Hunter Nourzad, the Kansas City Chiefs’ rising center, has quickly become a name to watch in the NFL. From his Ivy League roots to a Super Bowl-contending team, his journey is a blend of academic excellence and gridiron grit.
Below, we break down his personal life, career trajectory, financial standing, and more.
Hunter Nourzad’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Hunter Lee Nourzad |
| Born | November 26, 2000 (Age 24) |
| Nationality | American (Iranian descent) |
| Height | 6’3” |
| College | Cornell University (B.S. Mechanical Engineering), Penn State (MBA) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 (Drafted by Kansas City Chiefs, Round 5, Pick 159) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million |
| Salary | $1.05 million |
| Girlfriend | Sarah Christina Kane (Penn State graduate, architectural engineer) |
| Instagram Profile | @nourzad.h (23K followers) |
Early Career
Hunter Nourzad’s football journey began in Marietta, Georgia, where he attended The Walker School. Despite limited recruitment buzz, he stood out as a two-time team captain and earned regional Lineman of the Year honors. His high school career was defined by raw talent and leadership, but his academic drive led him to choose Cornell University over larger football programs.
At Cornell, he balanced a rigorous mechanical engineering curriculum with athletics, starting 20 consecutive games at right tackle. His technical precision and ability to protect the quarterback earned him back-to-back All-Ivy League selections and the 2021 Ivy League Offensive Lineman of the Year award.
Seeking greater competition, Nourzad transferred to Penn State in 2022, where he shifted to guard and later center. This versatility became his trademark—he mastered multiple positions while completing an MBA.
In his final college season, he didn’t allow a single sack in 416 pass-blocking snaps, anchoring an offensive line that propelled Penn State to a Top-10 ranking. His blend of academic discipline (graduating with a 3.8 GPA) and on-field IQ made him a standout prospect, proving that elite football success could coexist with Ivy League rigor.
Professional Career
Hunter Nourzad’s NFL journey began when the Kansas City Chiefs drafted him 159th overall in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, valuing his Ivy League pedigree, positional versatility, and technical polish.
Signing a four-year rookie contract worth $4.3 million, including a $200,000 signing bonus, he entered the league as a developmental center with the flexibility to play guard. Despite battling a stress fracture in his fibula during the pre-draft process, Nourzad impressed the Chiefs’ coaching staff with his football IQ and ability to process complex blocking schemes.
In his rookie season, Nourzad served as a backup to veteran center Creed Humphrey, appearing in 14 games and starting three due to injuries. Though raw, his 6’3”, 317-pound frame and 79⅜-inch wingspan proved effective in limited snaps, allowing just one sack while showcasing agility in outside zone runs and screen plays.
Scouts praised his quick hand strikes and ability to recognize defensive stunts, though his balance against bull rushes and consistency in sustaining blocks remained areas for improvement.
Entering 2025, Nourzad is projected to compete for the starting right guard role, with Kansas City aiming to leverage his academic discipline (he holds a mechanical engineering degree and MBA) to accelerate his technical growth. His Madden NFL 25 rating of 66 reflects his current status as a high-ceiling project, blending 83 strength with 75 awareness—traits that align with the Chiefs’ long-term vision for a mobile, cerebral offensive line.
Girlfriend
Nourzad has been dating Sarah Christina Kane since their time at Penn State. Kane, a 2023 architectural engineering graduate, works in sustainable electrical design and publicly supports Nourzad’s career. The couple often shares lighthearted moments on social media, including Kane’s joke about Nourzad pursuing “shampoo endorsements” after his draft selection. They have no children as of 2025.
Hunter Nourzad’s Net Worth Details
Hunter Nourzad’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025.
Contract
Hunter Nourzad’s rookie contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, signed after being drafted 159th overall in 2024, spans four years and totals $4.32 million, including a $301,832 signing bonus.
The deal averages $1.08 million annually, with base salaries escalating yearly: $795,000 (2024), $960,000 (2025), $1.075 million (2026), and $1.19 million (2027).
In 2025, his cap hit rises to $1.04 million (0.38% of the Chiefs’ cap), combining his $960,000 base salary and a prorated portion of his signing bonus. Only $301,832 of the contract is guaranteed, all from the signing bonus, making Nourzad a low-risk investment compared to former Chiefs lineman Nick Allegretti, whose single-season earnings with the Commanders surpass Nourzad’s entire rookie deal.
Salary
In 2025, Hunter Nourzad earns a $960,000 base salary as part of his rookie contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, contributing to a $1.04 million cap hit that includes a prorated portion of his $301,832 signing bonus.
