Mike Pennel Jr., often referred to by fans and teammates as “Big Mike,” is the definition of an NFL survivor and a crucial piece of championship puzzles.
A journeyman defensive tackle known for his immense size and run-stuffing ability, Pennel has carved out a decade-long career that includes two Super Bowl rings with the Kansas City Chiefs. As of late 2025, he continues to grind in the league, bringing veteran leadership to the Cincinnati Bengals.
In this article, you will know Mike Pennel’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship details, and the inspiring story of his resilience.
Mike Pennel’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Pennel Jr. |
| Date of Birth | May 9, 1991 |
| Age | 34 |
| Birthplace | Topeka, Kansas |
| Education | Scottsdale CC, Arizona State, CSU-Pueblo |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 332 lbs (151 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2014 (Undrafted Free Agent) |
| Current Team | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Net Worth | $5 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | ~$15 Million (Estimated) |
| Partner | Keely Hill |
| Children | Yes (Son and Daughter) |
| Instagram Profile | @kingpenneljr |
Early Career
Mike Pennel’s path to the NFL was anything but a straight line. Born in Topeka, Kansas, and raised in Colorado, his biggest battle started long before football; at age two, he was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor, a rare kidney cancer. He survived, but that resilience would be tested again in his football career.
Pennel started his collegiate journey at Scottsdale Community College, where his size immediately drew attention. He transferred to Arizona State University (ASU) in 2012 but faced setbacks, including a suspension that led to his departure. Determined to keep his dream alive, he transferred to Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo), a Division II school.
There, he dominated the competition, anchoring a defense that helped the team maintain a perfect regular-season record. Despite his small-school status, his massive 330-pound frame and raw power caught the eyes of NFL scouts, leading the Green Bay Packers to sign him as an undrafted free agent in 2014.
Professional Career
Pennel began his pro career with the Green Bay Packers, where he spent three seasons developing into a reliable rotational defensive tackle.
He eventually moved to the New York Jets in 2017, earning a lucrative three-year contract extension, though the team declined his option after the 2018 season.
His career truly defined itself during his stints with the Kansas City Chiefs. He first joined them midway through the 2019 season. His impact was immediate; the Chiefs’ run defense improved drastically with “Big Mike” in the middle, culminating in a victory in Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers.
After brief stops with the Atlanta Falcons (2021) and Chicago Bears (2022), Pennel returned to Kansas City in late 2023. Once again, he proved to be a vital depth piece, helping the team secure another Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LVIII.
In 2025, the journey continued. After initially re-signing with the Chiefs in the offseason, he was released during final roster cuts in August.
However, his veteran presence was quickly scooped up by the Cincinnati Bengals in September 2025, where he joined the practice squad before being elevated to the active roster to shore up their defensive interior.
Mike Pennel’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Mike Pennel has an estimated net worth of $5 million. This wealth comes from over a decade of NFL contracts, savvy saving, and his longevity in a position where the average career span is often short.
Contract
For the 2025 season, Pennel’s contract situation was fluid. He initially signed a 1-year, $1.21 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2025, which included a modest signing bonus.
After his release in August, he signed a practice squad contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Practice squad veterans with his experience level typically earn around $16,000 to $20,000 per week, with game-check elevations increasing that amount significantly when he is on the active roster.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Estimated Cash Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | KC / CIN | ~$400,000 – $600,000 (Est.) |
| 2024 | KC | $1,210,000 |
| 2023 | KC | $1,165,000 |
| 2022 | CHI | $1,120,000 |
| 2021 | ATL | $990,000 |
| 2020 | KC | $1,050,000 |
| 2019 | KC | $2,000,000 |
| 2018 | NYJ | $3,000,000 |
| 2017 | NYJ | $3,500,000 |
| 2014-2016 | GB | ~$1,540,000 (Total) |
| Total | Career | ~$15 Million+ |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | CIN | Active | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2024 | KC | 17 | 25 | 10 | 3.0 |
| 2023 | KC | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0.0 |
| 2022 | CHI | 17 | 26 | 16 | 0.0 |
| 2021 | ATL | 10 | 21 | 9 | 0.0 |
| 2020 | KC | 14 | 29 | 13 | 0.0 |
| 2019 | KC | 8 | 24 | 13 | 1.0 |
| 2017-18 | NYJ | 32 | 62 | 36 | 0.0 |
| 2014-16 | GB | 37 | 40 | 28 | 1.0 |
| Total | Career | 145+ | 246+ | 131+ | 5.0 |
FAQs
1. How many Super Bowl rings does Mike Pennel have?
Mike Pennel has two Super Bowl rings, both won with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was part of the team that won Super Bowl LIV (2019 season) and Super Bowl LVIII (2023 season).
2. What team is Mike Pennel on?
After spending the offseason with the Chiefs, Mike Pennel joined the Cincinnati Bengals, initially on the practice squad before seeing active roster time.
3. What is Mike Pennel’s nickname?
He is widely known as “Big Mike” due to his imposing physical stature, standing 6’4″ and weighing over 330 pounds.
4. Did Mike Pennel have cancer?
Yes, Mike Pennel is a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor, a type of kidney cancer, when he was just two years old but made a full recovery.
5. What college did Mike Pennel go to?
Pennel had a unique college journey, attending Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University before finishing at CSU-Pueblo, a Division II school where he caught the attention of NFL scouts.
