Kyle Monangai is quickly becoming a name to watch in the NFL. As a rookie running back for the Chicago Bears, he brings a mix of grit, determination, and underdog spirit that’s capturing attention.
In this article, you’ll get the full scoop on his net worth, career earnings, background, stats, and more. Whether you’re a Bears fan, fantasy football enthusiast, or just love a good comeback story, Monangai’s journey from Rutgers standout to NFL hopeful is packed with surprises.
Kyle Monangai’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kyle Monangai |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 2002 |
| Age | 23 years |
| Education | Rutgers Business School (B.A. in Supply Chain Management & Marketing Sciences) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’8″ |
| Weight | 211 lbs |
| Turned Pro | 2025 (Drafted by Chicago Bears, Round 7, Pick 233) |
| Net Worth | ~$1 million |
| Salary | $968,140 (base + signing bonus) |
| Relationship | N/A |
| Instagram/Twitter | N/A |
Early Career
Kyle Monangai’s football journey kicked off in Roseland, New Jersey, where he first made waves at Seton Hall Preparatory School. His talent quickly outgrew the local scene, prompting a transfer to powerhouse Don Bosco Preparatory High School. There, Monangai exploded onto the radar of college scouts during his senior year.
He bulldozed defenses for over 900 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 400 receiving yards and 5 more scores through the air. This dominant performance didn’t just fill highlight reels—it earned him a scholarship to Rutgers University.
At Rutgers, Monangai faced fierce competition in a stacked backfield. He spent his freshman year learning the ropes, seeing minimal action while adapting to Big Ten football. But his patience and relentless work ethic paid off.
By his sophomore season, he carved out a role as a reliable short-yardage specialist, showcasing the tough, north-south running style that would later define his game. These early years weren’t glamorous, but they forged the resilience that propelled him toward a record-breaking college career.
Professional Career
Kyle Monangai’s leap to the NFL began when the Chicago Bears selected him with the 233rd pick in the 2025 draft. As a seventh-rounder, he entered a crowded backfield featuring established names like D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. But Monangai wasted no time making an impression.
During offseason workouts and minicamp, his relentless work ethic and sharp football IQ caught the attention of running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, who praised his “pro-ready mindset” and attention to detail. Monangai’s physical, low-to-ground running style—reminiscent of fellow Rutgers alum Isiah Pacheco—gives him an edge in short-yardage situations.
His college tape reveals elite ball security (zero fumbles on 676 touches) and underrated pass-blocking ability. While he’s unlikely to start Week 1, Monangai is positioned as a potential change-of-pace back and special teams contributor. His path mirrors late-round success stories, relying on toughness and reliability to carve out a role in Chicago’s evolving offense.
Kyle Monangai’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Monangai’s estimated net worth is $1 million.
Contract
Kyle Monangai signed a 4-year, $4,328,140 rookie contract with the Chicago Bears after being drafted 233rd overall in 2025. The deal includes a $128,140 signing bonus, fully guaranteed at signing, and averages $1,082,035 annually.
His base salary escalates yearly: starting at $840,000 in 2025, rising to $1,005,000 in 2026, $1,120,000 in 2027, and $1,235,000 in 2028. For the 2025 season, Monangai carries a cap hit of $872,035 (just 0.31% of Chicago’s cap), with a dead-cap value of $128,140 if released early.
The contract runs through 2028, after which he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2029. This cost-controlled structure gives the Bears flexibility while offering Monangai long-term security as he competes for a roster spot.
Salary
For the 2025 season, Kyle Monangai will earn a base salary of $840,000 and a signing bonus of $128,140, resulting in total cash earnings of $968,140. This structure is part of his four-year rookie contract with the Chicago Bears, valued at $4,328,140 overall.
The deal guarantees $128,140 at signing and averages $1,082,035 annually. His salary escalates in subsequent seasons: $1,005,000 in 2026, $1,120,000 in 2027, and $1,235,000 in 2028. Monangai’s 2025 cap hit is $872,035 (0.31% of the Bears’ cap), reflecting efficient financial planning for a late-round pick.
Career Earnings
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $840,000 | $128,140 | $968,140 |
| 2026 | $1,005,000 | – | $1,005,000 |
| 2027 | $1,120,000 | – | $1,120,000 |
| 2028 | $1,235,000 | – | $1,235,000 |
Career Stats
| Season | Games | Rushing Attempts | Yards | Avg | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 |
| 2021 | 11 | 62 | 236 | 3.8 | 4 |
| 2022 | 12 | 109 | 445 | 4.1 | 2 |
| 2023 | 13 | 242 | 1,262 | 5.2 | 8 |
| 2024 | 11 | 256 | 1,279 | 5.0 | 13 |
| Career | 52 | 669 | 3,222 | 4.8 | 27 |
FAQs
1. What makes Kyle Monangai a standout rookie for the Bears?
Monangai’s college production—like leading the Big Ten in rushing and zero fumbles on 676 carries showcase his reliability. Coaches highlight his physical running style and pass-blocking skills as assets for Chicago’s backfield.
2. How does Monangai’s contract impact the Bears’ salary cap?
His 2025 cap hit is $872,035, just 0.31% of the Bears’ cap. The team faces minimal financial risk while gaining a potential high-value contributor on a cost-controlled deal.
3. What are Monangai’s strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths include contact balance, vision, and ball security. Concerns involve limited breakaway speed and inconsistent pass-protection technique. His compact frame helps him absorb hits but limits open-field elusiveness.
4. Could Monangai become the Bears’ starting running back?
He’s competing with D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. Coaches praise his minicamp performance, but his role hinges on training camp. If he excels, a Montgomery-like workload is possible.
5. How does Monangai compare to other Rutgers NFL running backs?
Like Isiah Pacheco, he’s a late-round Rutgers product with a physical style. Monangai’s college stats surpass Pacheco’s, but his NFL success will depend on opportunity and adaptation.
