Gary Brightwell is a professional NFL running back currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals who has built a steady career since entering the league. In this article, you will know Gary Brightwell’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Gary Brightwell’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary Brightwell Jr. |
| Date of Birth | February 28, 1999 |
| Age | 26 years old |
| Education | University of Arizona (Literacy, Learning, and Leadership major) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 218 pounds (99 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2021 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1.5 million |
| Salary | $1,100,000 |
| Career Earnings | $4,006,272 |
| Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Gary Brightwell Jr. grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania, a challenging environment that shaped his determination to succeed. Born to mother Carla Young, he faced early tragedy when his father passed away when Gary was just one year old.
His grandmother Dee played a crucial role in introducing him to football at age four, recognizing the sport could provide a positive outlet and path forward.
Brightwell attended St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, where he developed into an elite high school player. As a senior team captain in 2017, he earned first-team all-conference and first-team All-State MIAA honors.
He averaged 6.7 yards per carry, rushing for 519 yards and eight touchdowns on 78 carries. His impressive high school performance made him a consensus three-star recruit, drawing interest from multiple college programs across the country.
Professional Career
Brightwell’s NFL journey began when the New York Giants selected him with the 196th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Giants from 2021-2023, primarily serving as a backup running back and special teams contributor.
His best offensive season came in 2022 when he carried the ball 31 times for 141 yards and one touchdown while appearing in all 17 games.
After being waived by the Giants in 2024, Brightwell had brief stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns before finding a home with the Cincinnati Bengals. He signed to their practice squad in November 2024 and later inked a reserve/future contract in January 2025.
Throughout his NFL career, he has appeared in 39 games with 41 rushing attempts for 164 yards and one touchdown, while also contributing 28 kickoff returns for 591 yards.
Gary Brightwell’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Gary Brightwell’s net worth is estimated at approximately $1.5 million.
Contract
Brightwell currently plays for the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year contract worth $1,100,000 signed. The deal is a standard reserve/future contract that runs through the 2025 season with no guaranteed money. He will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, giving him the opportunity to explore other NFL opportunities or potentially re-sign with Cincinnati.
Salary
For the 2025 season, Brightwell will earn a base salary of $1,100,000 with the Cincinnati Bengals. This represents his highest single-season earnings since entering the NFL in 2021.
His contract carries a cap hit of $1,100,000, representing 0.39% of the team’s total salary cap spending. The deal includes no signing bonus or guaranteed money, making it a prove-it contract for the veteran running back.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Bonuses | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | New York Giants | $660,000 | $178,872 | $838,872 |
| 2022 | New York Giants | $825,000 | $0 | $825,000 |
| 2023 | New York Giants | $940,000 | $0 | $940,000 |
| 2024 | Browns/Bengals | $302,400 | $0 | $302,400 |
| 2025 | Cincinnati Bengals | $1,100,000 | $0 | $1,100,000 |
| Total | $4,006,272 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Yards Per Carry | Touchdowns | Receptions | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | NYG | 13 | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| 2022 | NYG | 17 | 31 | 141 | 4.5 | 1 | 5 | 39 |
| 2023 | NYG | 7 | 9 | 19 | 2.1 | 0 | 5 | 47 |
| 2024 | CLE | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 39 | 41 | 164 | 4.0 | 1 | 11 | 92 |
FAQs
1. What position does Gary Brightwell play in the NFL?
Gary Brightwell plays running back in the NFL and currently serves as a depth player for the Cincinnati Bengals. He has primarily contributed on special teams throughout his career while seeing limited offensive snaps as a backup running back.
2. Which college did Gary Brightwell attend before the NFL?
Brightwell played college football at the University of Arizona from 2017-2020, where he majored in Literacy, Learning, and Leadership. He earned All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention honors as a senior after rushing for 409 yards in just five games during the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
3. How much money has Gary Brightwell earned in his NFL career?
Brightwell will have earned approximately $4,006,272 in his NFL career. This includes his rookie contract with the New York Giants and his current deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, with his highest single-season salary being $1,100,000.
4. What teams has Gary Brightwell played for in the NFL?
Brightwell has played for four NFL teams during his career. He spent three seasons with the New York Giants (2021-2023), had brief stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns, and currently plays for the Cincinnati Bengals starting.
5. Where did Gary Brightwell grow up and attend high school?
Brightwell grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania, but attended St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland for high school. He was a team captain as a senior and earned first-team all-conference and All-State honors while averaging 6.7 yards per carry with 519 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
