items they never had before coming into generational wealth.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal famously detailed how he spent $1 million in 30 minutes after signing a new contract and was quickly told by his bank manager that his money was gone.
Whether it be Shaq or Haden, it’s a trend that is all too common for athletes who don’t make sound decisions with their lump sums of money, and they end up with next to nothing by the time their playing days are over.
Haden continued explaining how he blew through his money: “Me and my little brothers, obviously little bros need whips.
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“Buy all my little bros whips, then me, I got $50 million don’t I? So I cop me a nice penthouse and two whips. Get me a Range Rover Sport and Bentley GT.
“Looking at $12.6 million, there’s really $7 million (after taxes), now after my folks and everything, that’s, what you got in the bank? $1 million.
“I had to start really getting hip. I could see how people that aren’t hip, you signed a two (years) for $10 million, think you got $10 million, your a– ain’t got that.”