Chris Kluwe’s name has made headlines again, this time for his arrest at a Huntington Beach City Council meeting in February 2025. His crime? Speaking his mind—something he’s never shied away from. This time, it was about a library plaque with an acrostic spelling out “MAGA.”
Kluwe, a long-time advocate against far-right ideologies, took the floor, called out the movement as a “Nazi movement,” and then committed to peaceful civil disobedience. The council responded the only way they knew how—with handcuffs. Four hours in custody and a charge of disturbing an assembly later, Kluwe walked free, but not before proving once again that he’s willing to put himself on the line for what he believes in.
What Is Chris Kluwe’s Net Worth in 2025?
While his activism continues to make waves, his financial standing is a different story. Despite an eight-year career in the NFL, multiple books, and a post-football life filled with speaking engagements and writing gigs, Chris Kluwe’s net worth sits at around $3 million. That’s significantly less than many of his former NFL colleagues, and a fraction of what a punter could make in today’s market. So how did he get here?
Kluwe’s journey to financial stability started in 2005 when he went undrafted out of UCLA, only to sign a modest two-year contract worth $542,000 with the Seattle Seahawks. He never played a game for them. Instead, the Minnesota Vikings snatched him off waivers, launching his NFL career. In his first season, he punted 71 times, averaged 44.1 yards per kick, and earned a reputation as a solid, if unconventional, special teams player. By 2007, the Vikings saw enough value in him to hand him a six-year, $8.272 million contract extension, including a $1.7 million signing bonus. That contract remains the biggest payday of his career.
For the next several years, Chris Kluwe was a fixture in Minnesota, setting multiple franchise records, including highest career punting average (44.4 yards) and most punts inside the 20-yard line (198). But he also became known for something else—his outspokenness. Whether it was advocating for same-s*x marriage or calling out the NFL’s hypocrisy, Kluwe’s voice was loud and clear. And it may have cost him.
In 2013, the Vikings drafted Jeff Locke in the fifth round, effectively signaling the end of Chris Kluwe’s tenure. Less than two weeks later, they released him. He landed with the Oakland Raiders on a one-year, $840,000 deal, but before he could even play a regular-season game, they cut him too. By 2014, he was officially retired from football, claiming his activism had made him unemployable in the league. His career earnings? Just shy of $13.9 million.
That number may seem substantial, but compared to other NFL veterans, it’s modest. His largest single-season salary came in 2012, when he earned $1.35 million. And unlike quarterbacks or star receivers who land endorsement deals, punters don’t get the same off-field financial perks. Chris Kluwe’s earnings dwindled quickly after leaving football, and he shifted his focus to writing.
In 2013, he released Beautifully Unique Sparkleponies, a collection of essays blending sports, politics, and humor. While it received decent reviews, it wasn’t a blockbuster bestseller. He later published Otaku, a sci-fi novel set in the gaming world, and contributed to gaming and political commentary in various media outlets. But writing, even with occasional speaking engagements, doesn’t bring in NFL-level paychecks.
Civil Disobedience is often necessary. Thank you @ChrisKluwe pic.twitter.com/HrbTCAZpru
— Protect HB (@protect_hb) February 19, 2025
Chris Kluwe’s financial picture is further complicated by the lack of a second career in coaching or broadcasting, common routes for ex-players. Instead, he’s poured his energy into activism, often at the expense of commercial opportunities. His most recent arrest is just another example of his commitment to causes over cash. While $3 million is nothing to scoff at, it’s clear that Kluwe’s choices—both commendable and controversial—have played a role in keeping his net worth well below what many might expect from a former pro athlete. Still, given his history, it’s safe to say he wouldn’t have it any other way.
