Willie Roaf at a Glance
- Net Worth: $8 Million
- Birthdate: April 18, 1970
- Birthplace: Pine Bluff, Arkansas
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Retired NFL Player, Coach
What is Willie Roaf’s Net Worth?
Willie Roaf has a net worth of $8 million. His wealth originates primarily from his lucrative tenure in the National Football League, where he was consistently one of the highest-paid offensive linemen of his era. Over the course of 13 seasons, Roaf earned tens of millions in salary and signing bonuses, capitalizing on the rising positional value of left tackles in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Beyond his NFL paychecks, Roaf successfully diversified his portfolio after hanging up his cleats. He owns numerous rental properties in the Kansas City area, providing him with a steady stream of passive income. This shift into real estate investment has helped preserve the capital he generated during his playing years.
He also remains active in the football community, which contributes to his continued earnings. Roaf has held coaching positions, including a stint as the offensive line coach at Santa Monica College, and frequently participates in paid appearances, autograph signings, and “Legends” events for both the Saints and the Chiefs.
Contract History
During the peak of his career, Roaf commanded top-tier salaries that reflected his status as an elite protector. After establishing himself as a premier talent with the New Orleans Saints, his financial value skyrocketed. Upon his trade to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2002, he signed a significant contract extension reported to be worth $21 million over six years, which included a $3.5 million signing bonus. This deal was a testament to his longevity and continued dominance even after a decade in the league.
Early Life
Willie Layton Roaf was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, into a family deeply rooted in professional success and public service. His father, Clifton Roaf, was a dentist, while his mother, Andree Layton Roaf, made history as the first African-American woman to serve on the Arkansas Supreme Court. This environment emphasized education and discipline, shaping Roaf’s approach to his future athletic career.
He attended Pine Bluff High School but was initially overlooked by major college football programs due to his lighter weight at the time. He eventually accepted a scholarship to Louisiana Tech University. During his time in Ruston, he transformed his physique and his game, becoming a finalist for the Outland Trophy and earning consensus All-American honors. His collegiate dominance solidified his stock as a future first-round NFL talent.
Career
Willie Roaf entered the NFL as the eighth overall pick in the 1993 Draft, selected by the New Orleans Saints. He made an immediate impact, starting all 16 games in his rookie season and quickly earning a reputation for his unique blend of size, speed, and technique. For the next nine years, he was the cornerstone of the Saints’ offensive line, earning seven Pro Bowl selections during his time in New Orleans.
In 2002, Roaf was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, a move that revitalized his career. Playing in an explosive offense that featured stars like Trent Green and Priest Holmes, Roaf provided the blindside protection that allowed the Chiefs to lead the NFL in scoring for multiple seasons. His performance in Kansas City was flawless, resulting in four more Pro Bowl selections and cementing his legacy as an all-time great.
Roaf retired after the 2005 season with 11 Pro Bowl nods and nine All-Pro selections to his name. He was named to both the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team and the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, a rare feat that highlights his sustained excellence. His career culminated in 2012 when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Real Estate
Roaf has been an active participant in the real estate market, buying and selling luxury homes in the cities where he played and lived. In 2016, he sold a Mediterranean-style home in the misty hills of San Clemente, California, for approximately $1.58 million. The 4,100-square-foot property featured a custom chef’s kitchen, a spa-pool combo with a fire pit, and expansive views of the surrounding canyons. Prior to that, he sold a property in Riverside, California, for just over $1 million. As noted in his financial profile, he currently retains a portfolio of rental properties in Missouri, maintaining ties to the Kansas City community.
