DeForest Buckner’s Massive Net Worth Revealed: How the Colts Star Defensive Tackle Built His Fortune and Career Earnings
If you’re a Colts fan, you already know DeForest Buckner anchors that defensive line. But did you realize just how much he’s stacked up since joining the league? DeForest Buckner’s net worth now sits at over $160 million, putting him among the top earners not just on the field, but in the bank as well DeForest Buckner’s net worth.
The University of Oregon produced a beast in Buckner, and he wasted no time making his mark in the NFL. He joined the Colts, inked some monster contract extensions, and put up big numbers season after season.
If you’re the type who loves breaking down contracts, bonuses, and yearly salary, there’s a lot to dig into when it comes to how Buckner built his fortune.
Find the best accommodations
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
Let’s check out a few of the key career numbers:
| Year | Team | Games Played | Sacks | Total Tackles | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Indianapolis Colts | – | – | – | $20,250,000 |
| Career | San Francisco, Colts | – | 39 | 342 | – |
Curious about how he turned his defensive skills into a fortune? You’re in the right place.
Contents
DeForest Buckner Net Worth Profile
When you look at Buckner’s career earnings, those major contracts, and his role with the Colts, you can’t help but notice his value. As a defensive tackle, Buckner stands out both financially and on the field.
Net Worth Estimate
Buckner’s net worth is estimated at around 160 million dollars. That’s a massive figure, built on years of NFL contracts, smart financial management, and reliable performance at the highest level.
Since joining the Colts in 2020, Buckner has quickly become one of the league’s most dependable—and best-paid—defensive tackles.
His net worth shows off the big contracts he’s signed with both the 49ers and the Colts. He came out of Oregon as a first-round pick and hasn’t looked back.
Year after year, his market value has climbed, thanks to his steady production and presence up front.
Sources of Income
Most of Buckner’s cash comes from NFL contracts and the bonuses that come with them. In April 2024, he locked in a two-year, $46 million extension with Indy, keeping him paid through 2026.
His salary mixes in guaranteed money, performance bonuses, and a hefty signing bonus.
He’s also picked up some sponsorships and endorsements. Sure, he’s not as flashy as a star quarterback, but brands still want to work with him—especially those looking to connect with NFL fans.
Playoff bonuses and league-wide awards add a little extra to his income. While we don’t know much about investments or business ventures, Buckner has a reputation for making smart financial moves and putting his family first.
Financial Impact as a Defensive Tackle
Buckner’s contracts put him right up there with the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league. His value isn’t just about numbers, but the numbers do tell a pretty compelling story.
He’s delivered every season, racking up sacks and tackles for the Colts.
Here’s a quick look at his recent stats:
| Season | Team | Sacks | Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Indianapolis Colts | 8 | 74 |
| 2023 | Indianapolis Colts | 7 | 81 |
| 2024 | Indianapolis Colts | 6 | 68 |
That’s the kind of production you want from your anchor in the middle. Buckner’s presence lifts the whole defense, and it’s easy to see why the Colts paid big to keep him around.
Current Contract and Career Earnings
DeForest Buckner leads the Colts’ defensive line and sits among the NFL’s highest-paid defensive tackles. His career contracts and off-field deals show just how much impact he’s had in the league—and with brands.
Current Indianapolis Colts Contract
On April 15, 2024, Buckner signed a two-year, $46 million extension with the Colts. That deal runs through 2026, and includes $18 million up front as a signing bonus, plus $53.25 million guaranteed.
That’s a contract structure that locks in Buckner’s future and gives the Colts defense a steady anchor.
Here’s a simple contract breakdown:
| Year | Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $20,250,000 | $9,000,000 | $29,250,000 |
| 2025 | $20,250,000 | $9,000,000 | $29,250,000 |
| 2026 | Roster Option | N/A | N/A |
He now stands among the league’s top earners at his position. Want the full breakdown? Check out his 2024 Colts contract for all the details.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Off the field, Buckner’s got some serious brand appeal. Back at Oregon, big companies already noticed him, and since he hit the NFL, he’s only become more valuable.
He’s teamed up with Nike—no surprise there—using his Pacific Islander background in special campaigns.
You’ll also spot him with local Indianapolis businesses, proving even defensive tackles can build a brand. He’s not splashed all over national ads like a quarterback, but his steady profile draws in endorsement income year after year.
