Nick Bolton has cemented his status as one of the NFL’s premier linebackers, serving as the defensive heart of the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty.
Known for his instinctive play, fierce tackling, and leadership, Bolton’s value to the team was solidified in 2025 with a lucrative contract extension. Beyond the gridiron, he is building a financial legacy through strategic earnings and community-focused endorsements.
In this article, you will know Nick Bolton’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Nick Bolton’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicholas Bolton |
| Date of Birth | March 10, 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Education | University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 237 lbs (108 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2021 (Drafted Round 2, Pick 58) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $15 Million – $20 Million |
| Salary | $15,000,000 (APY) |
| Girlfriend | Phanel Ellese |
| @nickbolton32 | |
| @_nickbolton2 |
Early Career
Nick Bolton’s journey to NFL stardom began in Frisco, Texas, where he was a standout athlete at Lone Star High School. His football IQ was cultivated early by his father, Carlos Bolton, who would review game film with him starting in elementary school.
This early education helped Nick develop the diagnostic skills that would later define his playing style. Despite being a highly productive high school player, he was a three-star recruit, eventually committing to the University of Missouri over other offers.
At Mizzou, Bolton quickly proved his doubters wrong. He became a starter in his sophomore year, earning First-Team All-SEC honors in both 2019 and 2020. His college career was marked by his relentless motor and ability to be around the ball on every play.
He finished his collegiate tenure with over 220 tackles in just three seasons, establishing himself as one of the best linebackers in the country. His leadership and production at Mizzou caught the eye of the Kansas City Chiefs, who selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft to anchor their defense.
Professional Career
Bolton’s impact in the NFL was immediate. As a rookie in 2021, he recorded over 110 tackles, showcasing a maturity well beyond his years. He became the full-time signal-caller for the defense in 2022, a season where he exploded onto the national scene with a franchise-record 180 tackles.
His signature moment came in Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he returned a fumble 36 yards for a touchdown, a play that swung the momentum in Kansas City’s favor and cemented his legacy as a big-game player.
By 2025, Bolton had evolved into an indispensable leader for the Chiefs’ defense. After overcoming injuries in the 2023 season, he bounced back with a dominant 2024 campaign, leading the team in tackles yet again.
His consistent high-level performance was rewarded in March 2025 when the Chiefs re-signed him to a massive three-year contract extension, ensuring he would remain the quarterback of their defense during his prime years.
His ability to diagnose plays, stop the run, and lead by example has made him a cornerstone of a defense that has complemented Patrick Mahomes’ offense in winning back-to-back Super Bowls.
Girlfriend
Nick Bolton is in a relationship with Phanel Ellese. While the couple keeps many details of their personal life private, Phanel has been a visible supporter of Nick during his biggest moments.
She was seen celebrating on the field with him after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII victory and has been a constant presence at games throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Phanel often shares supportive messages on social media, referring to Nick as her “MVP,” and the two have been spotted together at various team events and charitable functions.
Nick Bolton’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Nick Bolton’s net worth is estimated to be between $15 million and $20 million. This significant jump in wealth is largely due to his new contract extension, which included a massive signing bonus and guaranteed money that hit his bank account in 2025.
Contract
In March 2025, Nick Bolton signed a three-year, $45 million contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs. The deal includes $30 million in guaranteed money, ensuring his financial security regardless of injury.
The contract pays him an average annual value (AAV) of $15 million, making him one of the highest-paid off-ball linebackers in the NFL. The structure of the deal included a substantial $12.75 million signing bonus paid upfront.
Salary
For the 2025 season, Bolton’s compensation is structured to be salary-cap friendly for the team while putting cash in his pocket.
He earns a base salary of $2,000,000, but when combined with his prorated signing bonus and other guaranteed payments, his total cash earnings for the 2025 calendar year are approximately $15,000,000. This makes 2025 the most lucrative year of his career to date.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Cash Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Kansas City Chiefs | ~$15,000,000 |
| 2024 | Kansas City Chiefs | $3,116,000 |
| 2023 | Kansas City Chiefs | $1,190,368 |
| 2022 | Kansas City Chiefs | $925,184 |
| 2021 | Kansas City Chiefs | ~$1,300,000 (Inc. Rookie Bonus) |
| Total | Career Earnings | ~$21,531,000+ |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 400+ |
| Sacks | 5.0 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 1 (Super Bowl LVII Fumble Return) |
| Super Bowl Wins | 2 (LVII, LVIII) |
| Games Started | 50+ |
FAQs
1. What is Nick Bolton’s new contract worth?
Nick Bolton signed a three-year contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs worth $45 million, with $30 million fully guaranteed at signing.
2. Who is Nick Bolton’s girlfriend?
Nick Bolton is currently dating Phanel Ellese. She has been a supportive figure in his life, frequently attending Chiefs games and celebrating his Super Bowl victories with him on the field.
3. Did Nick Bolton score a touchdown in the Super Bowl?
Yes, Nick Bolton scored a memorable defensive touchdown in Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles. He scooped up a fumble by Jalen Hurts and returned it 36 yards for a score, a play pivotal to the Chiefs’ victory.
4. Where did Nick Bolton go to college?
Nick Bolton played college football at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), where he was a two-time First-Team All-SEC linebacker before being drafted by the Chiefs in 2021.
5. How much money did Nick Bolton donate to Mizzou?
In a remarkable act of generosity, Nick Bolton reportedly donated $5.4 million in 2025 to launch a (NIL) fund to support student-athletes at the University of Missouri.
