Jake Funk’s journey represents pure American grit. The Los Angeles Rams running back overcame cancer, defied odds, and earned his NFL dreams. But what’s Jake Funk’s net worth today? How does his professional football career translate into financial success?
Let’s dive deep into the inspiring story of this Super Bowl LVI champion and examine his earnings, personal life, and future prospects in professional football.
Jake Funk Bio Wiki
Jake Funk stands as a testament to resilience. Born on September 24, 1998, the NFL running back currently sits at 26 years old. His physical specifications perfectly suit the demanding NFL offense role: standing 5’10” and weighing 205 pounds of pure determination.
The Damascus, Maryland native currently plays for the LA Rams team, though his journey included practice squad stints and roster moves. His wife or relationship status remains private Funk keeps his personal life details closely guarded. What we do know? He’s laser-focused on football.
| Bio Category | Details |
| Full Name | Jake Funk |
| Age | 26 years old |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
| Position | Running back |
| Current Team | Los Angeles Rams |
| College | University of Maryland |
| Draft Year | 2021 |
His social media presence shows glimpses of workouts and team celebrations. The Jake Funk biography reveals someone who prioritizes performance over publicity.
Background
Early Life and Education
Damascus, Maryland shaped Jake Funk’s foundation. Small-town values met big-time ambition there. His high school football career at Damascus High School showcased explosive talent rushing yards piled up quickly. College recruiters noticed immediately.
The University of Maryland became his next chapter. Choosing to stay close to home proved strategic. He dominated Big Ten football despite facing unimaginable adversity. In 2018, doctors diagnosed Funk with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Most would’ve quit. Funk didn’t.
He underwent 14 rounds of chemotherapy. Treatment ravaged his body but not his spirit. By 2019, he’d returned to the field. His comeback story inspired teammates and fans alike. The Maryland football program celebrated his resilience with special recognition.
Academically, Funk balanced demanding treatments with coursework. His education prepared him for life beyond football something many professional running back prospects overlook. The college football career statistics don’t fully capture his greatest achievement: survival.
NFL Draft and Professional Career
The 2021 NFL Draft brought uncertainty and hope. Would teams gamble on a cancer survivor? The Los Angeles Rams answered emphatically in the seventh round, selecting Funk with pick 233. That draft selection changed everything.
His rookie contract offered modest guarantees but immense opportunity. The Rams NFL franchise saw potential beyond statistics. They valued character, work ethic, and special teams prowess. Funk’s seventh round draft position meant proving himself daily.
The 2021 season tested his mettle. Limited offensive snaps didn’t discourage him he contributed on special teams and scout team. Then came the ultimate reward: a Super Bowl champion ring. The Rams Super Bowl win in February 2022 validated his journey.
| Season | Team | Games Played | Rushing Yards | Touchdowns |
| 2021 | LA Rams | 3 | 6 | 0 |
| 2022 | LA Rams | 2 | 14 | 0 |
| 2023 | Various | Practice Squad | N/A | N/A |
His NFL career stats don’t scream stardom. But Jake Funk’s NFL career represents something deeper perseverance against impossible odds.
Major Milestones in Jake Funk’s NFL Journey
Every NFL journey contains defining moments. For Funk, just making a roster was monumental. His first NFL carry against Arizona generated tears from teammates who knew his story. Those six yards meant everything.
The Super Bowl LVI victory stands as his pinnacle achievement. Though he didn’t play in the game, being part of that Rams roster and earning a Super Bowl ring fulfilled childhood dreams. The NFL championship celebration included his family people who’d supported him through chemotherapy.
His special teams contributions often go unnoticed. Coaches value these hustle plays tremendously. Funk’s willingness to sacrifice his body on kickoff coverage demonstrates professional commitment. The football career highlights extend beyond rushing statistics.
Community involvement defines his off-field impact. Funk regularly visits cancer patients, sharing his story of hope. These appearances don’t generate headlines but change lives. His advocacy work connects him to something larger than football.
Key Career Achievements
The Jake Funk wealth story begins with college accolades. At the University of Maryland, he earned:
- Big Ten Comeback Player Recognition (2019)
- Team Leadership Awards for perseverance
- Academic All-Big Ten honors
- Maryland Football Legacy Award (unofficial but significant)
His NFL accomplishments include:
- Super Bowl LVI Championship (2021 season)
- NFL Roster Achievement despite medical history
- Special Teams Excellence across multiple seasons
- Cancer Advocacy Ambassador for the Rams
- Community Service Recognition in Los Angeles area
These achievements don’t always translate to NFL player net worth increases. However, they build reputation capital something potentially valuable long-term. The Rams player net worth category includes intangibles like team culture contributions.
Coaches frequently praise his preparation and attitude. Those qualities sometimes lead to endorsement opportunities when visibility increases. Right now, Funk’s focusing on staying healthy and productive.
Salary and NFL Earnings
Let’s address the central question directly: Jake Funk’s net worth sits between $500,000 and $1 million currently. Not generational wealth, but impressive given his circumstances. The football player net worth calculation includes multiple revenue streams.
