Gardner Minshew brings a unique flair to the NFL, proving his value as both a starter and a reliable backup. From “Minshew Mania” to his current role with the Kansas City Chiefs, he has built a substantial financial portfolio.
In this article, you will know Gardner Minshew’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Gardner Minshew’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gardner Flint Minshew II |
| Date of Birth | May 16, 1996 |
| Age | 29 |
| Education | Washington State University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 225 lbs (102 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2019 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $12 Million – $15 Million |
| Salary | ~$4.3 Million (Combined) |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @gardnerminshew5 |
| Twitter Profile | @GardnerMinshew5 |
Early Career
Gardner Minshew followed a winding path before reaching the NFL. He started his college football journey at Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he led his team to a national championship.
He then transferred to East Carolina University, but his time there ended with a dramatic twist. Minshew desperately wanted to transfer to play immediately rather than sit out a year.
He nearly broke his own hand with a hammer to secure a medical redshirt, a story he later confirmed as true. He eventually transferred to Washington State as a graduate student for the 2018 season.
At Washington State, Minshew became a national sensation. He threw for nearly 4,800 yards and 38 touchdowns, finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
His performance sparked the original “Minshew Mania” and earned him the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year award.
Despite his lack of prototypical NFL size, his production and leadership at WSU convinced the Jacksonville Jaguars to select him in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Professional Career
Minshew entered the league as a backup but quickly took the spotlight when Nick Foles suffered an injury in Week 1 of the 2019 season. He set rookie records for the Jaguars and threw 21 touchdowns against just six interceptions, solidifying his status as a fan favorite.
After two seasons in Jacksonville, the team traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021. He served primarily as a backup to Jalen Hurts, delivering strong performances in spot starts over two seasons.
In 2023, he joined the Indianapolis Colts and nearly led them to the playoffs after taking over as the starter.
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His 2023 success led to a lucrative opportunity with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024. Minshew signed a significant two-year contract but the team released him after one season. In March 2025, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs to back up Patrick Mahomes.
By late 2025, Minshew appeared in a few games for Kansas City, maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s most capable backup quarterbacks.
Gardner Minshew’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Gardner Minshew holds an estimated net worth between $12 million and $15 million. This figure reflects his accumulated earnings from NFL contracts after taxes and spending.
Contract
Minshew signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, which included $15 million fully guaranteed. The Raiders released him in March 2025, but they still owed him over $3 million in guaranteed salary for the 2025 season.
Following his release, he signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. This unique situation allows him to collect checks from two different teams simultaneously during the 2025 league year.
Salary
Minshew earns money from two sources. The Raiders pay him approximately $3.16 million in dead money guarantees from his previous contract.
Additionally, the Kansas City Chiefs pay him a base salary of roughly $1.17 million. This brings his total cash intake for the 2025 season to roughly $4.33 million, despite his role as a backup quarterback.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Total Cash Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Jaguars | $685,884 |
| 2020 | Jaguars | $1,095,698 |
| 2021 | Eagles | $850,000 |
| 2022 | Eagles | $2,540,000 |
| 2023 | Colts | $5,500,000 |
| 2024 | Raiders | $12,500,000 |
| 2025 | Raiders/Chiefs | ~$4,330,000 |
| Total | All Teams | ~$27,501,582 |
Endorsements
Minshew leverages his unique “Minshew Mania” brand for various endorsement deals. He has partnered with major brands like Snickers, Bud Light, and Papa John’s.
His quirky personality also attracts niche opportunities; he famously received a $1 million offer from an adult entertainment site to host fitness classes in a jockstrap, though he did not accept it.
His marketing appeal remains high due to his recognizable mustache and cult following among NFL fans.
Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | Completions | Attempts | Yards | TDs | INTs | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | JAX | 14 | 285 | 470 | 3,271 | 21 | 6 | 91.2 |
| 2020 | JAX | 9 | 216 | 327 | 2,259 | 16 | 5 | 95.9 |
| 2021 | PHI | 4 | 41 | 60 | 439 | 4 | 1 | 104.8 |
| 2022 | PHI | 5 | 44 | 76 | 663 | 3 | 3 | 83.4 |
| 2023 | IND | 17 | 305 | 490 | 3,305 | 15 | 9 | 84.6 |
| 2024 | LV | 15 | 280 | 445 | 3,050 | 18 | 10 | 88.1 |
| 2025 | KC | 3 | 9 | 18 | 75 | 0 | 1 | 38.2 |
| Total | 67 | 1,180 | 1,886 | 13,062 | 77 | 35 | 88.4 |
FAQs
1. Has Minshew ever made the Pro Bowl roster?
He earned a Pro Bowl selection after the 2023 season as an alternate quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. His performance that year nearly led the team to a playoff berth and cemented his status as a top-tier backup in the league.
2. Why did Minshew choose to live in a bus?
Minshew lived in a refurbished prison bus outside the Philadelphia Eagles’ facility because he preferred a simple, low-maintenance lifestyle. He equipped the vehicle with basic necessities and embraced the freedom it provided him during the intense football season.
3. What sparked the viral Minshew Mania phenomenon?
The trend started during his 2018 season at Washington State, where his mustache and aviator sunglasses captivated fans. Supporters began wearing fake mustaches to games, creating a nationwide buzz that followed him immediately into his professional NFL career.
4. Why did the Raiders release Minshew after one season?
Las Vegas released him to save money against their salary cap and move in a different direction at the quarterback position. The team chose to absorb a significant dead money charge rather than keep him on the roster for the second year.
5. How did Mike Leach influence Minshew’s career?
The late coach recruited Minshew to Washington State with a simple question about whether he wanted to lead the nation in passing. Minshew credits Leach for reviving his love for football and giving him the platform to eventually reach the NFL.
