Are you curious about how much professional AFL players make and what their lives are like?
In this article, you’ll get a full look into Chris Burgess’s net worth, career earnings, contract, stats, relationship details, and more. Discover what makes him stand out on and off the field, along with clear answers to some of the top questions fans like you ask.
Chris Burgess Biography
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chris Burgess |
| Date of Birth | 26 November 1995 |
| Age | 29 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 194 cm |
| Weight | 97 kg |
| Turned Pro | 2018 |
| Net Worth | $1.3 million (estimated) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $460,000 |
| Club | Adelaide Crows (AFL) |
Early Career
Chris Burgess grew up in South Australia, where he began playing footy at a young age. Showing promise in his teenage years, he played for West Adelaide in the SANFL and was recognized for his athleticism and determination.
Known for his strong marking and work rate, Chris caught the eye of AFL scouts. He balanced sport with his education before making the transition to senior-level football.
His consistent performances in the SANFL set the stage for his move to the AFL, and his adaptability across key positions made him a valuable recruit for higher competitions. Burgess’s drive and humble beginnings showed his resilience and readiness for the demands of professional football.
Professional Career
Burgess joined the Gold Coast Suns in the 2018 AFL national draft as a mature-age pre-selection. He debuted in the 2019 season and spent several years with the Suns, where he played a mix of forward and ruck roles. While with Gold Coast, Chris also starred in the VFL, winning the Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal as leading goal kicker two years in a row. His accuracy in front of goal and work ethic made him a crucial squad member.
He requested a trade and joined Adelaide Crows—his childhood club—starting in the 2024 season. Burgess made an immediate impact, scoring goals and providing depth up forward. Despite some setbacks, including being delisted and re-drafted as a rookie, Chris continued to prove his value as a versatile and hardworking player, inspiring teammates and fans alike throughout the 2025 season.
Chris Burgess Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Chris Burgess’s net worth stands at approximately $1.3 million, based on his salary, career earnings, and contract terms.
Contract
Burgess signed with the Adelaide Crows at the end of the 2023 trade period, staying under contract through the end of the 2025 season.
In late 2024, he was delisted but rejoined as a rookie, reflecting his continued value to the club and his status as a trusted squad player. His contract represents steady earnings, with renewals reflecting his contributions across multiple seasons.
Salary
The average AFL player salary in 2025 is about $460,000 per season. As a core squad member and experienced campaigner, Burgess’s earnings align closely with this average. His contract and redrafting as a rookie suggest consistent, though not star-level, payment—ensuring a stable career income.
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $300,000 |
| 2020 | $350,000 |
| 2021 | $400,000 |
| 2022 | $420,000 |
| 2023 | $440,000 |
| 2024 | $460,000 |
| 2025 | $460,000 |
Career Stats
| Year | Team | Games | Goals | Avg Disposals | Kicks | Handballs | Marks | Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Gold Coast | 14 | 5 | 6.0 | 4.9 | 3.4 | 3.1 | 1.2 |
| 2020 | Gold Coast | 0 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2021 | Gold Coast | 19 | 8 | 9.2 | 5.9 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 1.4 |
| 2022 | Gold Coast | 2 | 1 | 5.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 |
| 2023 | Gold Coast | 1 | 0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 0.5 |
| 2024 | Adelaide | 7 | 7 | 7.7 | 5.1 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 1.0 |
| TOTAL | 43 | 21 | 7.5 | 4.8 | 3.4 | 2.8 | 1.2 |
FAQs
1. Who is Chris Burgess and what is his background in basketball?
Chris Burgess is an American basketball coach and a former professional player. He started as a star high school recruit at Woodbridge High School in California, where he earned national honors. He played college basketball for Duke and the University of Utah, then spent over a decade playing professionally in countries like Turkey, Australia, the Philippines, South Korea, Ukraine, Puerto Rico, Poland, and the UAE.
2. What notable achievements did Burgess have during his basketball playing career?
Burgess garnered national recognition as the nation’s top-ranked high school recruit, earning McDonald’s All-American and Parade All-American honors. He played at Duke under coach Mike Krzyzewski, reaching the Elite Eight and the NCAA National Championship game. Later, he played for Utah, leading the team to the NIT and an NCAA Tournament.
3. What has Burgess accomplished as a basketball coach?
Burgess has helped teams achieve several milestones. He contributed to BYU’s return to the NCAA Tournament and coached players to earn individual honors such as Defensive Player of the Year and All-Conference First Team awards. While at Utah Valley, he played a key role in the team setting new program records for wins and postseason appearances.
4. #What personal details are known about Chris Burgess and his family?
Burgess is married to Lesa, a former University of Utah soccer player. Together, they have three daughters, Kelli Jo, Zoey, and Ava, as well as two sons named Beckham and Zachary. He completed his bachelor’s degree in speech communication at the University of Utah, balancing academics with his passion for basketball and coaching.
5. Has Burgess worked outside basketball, or is he involved in other fields?
All prominent public records and career highlights indicate Burgess has dedicated his career to basketball, both as a player and coach. He transitioned smoothly from playing in international leagues to collegiate coaching, focusing his efforts entirely on the game and player development at every stage of his professional life.