His rookie contract with the LA Rams team offered:
- Base salary: $660,000 annually (practice squad rates when applicable)
- Signing bonus: $10,000 (standard seventh-round amount)
- Practice squad weekly pay: $12,000 (when not on active roster)
- Playoff bonuses: Additional payments during Super Bowl run
The Jake Funk contract details show modest guaranteed money. Seventh-round picks face financial uncertainty performance determines everything. His annual NFL earnings fluctuate based on roster status.
| Year | Roster Status | Estimated Earnings |
| 2021 | Active/Practice Squad | $450,000 |
| 2022 | Practice Squad Majority | $240,000 |
| 2023 | Practice Squad/Free Agent | $180,000 |
| Total Career Earnings | ~$870,000 |
The Jake Funk salary pales compared to star running backs. Top NFL running back contracts exceed $10 million annually. But Funk’s not competing financially with Derrick Henry or Christian McCaffrey yet.
His NFL salary includes playoff shares. The Rams Super Bowl victory distributed approximately $150,000 per player. Those bonus checks significantly boost football salary totals. Practice squad players receive smaller shares but still benefit.
Tax obligations reduce take-home pay substantially. California’s high tax rates impact Rams contract pay significantly. Financial advisors typically recommend conservative spending for players with roster uncertainty.
Endorsement Opportunities and Off-Field Earnings
The endorsement opportunities landscape differs for seventh-round picks. Major brand endorsements chase superstar visibility. Funk’s inspiring story offers unique marketing potential, though.
His current off-field earnings likely include:
- Local Maryland business partnerships (estimated $10,000-$20,000 annually)
- Speaking engagements at cancer fundraisers (often unpaid/charitable)
- Social media collaborations (minimal income currently)
- Coaching clinic appearances during offseason
The sponsorship deals haven’t materialized yet like they do for first-round talents. However, his cancer survivor narrative resonates powerfully. Companies focused on health, resilience, or athletic recovery could partner strategically.
His athlete marketing potential grows with media coverage. A breakout season could unlock endorsement income dramatically. Right now, he’s building credibility through consistent professional performance.
Investment strategies matter for players with uncertain longevity. Smart NFL players diversify income sources early. Funk’s education from the University of Maryland hopefully prepared him for financial planning challenges.
The Impact of Performance on Future Earnings
Jake Funk’s earnings trajectory depends entirely on production. Running backs face brutal competition and short career spans. His health history adds complexity to projections.
The NFL running back market rewards versatility nowadays. Pass-catching ability, pass protection, and special teams value all matter. Funk’s shown special teams commitment that’s bankable. But offensive production unlocks bigger contracts.
Statistical benchmarks that trigger player contract salary increases include:
- 500+ rushing yards in a season (starter threshold)
- 4+ rushing touchdowns annually
- 15+ receptions demonstrating versatility
- Consistent availability (16+ games)
His injury history, while inspiring, creates risk assessment challenges. Teams worry about long-term durability. That concern impacts contract extension value negotiations directly.
Age factors into running back valuations heavily. At 26, Funk’s entering prime physical years. But limited game experience means he’s still proving viability. The career growth income window remains open but narrowing.
Potential Contract Extensions
The Jake Funk contract situation likely involves short-term deals moving forward. Veterans’ minimum contracts or practice squad agreements seem most probable. A Rams contract extension would require significant special teams impact.
Future earnings potential scenarios include:
Optimistic Path: Funk becomes reliable special teams ace and backup running back. Annual salary reaches $1.2 million on two-year deals. Career earnings could hit $3-4 million total.
Realistic Path: He bounces between practice squads and backup roles. Career earnings plateau around $1.5-2 million before transitioning to coaching or other roles.
Pessimistic Path: Injuries or roster cuts end his playing career soon. Total career earnings stay under $1 million.
The long-term NFL earnings projection favors players who adapt. Fullback conversion or pure special teams roles extend careers. Funk’s intelligence and work ethic suggest he’ll maximize opportunities.
Financial growth beyond football might exceed playing earnings. His story sells motivational speaking, coaching, or broadcasting could generate substantial income. Many football player net worth totals grow significantly post-retirement through business ventures.
His player valuation isn’t purely financial. The inspiration he provides teammates and fans carries immeasurable worth. That intangible value sometimes converts to coaching opportunities when playing days end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jake Funk’s current net worth?
Jake Funk’s net worth is approximately $500,000 to $1 million.
How much does Jake Funk make annually?
Annual earnings vary between $180,000 and $450,000 based on status.
Where did Jake Funk go to college?
Jake Funk played college football at the University of Maryland.
What was Jake Funk’s NFL Draft position?
He was selected 233rd overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
What position does Jake Funk play in the NFL?
Jake Funk plays running back for the Los Angeles Rams.
Did Jake Funk win a Super Bowl?
Yes, Jake Funk won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams.
Conclusion
Jake Funk’s net worth of approximately $500,000 to $1 million tells only part of his story. The 26-year-old, 5’10” NFL running back conquered cancer before conquering professional football. His Super Bowl LVI championship ring symbolizes victories beyond the field.
His professional life achievements extend past Jake Funk’s NFL career statistics. The Los Angeles Rams gave him opportunity he maximized every moment. Whether his football career continues long-term remains uncertain, but his legacy as a cancer survivor who reached the NFL is permanent.
The Jake Funk biography inspires anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. His earnings may seem modest compared to NFL superstars, but they represent triumph over adversity. Every dollar earned reflects doctors’ appointments missed, chemotherapy survived, and doubters silenced.
Follow Jake Funk’s journey on social media. His story reminds us that endorsement opportunities and contract values don’t define success. Sometimes the greatest victory is simply suiting up.
