Are you a footy fan or just curious about AFL player earnings? You’re in the right place. In this article, you will know William Hayes’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Discover Hayes’s background, family, salary, contract, and what makes his journey in the AFL unique.
William Hayes’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Hayes |
| Date of Birth | 5 June 1995 |
| Age | 30 |
| Education | Melbourne Grammar, Deakin University |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 180cm |
| Weight | 68kg |
| Turned Pro | 2019 (AFL Debut) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $300,000 |
| Salary/Earnings | $123,900 |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
William Hayes started playing football at a young age while growing up in Victoria, Australia. He attended Melbourne Grammar School, where he developed his skills and stood out for his determination and strong work ethic.
Unlike many AFL players who are drafted straight out of the junior system, Hayes took a different path. After finishing school, he didn’t enter the AFL right away. Instead, he balanced university studies at Deakin University with playing in the VFL.
He played for the Footscray Football Club, the Western Bulldogs’ VFL affiliate, where his consistent performances eventually caught attention. Hayes showed patience and resilience, spending years proving himself before finally getting his chance to play at the elite level.
Professional Career
William Hayes made his AFL debut in 2019 after being selected by the Western Bulldogs with pick 78 in the 2018 National Draft. He quickly gained respect for his hard-running style and clean ball use across the half-back line.
In his debut season, Hayes played seven games, showing promise with his ability to provide rebound and composure under pressure. Injuries and strong competition for spots limited his appearances in 2020 and 2021, but he remained a key figure in the club’s VFL side.
In 2022, Carlton picked him up in the AFL Mid-Season Draft. He played two senior games for the Blues, bringing experience and energy to the side. Although his time at the top level was short, Hayes left his mark as a hard-working, team-first player valued both on and off the field.
William Hayes’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, William Hayes an estimated net worth of around $300,000. His income comes from football contracts, match payments, and work outside football.
Contract
Hayes’s AFL contracts often included base payments with match bonuses, typical for rookie and fringe players. His first deal with the Western Bulldogs matched the usual entry-level AFL contract, and his short stint at Carlton followed similar terms.
Salary
Hayes’s base AFL salary was close to league minimum since he filled a reserve and rookie role. He likely received approximately $123,900 for the season, not counting any bonuses or match payments. Earlier seasons in VFL or as a rookie would bring smaller sums, and work at Flemington is believed to supplement his yearly income.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club | Approx. Earnings (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Western Bulldogs | $80,000 |
| 2020 | Western Bulldogs | $90,000 |
| 2021 | Western Bulldogs | $95,000 |
| 2022 | Carlton | $123,900 |
| 2023–2025 | VFL/Other Work | Variable |
| Total | ~$389,000 |
Career Stats
| Year | Games | Goals | Disposals | Marks | Tackles | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 7 | 0 | 91 | 17 | 20 | Western Bulldogs |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 3 | 3 | Western Bulldogs |
| 2022 | 2 | 0 | 28 | 7 | 5 | Carlton |
| Total | 11 | 0 | 132 | 27 | 28 | (AFL Career) |
FAQs
1. Who is William Hayes in the NFL, and what has he achieved during his career?
William Hayes is a retired NFL defensive end who has played for the Tennessee Titans, St. Louis Rams, and Miami Dolphins. He has recorded 336 tackles, 37.5 sacks, one interception, and seven forced fumbles in his career. Hayes earned recognition as one of the top defensive linemen of his era and contributed to his teams with consistent performance on the field throughout his 11 seasons.
2. What educational background does William Hayes have?
Hayes attended Winston-Salem State University, where he played college football as a standout athlete. His strong performances in college led to his selection in the 2008 NFL Draft. He values the roots established at Winston-Salem State, which helped shape his professional football journey and discipline.
3. What is notable about William Hayes’s time with the Miami Dolphins?
During his time with the Miami Dolphins, Hayes played a significant role on defense, contributing both in tackles and sacks. Despite injuries, he continued to make an impact, including recording multiple sacks before a season-ending ACL injury. Hayes re-signed with the Dolphins for one-year contracts, showing the team’s trust in his skills and experience.
4. Has William Hayes made substantial career earnings, and what were some contract highlights?
Hayes earned nearly $30 million throughout his NFL career. His contracts included a $17.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams and a $4.05 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. His consistent performance secured him multiple multi-million dollar contracts across three NFL teams, reflecting his value as a reliable defensive player.
5. Where is William Hayes from, and what were his early years like?
Hayes grew up in High Point, North Carolina. He attended Winston-Salem State University, where he excelled on the football team before launching his NFL career. His roots in North Carolina and strong college record laid the foundation for his entry into professional football and shaped his work ethic on and off the field.
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