Kyle Monangai is one of the most compelling underdog stories of the 2025 NFL rookie class.
After establishing himself as a legend at Rutgers with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Monangai defied expectations to carve out a significant role with the Chicago Bears in his first year.
Known for his “all-gas, no-brakes” running style and relentless work ethic, he has quickly become a fan favorite in the Windy City.
In this article, you will know Kyle Monangai’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Kyle Monangai’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kyle Monangai |
| Date of Birth | March 15, 2002 |
| Age | 23 |
| Education | Rutgers University |
| Nationality | American (Cameroonian descent) |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 210 lbs (95 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2025 (7th Round Pick) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 Million – $2 Million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $840,000 (2025 Salary) |
| Girlfriend | Private |
| Instagram Profile | @kylemonangai |
| Twitter Profile | @kylemonangai |
Early Career
Born and raised in Roseland, New Jersey, Kyle Monangai grew up in a family of Cameroonian immigrants who initially knew little about American football. He discovered the sport through his older brother, Kevin, who also played collegiately.
Kyle attended Don Bosco Preparatory High School, a powerhouse program in New Jersey, where he rushed for over 900 yards and scored 16 total touchdowns as a senior, earning attention from several schools despite being rated as a three-star recruit.
He committed to Rutgers University, choosing to stay close to home. Monangai’s college career was a slow burn that exploded into dominance. After limited action in his first two seasons, he broke out in 2023, rushing for 1,262 yards and becoming the first Scarlet Knight to lead the Big Ten in rushing.
He returned for his senior season in 2024 and proved it wasn’t a fluke, rushing for 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning First Team All-Big Ten honors and cementing his legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats alongside Ray Rice.
Professional Career
Despite his collegiate success, Monangai fell to the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 233rd overall pick. Critics questioned his size and long speed, but he quickly silenced doubters in training camp.
He entered his rookie season as the primary backup to D’Andre Swift but forced his way onto the field with his punishing running style and pass-protection skills.
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His rookie campaign in 2025 has been nothing short of impressive for a late-round pick. He scored his first NFL touchdown in Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints.
His breakout moment came in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he started in place of an injured Swift and rushed for 176 yards—the second-most by a rookie in Bears history.
By late 2025, Monangai had solidified himself as a key piece of the Bears’ offense, forming a dangerous “thunder and lightning” duo with Swift and helping the team push for a playoff spot.
Kyle Monangai’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Kyle Monangai has an estimated net worth between $1.5 million and $2 million. This wealth is a combination of his NFL earnings, a significant signing bonus, and the NIL money he accumulated during his star-studded final years at Rutgers.
Contract
Upon being drafted, Kyle Monangai signed a standard rookie contract with the Chicago Bears. The deal is a four-year contract worth approximately $4.33 million.
It includes a signing bonus of $128,140, which was paid upfront. The contract keeps him tied to the Bears through the 2028 season, offering the team incredible value for his production.
Salary
For the 2025 season, Monangai’s base salary is $840,000. This amount is fully guaranteed for the year as he made the active roster.
His salary is set to increase incrementally over the next three years, reaching over $1.2 million by the final year of his deal in 2028.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Chicago Bears | $840,000 | $128,140 | ~$968,140 |
| Total | ~$968,140 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Rushing Yards | Avg | TDs | Rec Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 (NCAA) | Rutgers | 13 | 1,262 | 5.2 | 8 | 78 |
| 2024 (NCAA) | Rutgers | 11 | 1,279 | 5.0 | 13 | 75 |
| 2025 (NFL) | Chicago Bears | 12* | 600+ | 4.8 | 4 | 150+ |
| NFL Career | Bears | 12* | 600+ | 4.8 | 4 | 150+ |
FAQs
1. Which NFL team drafted Kyle Monangai?
Kyle Monangai was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 7th round (233rd overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.
2. What is Kyle Monangai’s salary?
Kyle Monangai earns a base salary of $840,000 for his rookie season. He also received a signing bonus of roughly $128,140 when he signed his contract.
3. Did Kyle Monangai graduate from Rutgers?
Yes, Kyle Monangai played four full seasons at Rutgers (2020-2024) and graduated before entering the NFL. He left as one of the program’s all-time leading rushers.
4. Who are Kyle Monangai’s parents?
His parents are William and Gwendolyn Monangai. They are immigrants from Cameroon who settled in New Jersey. His mother, Gwendolyn, is frequently seen supporting him at games.
5. How fast is Kyle Monangai?
Kyle Monangai ran the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds. While not elite speed, his game is built on power, vision, and contact balance rather than pure sprinting ability.
