Ka’Deem Carey has made a name for himself as one of the most dynamic running backs in professional football.
The 32-year-old Arizona native currently plays for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League and continues to showcase the explosive talent that made him a college football legend.
Ka’Deem Carey’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ka’Deem Carey |
| Date of Birth | October 30, 1992 |
| Age | 32 years old |
| Education | University of Arizona (2011-2013) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’9″ (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 215 lbs (97 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2014 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3-5 million |
| Career Earnings | $2.3 million (NFL) + ~$650,000 (CFL) |
| Wife | Missy |
| Instagram Profile | @carey25 |
| Twitter Profile | @Kcarey25 |
Early Career
Ka’Deem Carey’s football journey began in the halls of Canyon del Oro High School in Oro Valley, Arizona, where he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. As a junior, Carey rushed for an incredible 2,738 yards on 224 carries with 45 touchdowns, numbers that put him on the radar of college scouts across the nation.
His senior season saw him rush for 1,754 yards with 26 touchdowns, helping lead the Dorados to championship glory and cementing his status as one of Arizona’s premier high school talents.
The transition from high school to college proved seamless for Carey, who committed to the University of Arizona on February 2, 2011, in a ceremony at his high school gymnasium.
His mother Tisha and sister Nadi were by his side as he chose the Wildcats over Arizona State, a decision that would prove transformative for both Carey and the Arizona football program.
His recruitment was highly competitive, with major programs recognizing his unique combination of power, speed, and vision that made him such a dangerous weapon in the backfield.
Professional Career
Ka’Deem Carey’s professional football career began when the Chicago Bears selected him in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. His NFL tenure spanned three seasons from 2014 to 2016, during which he appeared in 37 games and accumulated 443 rushing yards on 111 carries with two touchdowns.
Despite showing flashes of his college brilliance, Carey struggled to find consistent opportunities in Chicago’s backfield, partly due to the team’s offensive struggles and coaching changes during his tenure.
After his NFL career concluded, Carey made the bold decision to continue his professional journey north of the border, signing with the Calgary Stampeders in 2018. This move proved to be career-defining, as the CFL’s wider field and more open style of play perfectly suited his skill set.
Carey won his first Grey Cup championship in 2018 and gradually worked his way into a featured role with the Stampeders. His breakout seasons came in 2021 and 2022, when he led the entire CFL in rushing yards with 869 and 1,088 yards respectively.
Wife
Ka’Deem Carey has been married to his wife Missy for several years, and their relationship has been a cornerstone of his personal life and professional success.
The couple met during Carey’s college years at the University of Arizona in 2011, and Missy has been a constant source of support throughout his football journey. She has stood by him through the challenges of his NFL career, his transition to the CFL, and the various moves that come with professional sports.
The Carey family includes four children who bring joy and motivation to the veteran running back’s life. His sons Kaison (10 years old), Kyon (7 years old), and Ka’Deem Jr. (3 years old) are joined by daughter Kiki (5 years old), creating a bustling household full of energy and laughter.
Carey frequently speaks about how his children inspire him to continue playing at the highest level, and they often attend his games to cheer him on from the stands.
Ka’Deem Carey’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Ka’Deem Carey’s net worth is estimated to be between $3-5 million, accumulated through his successful football career spanning both the NFL and CFL.
Contract
Carey’s current contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders was signed in June 2025 following his surprising release from the Toronto Argonauts. The deal represents a fresh start for the veteran running back with a team that values his championship experience and leadership qualities.
His previous contracts have consistently reflected his status as one of the CFL’s premier running backs, with his Toronto deal in 2024 worth approximately $130,000 in base salary plus performance incentives.
Salary
Carey has commanded salaries befitting his elite status at the position. His most lucrative CFL contract came with the Calgary Stampeders in 2022, when he signed a two-year extension worth $130,000 in hard money per season plus incentives, making him one of the highest-paid American running backs in the league at that time.
This contract was reportedly the largest for an American running back since Ricky Williams’ deal with Toronto in 2006, highlighting Carey’s market value and the respect he commands across the league.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Chicago Bears | $889,833 |
| 2015 | Chicago Bears | $535,453 |
| 2016 | Chicago Bears | $600,000 |
| 2017 | Chicago Bears | $273,529 |
| 2019 | Calgary Stampeders | ~$100,000 |
| 2021 | Calgary Stampeders | ~$130,000 |
| 2022 | Calgary Stampeders | ~$130,000 |
| 2023 | Calgary Stampeders | ~$130,000 |
| 2024 | Toronto Argonauts | ~$130,000 |
| 2025 | Saskatchewan Roughriders | N/A |
Career Stats
| Category | NFL (2014-2016) | CFL (2019-2025) | Career Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 37 | 63 | 100 |
| Rushing Attempts | 111 | 687 | 798 |
| Rushing Yards | 443 | 3,941 | 4,384 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 2 | 26 | 28 |
| Rushing Average | 4.0 | 5.7 | 5.5 |
| Receptions | 13 | 128 | 141 |
| Receiving Yards | 131 | 1,097 | 1,228 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Grey Cup Championships | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| All-Star Selections | 0 | 4 | 4 |
FAQs
1. What teams has Ka’Deem Carey played for in his professional career?
Ka’Deem Carey has played for four professional teams during his career. He started with the Chicago Bears in the NFL from 2014-2016, then moved to the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL from 2018-2023, followed by a championship season with the Toronto Argonauts, and currently plays for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
2. How many Grey Cup championships has Carey won?
Carey has won two Grey Cup championships during his CFL career. He won his first championship with the Calgary Stampeders in 2018 as a rookie, and his second with the Toronto Argonauts, where he contributed 79 rushing yards and one touchdown in the 41-24 victory over Winnipeg.
3. What college records does Ka’Deem Carey hold at Arizona?
Carey holds multiple Arizona Wildcats records including career rushing yards with 4,232 yards, single-season rushing yards with 1,929 yards set, and single-game rushing yards with 366 yards against Colorado. He was also a two-time consensus All-American and 2013 and won the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year award.
4. Why was Carey released by the Toronto Argonauts?
The Toronto Argonauts surprisingly released Carey during their final roster cuts in June 2025, despite his outstanding 2024 season where he rushed for 1,060 yards and helped the team win the Grey Cup. The specific reasons for his release were not publicly disclosed, but Carey described it as a “shock” and “heartbreaking” decision by the organization.
5. How many children does Ka’Deem Carey have?
Carey has four children with his wife Missy: three sons named Kaison (10 years old), Kyon (7 years old), and Ka’Deem Jr. (3 years old), plus one daughter named Kiki (5 years old). His family frequently attends his games, and Carey often speaks about how his children motivate him to continue his professional football career.
