Jonathon Brooks is a name you might have heard buzzing around the NFL, especially for fans of the Carolina Panthers. The young running back has faced ups and downs, but his story is one of resilience and promise.
In this article, you’ll get the full scoop on Jonathon Brooks—his personal life, early days, professional career, and what he means to the Panthers. You’ll also find out about his net worth, contract, salary, career earnings, endorsements, and stats.
Jonathon Brooks’ Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathon Brooks |
| Date of Birth | July 21, 2003 |
| Age | 21 |
| Education | Hallettsville High School, University of Texas at Austin |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’0” (183 cm) |
| Weight | 207 lbs (94 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 (Drafted by Carolina Panthers, 2nd round, 46th overall) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $8.4 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | 4-year, $8,417,082 contract; $4.91 million guaranteed |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Girlfriend: Baylea Brandon |
| Instagram Profile | @jonathonbrooks |
| Twitter Profile | @2brookss |
Early Career
Jonathon Brooks made his mark early in his hometown of Hallettsville, Texas, where football is more than just a game—it’s a way of life. His high school career was nothing short of spectacular.
Brooks rushed for an incredible 3,530 yards and scored 62 touchdowns in his senior year alone, earning him First-team All-State honors. The school honored his achievements by retiring his No. 25 jersey, a number also worn by his older brother Jordan.
Off the field, Brooks faced personal tragedy when he lost his father. This loss deeply affected him and his family, but it also fueled his determination to succeed and honor his father’s memory.
After high school, Brooks took his talents to the University of Texas, where he redshirted his first year and then played as a reserve before breaking out as a star running back.
Professional Career
Jonathon Brooks entered the NFL as the Carolina Panthers’ second-round pick in the 2024 draft. His journey to the pros was marked by both promise and setbacks. After a breakout college season in 2023 that saw him rush for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns, Brooks suffered a torn ACL late in the year.
Despite this, the Panthers saw his potential and drafted him, hoping he could recover and become a key player. His rookie season in the NFL was challenging.
Brooks returned from his injury but only managed to play in three games, totaling 22 rushing yards and 23 receiving yards before suffering another ACL tear. This setback means he will miss the entire 2025 season.
Still, Brooks’ agility, vision, and determination have kept him in the spotlight as a player with untapped potential. The Panthers are counting on him to make a strong comeback once he’s healthy.
Girlfriend
Jonathon Brooks is in a relationship with Baylea Brandon, a former college softball player who attended the University of Texas at Austin.
The couple met in a history class at UT Austin in 2022 and quickly became close. Baylea has been a strong source of support for Brooks, especially during his injury struggles and the loss of his father.
She has publicly shared heartfelt messages about their relationship and her admiration for Brooks’ resilience. There are no reports of children between the couple. Baylea played softball for both LSU and Texas, making her own mark in college athletics before graduating.
Jonathon Brooks’ Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Jonathon Brooks’ net worth is $8.4 million.
Contract
Jonathon Brooks signed a four-year, $8,417,082 contract with the Carolina Panthers after being drafted. The deal includes a $2,941,512 signing bonus and over $4.9 million guaranteed. This contract keeps him with the Panthers through the 2027 season, with free agency looming in 2028.
Salary
Brooks’ salary for the 2024 season was $795,000, boosted by his signing bonus. In 2025, his base salary jumps to $1,177,595, with a cap hit of $1,912,973. His earnings will increase each year, reaching $1,942,785 in the final year of his contract.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Carolina Panthers | $795,000 | $2,941,512 | $3,736,512 |
| 2025 | Carolina Panthers | $1,177,595 | — | $1,177,595 |
| 2026 | Carolina Panthers | $1,560,190 | — | $1,560,190 |
| 2027 | Carolina Panthers | $1,942,785 | — | $1,942,785 |
| Total | Carolina Panthers | $5,475,570 | $2,941,512 | $8,417,082 |
Endorsements
Jonathon Brooks has not yet landed major national endorsement deals, but he was active in college with several local partnerships. During his time at Texas, he had NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals with organizations like Ascension Seton, Austin YMCA, and Side by Side Kids.
These deals provided him with early exposure and experience in building his brand. As his NFL career progresses and he returns from injury, more endorsement opportunities are expected to come his way.
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing Avg | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Avg | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Carolina Panthers | 3 | 9 | 22 | 2.4 | 0 | 3 | 23 | 7.7 | 0 |
FAQs
1. How old is Jonathon Brooks and when was he born?
Jonathon Brooks is 21 years old. He was born on July 21, 2003, making him one of the youngest running backs currently in the NFL.
2. What is Jonathon Brooks’ net worth and contract value with the Carolina Panthers?
Jonathon Brooks’ net worth is estimated at $8.4 million, which matches the value of his four-year rookie contract with the Panthers. The deal includes $4.9 million guaranteed and a $2.94 million signing bonus.
3. What is Jonathon Brooks’ salary and how much has he earned so far in his NFL career?
Brooks earned $3.7 million, including his signing bonus. His base salary for 2025 is $1.17 million. By the end of his rookie deal, he will have earned over $8.4 million.
4. Who is Jonathon Brooks’ girlfriend and how did they meet?
Jonathon Brooks is dating Baylea Brandon, a former college softball player. They met in a history class at the University of Texas and have been together since.
5. What are Jonathon Brooks’ NFL career stats so far?
Jonathon Brooks played in three games, rushed nine times for 22 yards, and caught three passes for 23 yards. He has yet to score a touchdown in the NFL.