Some of the highlights:
- Nike athletic apparel deals
- Local car dealership partnerships
- Football camp and clinic appearances
- Gear and supplement brand collaborations
Career NFL Earnings
Since going seventh overall in 2016, Buckner has built a serious fortune. His rookie deal with the 49ers gave him a solid start, but things really took off when he landed in Indianapolis.
Here’s a quick look:
| Team | Approximate Earnings |
|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | $18 million (2016–2019) |
| Indianapolis Colts | $90 million+ (2020–2025) |
He’s closing in on $110 million in career NFL earnings, which puts him right up there with the best-paid defensive tackles of his generation.
With his current contract and endorsements, you can bet his net worth will keep climbing as he keeps suiting up.
Indianapolis Colts Role and Impact
Since coming over from San Francisco, DeForest Buckner has become the heartbeat of the Colts defense. As a defensive tackle, he brings consistency, leadership, and a knack for making plays—on and off the field.
Defensive Leadership
Buckner leads by example for the Colts defense. His experience, work ethic, and presence in the locker room sets the tone for younger guys.
After his days at Oregon, Buckner arrived in the NFL with a level of discipline and knowledge you just don’t see every day.
He’s a vocal leader, too. On the field, Buckner keeps defensive assignments straight and makes sure everyone’s on the same page.
Coaches and teammates talk about his ability to motivate and hold people accountable. He doesn’t just talk the talk—he brings it every practice and every game.
Young defensive linemen look to him for guidance, whether it’s reading offenses or adapting to new schemes. That mix of skill and character has made Buckner a cornerstone of the Colts’ defensive unit.
Key Stats and Sacks
If you want to see Buckner’s impact, just check the stats. Since landing in Indy, he’s averaged 6 to 9 sacks per year—big-time numbers for an interior lineman.
In 2021, he made the Pro Bowl with 68 tackles and 7 sacks.
Here’s a quick stat rundown:
| Season | Games Played | Sacks | Tackles | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 15 | 9.5 | 58 | 2 |
| 2021 | 17 | 7 | 68 | 1 |
| 2022 | 17 | 8 | 74 | 2 |
| 2023 | 16 | 8.5 | 81 | 2 |
As of 2025, Buckner stays in the conversation among the NFL’s top defensive tackles. He combines size, speed, and powerful hands to disrupt plays in the backfield.
It’s not always a glamorous position, but Buckner pressures quarterbacks with the best of them. For more details, check out this profile on Buckner’s time with the Colts.
Team Achievements During Tenure
Since Buckner joined the Colts, the defense has climbed near the top of the league in rushing yards allowed and total sacks. His arrival in 2020 really toughened up the defensive front.
With Buckner anchoring the line, the Colts made it back to the playoffs in 2020. The team built a reputation for being hard to run against, thanks to Buckner and Grover Stewart clogging up the middle.
That strength up front gives the defense a solid foundation, making things easier for linebackers and defensive backs.
Buckner’s presence raises the play of everyone around him. The Colts’ front seven is now one of the strongest in the NFL, with Buckner often drawing double-teams.
That frees up his teammates to chase down ball carriers and pressure quarterbacks, and it’s a big part of the team’s steady defensive production—just check out this piece on interior defensive toughness.
NFL Career Journey
DeForest Buckner’s name keeps coming up when you talk about dominant NFL defensive tackles. He’s had big moments with both the 49ers and the Colts, and his story shows how talent and relentless effort pay off on the field.
San Francisco 49ers Years
DeForest Buckner made his NFL entrance after a strong run at the University of Oregon. The San Francisco 49ers grabbed him with the seventh pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
He jumped right into the starting lineup. Fans quickly noticed his size and knack for blowing up offensive plays.
Over his four years in San Francisco, Buckner made his mark with durability and steady play. He barely missed a snap and in 2018, he racked up a career-best 12 sacks.
His tackles and leadership turned him into the anchor of that defensive front.
Here’s a quick look at his 49ers stats:
| Season | Games | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2019 | 63 | 263 | 28.5 | 3 |
In 2019, Buckner picked up Second-Team All-Pro honors. He played a huge part in that Super Bowl LIV run before his time with the team ended.
Trade to Indianapolis Colts
The 49ers shipped Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts in early 2020. Indianapolis gave up the 13th overall pick, which really shows how much they wanted him.
Buckner then signed a four-year, $84 million extension—one of the biggest deals for a defensive tackle at that moment.
Since he landed in Indy, Buckner has locked down the middle of the Colts’ defensive line. He’s stacked up big numbers in sacks and tackles, and he’s made multiple Pro Bowls.
