Thomas Morstead at a Glance
- Net Worth (2025): $20 Million
- Birthdate: March 8, 1986
- Birthplace: Houston, Texas
- Profession: NFL Punter
- Nationality: American
What is Thomas Morstead’s Net Worth?
Thomas Morstead has a net worth of $20 million. He built this fortune through extraordinary longevity as a punter in the National Football League, spanning over 16 seasons. Unlike many specialists who bounce around the league on minimum deals, Morstead secured multiple lucrative contract extensions, particularly during his twelve-year tenure with the New Orleans Saints. His ability to perform at an elite level well into his late 30s allowed him to accumulate total career earnings surpassing $37 million by the end of the 2024 season.
His financial portfolio is anchored by the substantial contracts signed during his prime years in New Orleans. In 2012, he signed a six-year extension worth nearly $22 million, which at the time made him the second-highest-paid punter in NFL history. Prudent financial management and consistent employment have kept his wealth stable. Beyond his NFL salary, he has engaged in charitable endeavors and local business partnerships, though his primary wealth driver remains his on-field income. His move to the New York Jets in the latter stages of his career secured additional millions, reinforcing his status as one of the financially most successful special teams players of his generation.
Early Life
Thomas Morstead was born on March 8, 1986, in Houston, Texas. He grew up in a supportive family environment that valued education and athletics. He attended Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas, where he began to develop his skills in football, although he was not immediately recognized as a top-tier national prospect. His early years were defined by resilience, as he had to work his way up through competitive ranks without the initial fanfare accorded to star quarterbacks or receivers.
Following high school, he enrolled at Southern Methodist University (SMU). He initially joined the football team as a walk-on, lacking a scholarship. Through dedication and consistent improvement in his kicking technique, he eventually earned a scholarship and became a standout player for the Mustangs. His college performance, particularly in his senior year, caught the attention of NFL scouts, proving that his path from a walk-on to a professional prospect was driven by work ethic rather than raw talent alone.
Career
The New Orleans Saints selected Morstead in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft, a relatively high draft position for a punter. His rookie season proved historic. He played a critical role in the Saints’ journey to Super Bowl XLIV. During the championship game against the Indianapolis Colts, he executed “Ambush,” a surprise onside kick at the start of the second half. This play is widely regarded as one of the boldest and most significant calls in Super Bowl history, shifting the momentum of the game and helping New Orleans secure its first championship.
Morstead spent the next 12 seasons as a cornerstone of the Saints’ special teams unit. He was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2012 and consistently ranked among the league leaders in net punting average. His reliability earned him a reputation as a leader in the locker room. In March 2021, the Saints released him as part of a salary cap move, ending one of the longest tenures in franchise history.
He did not retire, however. In 2021, he played for the New York Jets and the Atlanta Falcons, proving he still possessed a powerful leg. He spent the 2022 season with the Miami Dolphins before returning to the New York Jets in 2023. His performance in New York was exceptional, leading to a two-year contract extension in March 2024. This late-career resurgence cemented his legacy as an “iron man” of special teams, defying the typical age curve for professional athletes.
Salary & Career Earnings
| Contract / Period (Years) | Total Value |
| New Orleans Saints Rookie Deal (2009-2012) | $1.8 Million – $2 Million |
| Saints Extension & Restructures (2013-2018) | $21.9 Million |
| Final Saints Contracts (2019-2020) | $7 Million – $8 Million |
| Falcons, Dolphins, Jets Deals (2021-2023) | $4 Million – $5 Million |
| New York Jets Contract (2024-2025) | $5.1 Million |
