Matthew Judon at a Glance
- Net Worth: $25 Million
- Birthdate: August 15, 1992
- Birthplace: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Nationality: American
- Profession: NFL Linebacker
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What is Matthew Judon’s Net Worth?
Matthew Judon has a net worth of $25 million. His financial standing stems primarily from a lucrative decade-long career in the National Football League, where he established himself as one of the premier pass rushers of his generation. Unlike many players who rely heavily on endorsement deals to build wealth, Judon’s fortune is a direct result of high-value NFL contracts, strategic hold-ins, and performance-based incentives earned across his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins. By late 2025, his total career earnings from NFL salaries and bonuses alone surpassed $77 million.
The foundation of his wealth was laid during his transition from Baltimore to New England. While his rookie contract with the Ravens was modest—typical for a fifth-round draft pick—his production led to a franchise tag designation in 2020 that paid him over $16 million for a single season. This payout significantly elevated his financial baseline. His earning power peaked when he signed a four-year, $54.5 million contract with the New England Patriots in 2021, which included $32 million in guaranteed money. This deal remains the single largest contributor to his overall net worth, providing the liquidity for his subsequent investments and lifestyle.
Beyond his playing salary, Judon has cultivated a niche personal brand that supplements his income. He has partnered with brands such as BodyArmor and Old Spice, leveraging his distinct on-field personality to secure marketing dollars. While these endorsement deals are secondary to his football income, they have provided a steady stream of revenue that covers annual living expenses, allowing his contract earnings to compound. His move to the Miami Dolphins in 2025 further extended his earning window, adding another layer of cash flow to his portfolio as he navigated the later stages of his career.
The Red Sleeves
One of Judon’s most valuable assets is his recognizable personal brand, centered entirely on his signature red sleeves. What began as a superstitious choice and a nod to teammates quickly evolved into a trademark look that separated him from other defensive stars in a helmeted sport. This visual differentiator created merchandising opportunities and increased his marketability for appearances and autograph signings. The branding is simple but effective, making him instantly identifiable to fans and sponsors alike, regardless of the jersey he wears. This branding leverage has been instrumental in maintaining his relevance and off-field income even as he changed teams.
Early Life
Matthew Judon was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and raised in Pontiac, Michigan, as one of ten children. Growing up in a large family instilled a competitive drive in him early on, but his path to professional stardom was far from direct. He attended West Bloomfield High School, where his performance was solid but did not garner significant attention from major Division I college programs. This lack of high-profile offers led him to enroll at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), a Division II school in Allendale, Michigan.
At GVSU, Judon transformed into a dominant defensive force. Despite playing outside the spotlight of the FBS, he set a Division II record with 20 sacks in his senior season and won the Gene Upshaw Trophy, awarded to the top lineman in the division. His college career was defined by resilience; he overcame injuries and the stigma of being a “small school” prospect to capture the attention of NFL scouts. This gritty upbringing and underdog academic journey shaped the work ethic that would eventually secure him multi-million dollar contracts at the professional level.
Career
Judon’s professional trajectory is a case study in maximizing value at every stage. Selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, he entered the league with a chip on his shoulder and a contract worth just over $2.5 million over four years. He quickly outperformed his draft status, becoming a key starter for Baltimore’s defense. His consistent pressure on quarterbacks forced the Ravens to place the franchise tag on him in 2020, a move that paid him a fully guaranteed $16.8 million for one year and signaled his arrival as a top-tier earner.
In 2021, Judon capitalized on his free agency by signing a massive deal with the New England Patriots. His time in New England was individually prolific; he set career highs in sacks and earned consecutive Pro Bowl nods, solidifying his reputation as a game-wrecker. However, contract disputes arose as he outperformed the later years of that deal. Seeking an adjustment, he was eventually traded to the Atlanta Falcons in August 2024.
His stint with the Falcons was a transitional period that bridged the gap between his prime earning years and his veteran tenure. In 2025, Judon moved to the Miami Dolphins, signing a one-year deal that reflected the market for veteran pass rushers. This move demonstrated his longevity and ability to remain a valued asset in the league, pushing his career earnings toward the $80 million mark. Throughout these team changes, his production remained the primary driver of his financial success.
Salary & Career Earnings Chart
| Team (Year) | Cash Earnings |
| New England Patriots (2021) | $20,000,000 |
| New England Patriots (2022) | $12,500,000 |
| New England Patriots (2023) | $14,235,294 |
| Atlanta Falcons (2024) | ~$7,500,000 |
| Miami Dolphins (2025) | $3,000,000 |
Real Estate
Judon has directed a portion of his NFL earnings into high-end real estate. His most notable property investment is a custom-built mansion in Winter Garden, Florida, located near Orlando. He purchased the home in 2023 for approximately $3.1 million. The estate spans nearly 8,000 square feet and sits on over 1.5 acres of land.
The residence features luxury amenities including a resort-style saltwater pool, a summer kitchen, a half-basketball court, and a separate guest house above the garage. In 2024, following his departure from the Patriots and subsequent trade, Judon listed the property for sale with an asking price of $3.6 million. This move indicated a liquidation of assets likely tied to his relocation requirements as he moved between franchises in Atlanta and Miami.