He’s that guy who collapses the pocket and keeps quarterbacks on edge. The Colts trust him up front, and it shows.
They doubled down on him with a recent two-year, $46 million extension. That’s a real sign of long-term faith.
If you want the nitty-gritty on his contract, check out his NFL contracts and salaries profile.
Notable NFL Draft Background
Buckner’s NFL journey started with a lot of hype out of Oregon. In college, he became a consensus All-American, and everyone talked about his size, football IQ, and motor.
The 49ers used the seventh pick in the 2016 NFL Draft on him. That’s a serious investment in a defensive tackle.
Scouts loved his ability to rush the passer and stuff the run. They praised his work ethic and flexibility, and most experts predicted he’d thrive in the NFL.
He’s lived up to that draft day excitement, showing up every year with professionalism and production. If you’re curious about his path, here’s a timeline of his career highlights.
Personal Background and Off-Field Interests
Buckner isn’t just a force for the Colts—he’s got a story that stretches from Hawaii to the NFL. His discipline, family values, and love for giving back really stand out.
Early Life and Education
Did you know Buckner grew up in Waianae, Hawaii? Life on Oahu’s west coast shaped how he sees competition and community.
He went to Punahou School in Honolulu, a place famous for producing top athletes and leaders.
At Oregon, Buckner became a star for the Oregon Ducks. In his senior year, he won Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Here’s a quick look at his college highlights:
| Season | Games Played | Tackles | Sacks | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 13 | 83 | 10.5 | Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year |
| 2014 | 15 | 81 | 4.0 | All-Pac-12 Second Team |
His discipline and leadership were obvious, and that set him up for the pros.
Family and Personal Life
Family means everything to Buckner. His dad, George, is African American, and his mom, Maria, is Samoan.
He grew up learning the importance of culture and respect from both sides. Now, he’s married with kids and sometimes shares those family moments with fans.
Buckner often says he owes his success to his loved ones. When he’s off the field, he spends as much time as possible with his wife and children.
Faith plays a big role in his life, guiding his choices every day. Even as his career has taken him from Oregon to San Francisco to Indianapolis, his family’s stayed tight-knit.
Community Involvement
Buckner’s reputation for giving back is well-earned. He supports youth, education, and health causes in both Indiana and Hawaii.
You’ll find him at local events, especially during the offseason.
He’s hosted football camps for kids and donated to schools that need help. He also backs health charities, using his platform to boost fundraising.
His Hawaiian roots keep him passionate about helping the next generation. He stays involved, always looking for ways to make a difference, as Collegenetworth.com notes.
Career Achievements and Recognition
DeForest Buckner’s rise in the NFL comes from steady production and some big-time honors. As the Colts’ defensive tackle, he’s earned respect for leadership, reliability, and his impact up front.
NFL Awards and Honors
Buckner has won over fans and peers with clutch plays and consistency. In 2020, he finished as a finalist for NFL Defensive Player of the Year after a monster season.
He’s picked up AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors more than once. The Colts’ defense leans on him as a captain and leader.
He rarely misses a game, which is impressive for such a physical position. That kind of durability is something you just don’t see every day.
Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selections
Buckner made his first Pro Bowl in 2018 with the 49ers. He added another Pro Bowl nod with the Colts in 2021.
His First-Team All-Pro selection in 2020 really put him in elite company among defensive tackles.
Here’s a quick snapshot of those big-time honors:
| Year | Team | Honor |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | San Francisco 49ers | Pro Bowl |
| 2020 | Indianapolis Colts | First-Team All-Pro |
| 2021 | Indianapolis Colts | Pro Bowl |
These awards show how coaches, teammates, and the media view Buckner—as one of the best in the business, year in and year out.
Playoff Performances
Let’s talk about Buckner’s playoff moments—because, honestly, you can’t really appreciate his career without them.
Back in the 2019 season, Buckner played a massive role for the 49ers as they charged toward Super Bowl LIV.
He racked up 1.5 sacks in the Super Bowl. That’s not a small thing—he was one of the main reasons the 49ers’ defense looked so tough all postseason.
Then he moved on to the Colts and, wouldn’t you know it, he helped push them into the 2020 playoffs.
Buckner tallied 3 sacks and 10 tackles that postseason. The guy just shows up when it matters most.
If you want to dig into all his playoff stats and see the full picture, check out his career timeline and achievements.
