Dominic Rhodes at a Glance
- Net Worth (2025): $3 Million
- Profession: Retired NFL Player (Running Back)
- Nationality: American
- Birthdate: January 17, 1979
- Birthplace: Waco, Texas
What is Dominic Rhodes’ Net Worth?
Dominic Rhodes has a net worth of $3 million. The former NFL running back built his wealth primarily through a decade-long professional football career, earning significant contracts with the Indianapolis Colts and the Oakland Raiders. Over the course of his time in the league, Rhodes generated approximately $9.9 million in total salary and signing bonuses.
His financial standing today reflects the retention of his career earnings, post-retirement lifestyle, and potential private investments. Unlike high-profile quarterbacks or wide receivers who secure massive endorsement portfolios, Rhodes’ wealth is derived almost exclusively from his on-field performance and contract negotiations during his active years from 2001 to 2011.
NFL Career Earnings
Rhodes’ journey from an undrafted free agent to a Super Bowl champion is mirrored in his financial progression. His initial entry into the NFL came with modest rookie earnings, but his production on the field led to more lucrative deals.
Indianapolis Colts (First Stint): Rhodes earned the bulk of his fortune with the Colts. His reliability as a rusher, particularly during the 2006 Super Bowl run, secured him consistent paychecks totaling over $7.2 million combined across his multiple stints with the team.
Oakland Raiders: In 2007, Rhodes capitalized on his Super Bowl success by signing a two-year deal with the Oakland Raiders. This contract paid him approximately $2.4 million for a single season of work, one of the highest annual payouts of his career.
Later Contracts: Toward the end of his career, he signed smaller, short-term deals with the Buffalo Bills and returned to the Colts, adding roughly $200,000 to $300,000 annually to his lifetime earnings.
Early Life
Dominic Dondrell Rhodes was born on January 17, 1979, in Waco, Texas. He grew up in a state where football is deeply ingrained in the culture. Rhodes attended Abilene Cooper High School, where he first displayed the athletic ability that would eventually take him to the professional level.
Despite his talent, his path to the NFL was unconventional. He began his collegiate career at Tyler Junior College before transferring to Midwestern State University, a Division II school. At Midwestern State, Rhodes was a dominant force, earning All-American honors and setting school records. In 2016, his collegiate legacy was cemented when he was inducted into the Midwestern State University Hall of Honor, recognizing him as one of the program’s most gifted athletes.
Career
Dominic Rhodes established himself as one of the most resilient running backs of his era. His career is defined by his ability to overcome the odds, transitioning from an overlooked prospect to a key contributor on a championship team.
Rhodes entered the NFL in 2001 as an undrafted free agent out of Midwestern State University. Signed by the Indianapolis Colts, he was initially viewed as a depth player. However, following a season-ending injury to starter Edgerrin James, Rhodes was thrust into the spotlight. He seized the opportunity, rushing for 1,104 yards, a record for an undrafted rookie at the time. This performance solidified his place in the league and proved he could handle a starting workload.
The pinnacle of Rhodes’ professional life came during the 2006 season. While splitting carries with rookie Joseph Addai, Rhodes played a critical role in the Colts’ offense. In Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears, he delivered a standout performance, rushing for 113 yards and a touchdown. His contribution was instrumental in securing the franchise’s first Super Bowl title in Indianapolis, earning him a permanent place in Colts history.
Following his championship success, Rhodes tested free agency and signed with the Oakland Raiders in 2007. His tenure in Oakland was brief, lasting only one season where he rushed for 302 yards. He subsequently returned to Indianapolis in 2008, resuming a productive role in the backfield.
His later career involved brief stints with the Buffalo Bills and time in the United Football League (UFL) with the Florida Tuskers and Virginia Destroyers. In the UFL, he continued to dominate, winning a league championship and earning Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2011.
Salary & Career Earnings Chart
| Year / Team / Earnings (Cash) | Details |
| 2001 (Indianapolis Colts) | $219,000 |
| 2002 (Indianapolis Colts) | $300,000 |
| 2003 (Indianapolis Colts) | $389,000 |
| 2004 (Indianapolis Colts) | $628,000 |
| 2005 (Indianapolis Colts) | $2,750,000 |
| 2006 (Indianapolis Colts) | $2,035,000 |
| 2007 (Oakland Raiders) | $2,441,118 |
| 2008 (Indianapolis Colts) | $645,000 |
| 2010 (Indianapolis Colts) | $310,882 |
| Total | ~$9,918,000 |
