Marshal Yanda at a Glance
- Net Worth: $35 Million
- Birthdate: September 15, 1984
- Birthplace: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Profession: Retired NFL Player (Offensive Guard)
- Nationality: American
What is Marshal Yanda’s Net Worth?
Marshal Yanda has a net worth of $35 million. His fortune is derived almost entirely from his lucrative 13-year career in the National Football League, where he established himself as one of the greatest offensive linemen of his generation. Unlike many modern athletes who diversify into complex investment portfolios or high-profile media gigs immediately upon retirement, Yanda’s wealth was built through consistent, high-value contracts with the Baltimore Ravens and a disciplined, low-profile lifestyle rooted in his Iowa farm upbringing.
The primary driver of his financial success was his longevity and elite performance, which allowed him to secure multiple contract extensions. Over the course of his career, he earned approximately $70.2 million in total salary and bonuses. This figure places him among the highest-earning interior linemen of the 2010s, a testament to his value as a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offensive line.
Ravens Contracts
Yanda’s earnings trajectory began modestly with his rookie deal in 2007, a three-year contract worth approximately $1.6 million. His financial breakthrough came in 2011, when he signed a five-year, $32 million extension. This deal reflected his rising status in the league and provided the bulk of his early wealth. He continued to perform at an All-Pro level, leading to another significant payday in 2015 with a four-year, $32 million extension that included over $17 million in guaranteed money. His final contract adjustment in 2019 added a one-year extension worth $10 million, ensuring he retired as one of the highest-paid guards in the game.
Early Life
Marshal John Yanda was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and raised on a dairy farm near Anamosa. His upbringing was defined by rigorous manual labor, which he credits for developing the physical and mental toughness that became his trademark on the football field. From a young age, his daily routine involved milking cows and performing heavy farm chores, instilling a “no days off” work ethic.
He attended Anamosa High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. Despite his athletic talent, academic struggles initially prevented him from securing a Division I scholarship. He enrolled at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC), where he worked to improve his grades and refine his football skills. His perseverance paid off when he transferred to the University of Iowa. Under head coach Kirk Ferentz, Yanda flourished, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors and catching the attention of NFL scouts with his grit and technical proficiency.
Career
Marshal Yanda began his professional journey when the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the third round (86th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. He started 12 games as a rookie, immediately showcasing the versatility and aggression that would define his tenure. While he initially played right tackle, his transition to right guard solidified his place as a dominant force in the league.
The 2011 season marked a turning point in his career. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection and established himself as a premier interior lineman. The following year, he played a pivotal role in the Ravens’ championship run. During the 2012 playoffs, Yanda provided crucial protection for quarterback Joe Flacco and opened lanes for the running game, culminating in a victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.
From 2011 to 2016, Yanda was virtually immovable, earning six consecutive Pro Bowl nods. He was named a First-Team All-Pro in 2014 and 2015, widely regarded by analysts and peers as the best guard in football during this stretch. His technical excellence allowed the Ravens to transition through different offensive schemes, from deep passing attacks to run-heavy systems, without a drop in efficiency.
Injuries briefly interrupted his streak in 2017, when a fractured ankle ended his season after just two games. However, he returned in 2018 to reclaim his status as a top-tier lineman, earning two more Pro Bowl selections in his final two seasons. His ability to recover and perform at an elite level in his mid-30s further cemented his legacy.
Yanda announced his retirement in March 2020 after 13 seasons, all with Baltimore. He left the game healthy and on his own terms, a rarity for linemen. His impact was recognized immediately; he was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and inducted into the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor in 2022. In late 2024, he was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 in his first year of eligibility, a distinction that highlights his standing as an all-time great, though he was not ultimately selected for induction that year.
Personal Life
Marshal Yanda is married to Shannon Yanda, and the couple has three children: Graham, Libby, and Logan. Family has always been the central focus of his life outside of football. He often cited the desire to spend more time with his wife and growing children as a primary reason for his retirement.
One of the most notable aspects of his post-football life has been his physical transformation. Shortly after retiring, Yanda lost over 60 pounds, dropping from his playing weight of 305 pounds to a leaner 245 pounds. He achieved this by cutting out the massive caloric intake required for an NFL lineman and adopting a strict exercise regimen. This weight loss was a deliberate effort to ensure long-term health and mobility, allowing him to be active with his family. He remains a respected figure in the Iowa community and maintains a close relationship with the Ravens organization.