His salary ranks among the lowest on the Chiefs’ offensive line, reflecting his role as a versatile backup center and guard. The team’s financial strategy prioritizes affordability for depth players like Nourzad, whose entire four-year, $4.32 million contract costs less than former Chiefs lineman Nick Allegretti’s single-season earnings with the Washington Commanders.
While his guaranteed money is limited to the signing bonus, Nourzad’s salary escalates annually, peaking at $1.19 million in 2027.
Career Earnings
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Cash |
| 2024 | $795,000 | $50,000 | $845,000 |
| 2025 | $1,050,000 | $50,000 | $1,100,000 |
| 2026 | $1,200,000 | $50,000 | $1,250,000 |
| 2027 | $1,350,000 | $50,000 | $1,400,000 |
Career Stats
College Stats
| Category | Cornell (2019–2021) | Penn State (2022–2023) |
| Games Played | 27 | 24 |
| Starts | 20 (Right Tackle) | 21 (13 at Center, 8 at Guard) |
| Sacks Allowed | 1 (2021 season) | 0 (2023 season) |
| Awards | 2× All-Ivy League | 2× All-Big Ten |
| Key Achievement | 2021 Ivy League Offensive Lineman of the Year | Academic All-Big Ten (2023) |
NFL Combine Metrics (2024)
| Measurement | Result |
| Height | 6’3” (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 317 lbs (144 kg) |
| Arm Length | 33⅛” (0.84 m) |
| Hand Span | 10¾” (0.27 m) |
| Bench Press (225 lbs) | 27 reps |
| 40-Yard Dash | 5.15 seconds |
NFL Career Stats (2024 Rookie Season)
| Category | Stats |
| Games Played | 17 |
| Games Started | 0 |
| Offensive Snaps | 31 (3% of team total) |
| Special Teams Snaps | 76 (18%) |
| Sacks Allowed | 0 |
Key Highlights
- Cornell: Anchored an offensive line that allowed the 5th-fewest sacks nationally (0.9 per game) in 2021.
- Penn State: Blocked for a 2023 offense that averaged 246 rushing yards/game and allowed zero sacks in 416 pass-blocking snaps.
- NFL Draft: Selected 159th overall (Round 5) by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024.
FAQs
1. What position does Hunter Nourzad play in the NFL?
Hunter Nourzad plays as a center (OL) for the Kansas City Chiefs. Standing at 6’3″ and 317 lbs, he transitioned to center in college after initially playing tackle and guard, showcasing his versatility along the offensive line.
2. When was Hunter Nourzad drafted into the NFL?
Nourzad was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round (159th overall pick) of the 2024 NFL Draft. His drafting followed a standout college career at Penn State, where he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors.
3. Which colleges did Hunter Nourzad attend?
He began at Cornell University (2018–2021), starting 20 games at right tackle and earning All-Ivy League honors. He transferred to Penn State (2022–2023), transitioning to guard and later center, where he became a key starter.
4. What are Hunter Nourzad’s key physical attributes?
Nourzad is 6’3″, weighs 317 lbs, and has a wingspan of 79 3/8″. His combine measurements include 32 1/8″ arm length and 10 3/4″ hand size, contributing to his effectiveness in anchoring blocks and maintaining leverage.
5. What is Hunter Nourzad’s Madden NFL 25 rating?
In Madden NFL 25, Nourzad has a 66 overall rating. His standout attributes include 75 awareness, 83 strength, 93 injury resistance, and 71 run-blocking, reflecting his reliability and physicality as a rookie.
6. What strengths define Hunter Nourzad’s playing style?
Known for explosive lateral movement, strong base, and high football IQ, Nourzad excels in run-blocking and pass protection. His technical hand usage, power, and ability to recognize defensive schemes make him a versatile interior lineman.
7. How has Hunter Nourzad contributed to the Chiefs?
As a rookie, Nourzad appeared in 17 games during the 2024 season, primarily on special teams (18% snap participation) and limited offensive snaps (3%). His role is expected to grow as a depth option for Kansas City’s offensive line.
8. Did Hunter Nourzad receive any college accolades?
At Cornell, he was Ivy League Offensive Lineman of the Year (2021) and an FCS All-American. At Penn State, he earned second-team All-Big Ten (2023) and honorable mention All-Big Ten (2022) honors.
9. What was Hunter Nourzad’s high school background?
He attended The Walker School in Marietta, Georgia, serving as a two-time football captain and earning regional Lineman of the Year. He also competed in lacrosse and track, achieving all-region honors in shot put.
10. How did Hunter Nourzad perform at the NFL Combine?
At the 2024 Combine, Nourzad recorded 27 bench press reps and demonstrated agility with a 7.43-second three-cone drill. His testing reinforced his reputation as a strong, technically sound prospect capable of handling NFL demands.
