Understanding C.J. Goodwin's Net Worth: A Comprehensive Overview of His NFL Earnings and Financial Success

C.J. Goodwin may not be a household name like Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes, but his journey in the NFL is a fascinating story worth exploring. Born as an undrafted free agent and now playing a pivotal role on the Dallas Cowboys’ roster, Goodwin has carved out a niche for himself as a reliable cornerback and special teams player.

Why is understanding athlete net worth important? It gives us insight into the financial side of sports, highlighting how athletes earn, manage, and sustain wealth throughout their playing careers and beyond. By breaking down C.J. Goodwin’s financial journey, we can better appreciate the challenges and successes that come with being a professional athlete.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	C.J. Goodwin
Date of Birth	February 4, 1990
Age	34 years old
Height	6 feet 3 inches (190 cm)
Weight	190 pounds (86 kg)
Position	Cornerback
College	University of California (PA)
NFL Debut	2014 (Undrafted Free Agent)
Current Team	Dallas Cowboys
Net Worth	$9,968,033
2024 Salary	$1,377,500
Contract Details	Base Salary: $1,210,000; Signing Bonus: $167,500

Table of Contents

Who is C.J. Goodwin?

C.J. Goodwin’s story is one of resilience and perseverance. From his humble beginnings to becoming a respected NFL player, his path is an inspiration for aspiring athletes.

Early Life and Background

C.J. Goodwin was born on February 4, 1990, in Wheeling, West Virginia, and grew up in nearby Bethlehem, West Virginia. He came from a modest family background, and much of his upbringing revolved around hard work and determination. Raised by his mother, Goodwin often credits her for instilling discipline and a strong work ethic in him.

He attended Linsly School, a private high school in Wheeling, where he began to showcase his athletic talent. While he excelled in sports, his football journey didn’t take off until later in his life.

College Career

Goodwin’s path to professional football was unconventional. He didn’t initially attend a Division I school, which is often the standard for NFL prospects. Instead, he began his college career at Bethany College, a Division III school in West Virginia, where he played basketball, not football.

However, his athleticism caught the attention of football coaches, and he eventually transferred to Fairmont State University, where he joined the football team. At Fairmont State, Goodwin showcased his potential as a wide receiver, earning modest stats but proving to be a versatile and determined player.

Despite his talent, Goodwin went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft, a reality faced by many athletes from smaller schools. However, his story was just beginning.

NFL Career Overview

C.J. Goodwin’s NFL career is a testament to persistence. Though his entry into the league was unconventional, he has managed to establish himself as a valuable player.

Entry into the NFL

Goodwin’s NFL journey began in 2014 when he was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent. Initially brought in as a wide receiver, the Steelers eventually converted him into a defensive back—a transition that would define his career. While his time with Pittsburgh was short-lived, it was the stepping stone he needed to prove himself.

Team History

Over the years, Goodwin has played for several NFL teams, including:

Pittsburgh Steelers: Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2014.
Atlanta Falcons: Joined in 2016, where he contributed primarily on special teams.
Arizona Cardinals: Spent a brief stint in 2018.
Dallas Cowboys: Signed in 2018, where he has become a cornerstone on special teams.

Goodwin’s role has evolved significantly throughout his career. His performance with the Dallas Cowboys has been particularly noteworthy, as he has become known for his contributions on special teams, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike.

Career Progression

Goodwin’s career highlights include:

Playing in Super Bowl LI with the Atlanta Falcons in their historic game against the New England Patriots.
Transitioning into a reliable special teams player, a role that has kept him in the league for several years.
Becoming a leader in the Dallas Cowboys’ locker room, known for his hard work and professionalism.

Through determination, Goodwin has built a career that many undrafted players aspire to achieve.

C.J. Goodwin’s Earnings Breakdown

Now, let’s dive into the numbers and explore how C.J. Goodwin has earned his wealth.

Contract Details

Over his career, Goodwin has signed multiple contracts, including:

2014: Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Steelers for a minimal salary.
2018: His first significant contract with the Dallas Cowboys, worth approximately $1.5 million.
2021: Signed a two-year, $3.5 million contract extension with the Cowboys, including a $1 million signing bonus.

Salary Progression

Here’s a breakdown of Goodwin’s estimated yearly earnings:

Year	Team	Base Salary	Signing Bonus	Total Earnings
2014	Pittsburgh Steelers	$420,000	$0	$420,000
2018	Dallas Cowboys	$775,000	$0	$775,000
2021	Dallas Cowboys	$1,400,000	$1,000,000	$2,400,000

Over the course of his career, Goodwin has earned approximately $9.9 million in total earnings.

Total Career Earnings

C.J. Goodwin’s total career earnings to date are estimated at $9,968,033, derived from his salaries, signing bonuses, and incentives. While this figure may seem modest compared to NFL stars, it’s a testament to his hard work and consistency in securing a spot in the league.