Antowain Smith at a Glance
- Net Worth: $5 Million
- Birthdate: March 14, 1972
- Birthplace: Millbrook, Alabama, United States
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Former NFL Running Back
What is Antowain Smith’s Net Worth?
Antowain Smith has a net worth of $5 million. His financial standing stems primarily from his nine-year career in the National Football League, where he played as a power running back for four different franchises. Smith secured his largest financial windfalls through his tenure with the Buffalo Bills as a first-round draft pick and his successful stint with the New England Patriots, where he served as the starting running back for two Super Bowl-winning teams.
The bulk of Smith’s lifetime earnings came from player contracts, signing bonuses, and performance incentives. After entering the league as the 23rd overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, he commanded a lucrative rookie contract consistent with first-round selections of that era. His financial profile grew significantly during the early 2000s when he signed a multi-year extension with New England following a breakout season that helped deliver the franchise’s first championship. Beyond his player salary, Smith earned additional income through playoff bonuses and the NFL’s post-career benefits, including pension and annuity plans available to vested veterans.
Rookie Contract
Smith’s entry into the NFL brought immediate financial success. Selected 23rd overall by the Buffalo Bills in 1997, he signed a five-year rookie contract valued at approximately $5.8 million. This deal included a substantial signing bonus and guaranteed money that set the foundation for his long-term wealth. As a rookie, Smith justified this investment by rushing for 840 yards and eight touchdowns, cementing his role as the team’s primary back and ensuring he met performance escalators early in his career.
After leaving Buffalo, Smith joined the New England Patriots in 2001 on a modest one-year “prove-it” deal. This calculated risk paid off immensely. Following a season where he rushed for 1,157 yards and helped the team win Super Bowl XXXVI, the Patriots rewarded him with a five-year contract extension worth $21 million in 2002. This agreement included a $5 million signing bonus, the largest single payout of his career. While he did not play out the full length of this contract, the upfront money and subsequent salaries during the Patriots’ dynastic run significantly boosted his net worth.
Early Life
Antowain Drurell Smith was born on March 14, 1972, in Millbrook, Alabama. He attended Stanhope Elmore High School, where he displayed athletic promise but did not immediately transition to Division I college football. Unlike many NFL stars who follow a direct path to the pros, Smith worked in a local factory for two years after high school to support himself and his family.
Determined to return to football, he enrolled at East Mississippi Community College. His dominance at the junior college level earned him JUCO All-American honors and caught the attention of major programs. Smith eventually transferred to the University of Houston, where he revitalized the Cougars’ rushing attack. During his senior season in 1996, he was named the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year, a distinction that propelled him into the first round of the NFL Draft.
Career
Antowain Smith began his professional journey with the Buffalo Bills in 1997. He made an immediate impact, leading the team in rushing as a rookie and forming a core part of the offense alongside quarterback Doug Flutie in subsequent years. His physical running style, characterized by his ability to run between the tackles, made him a fan favorite in Buffalo. He recorded 1,124 rushing yards in his second season, establishing himself as one of the league’s reliable power backs. However, injuries and inconsistencies led to his departure from Buffalo after the 2000 season.
Smith signed with the New England Patriots in 2001, a move that defined his legacy. Head coach Bill Belichick utilized Smith as the “bell cow” back to balance the developing passing game led by Tom Brady. Smith rushed for 1,157 yards and 12 touchdowns that season. His contributions were pivotal in the playoffs, particularly in Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams, where his steady rushing helped control the clock and secure the upset victory.
He remained a key contributor for the Patriots through the 2003 season. Although his yardage totals dipped, he remained the team’s primary option in short-yardage situations and playoffs. In Super Bowl XXXVIII against the Carolina Panthers, Smith scored a rushing touchdown and rushed for 83 yards, helping New England capture its second Lombardi Trophy in three years. The Patriots released him following that championship season due to salary cap management and roster evolution.
Smith spent the final years of his career in short stints with the Tennessee Titans in 2004 and the New Orleans Saints in 2005. He continued to serve as a rotational back, providing veteran leadership and physical depth. He signed with the Houston Texans in the 2006 offseason but was released before the regular season began, marking the end of his nine-year NFL tenure. He retired with 6,881 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns.
Salary & Career Earnings Chart
| 1997 – Buffalo Bills (Signing Bonus & Salary) | $2,000,000 |
| 1998 – Buffalo Bills (Base Salary) | $800,000 |
| 1999 – Buffalo Bills (Base Salary) | $1,000,000 |
| 2000 – Buffalo Bills (Base Salary) | $1,200,000 |
| 2001 – New England Patriots (Salary & Incentives) | $1,000,000 |
| 2002 – New England Patriots (Signing Bonus) | $5,000,000 |
| 2002 – New England Patriots (Base Salary) | $1,500,000 |
| 2003 – New England Patriots (Base Salary) | $2,200,000 |
| 2004 – Tennessee Titans (Base Salary) | $760,000 |
| 2005 – New Orleans Saints (Base Salary) | $800,000 |
| Total Career Earnings | $16,260,000 |
Personal Life
Antowain Smith maintains a private life following his retirement from professional football. He resides in the southern United States, returning to his roots after his playing days concluded. Throughout his career, Smith was known for his quiet demeanor and work ethic, traits that traced back to his days working in an Alabama factory before attending college. He has participated in various alumni events for the New England Patriots and remains a celebrated figure in the franchise’s history for his role in launching their dynasty.
