Roger Staubach is not only a football legend but also a highly successful entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $600 million by 2025. His success stems from a combination of his NFL career and strategic real estate investments.
1. Who is Roger Staubach?
Roger Staubach is one of the greatest legends in American football, known by nicknames such as “Roger the Dodger,” “Captain America,” and “Captain Comeback.” Born on February 5, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, he left a lasting mark on National Football League (NFL) history by dedicating his entire 11-season career to the Dallas Cowboys.
Born into a Catholic family, Staubach was the only son of Elizabeth and Robert Staubach. He grew up in the suburban area of Silverton, Cincinnati, attending St. John the Evangelist Catholic School before graduating from Purcell High School in 1960.
In 1961, Staubach enrolled at the United States Naval Academy, where he began his football career as a quarterback. Before that, in preparation for his military journey, he spent a year at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell.
Staubach made his first appearance for the Midshipmen in 1962 against the University of Minnesota. His collegiate career peaked in the 1963 season when he won the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, and the Walter Camp Memorial Trophy, establishing himself as one of the most outstanding players of his era.
After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1965, Staubach fulfilled his military service and volunteered to serve in South Vietnam for a year (1966-1967) as a Supply Corps officer at the Chu Lai Naval Base.
Although he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 10th round of the 1964 NFL Draft, Staubach could not immediately join the team due to his four-year military commitment. That same year, he was also picked by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 16th round of the American Football League (AFL) Draft.
In 1969, after completing his military service, Staubach joined the Dallas Cowboys as a 27-year-old rookie. Initially, he faced challenges adjusting to the professional level but quickly proved his talent. In the 1971 season, he secured the starting quarterback position, leading the Cowboys to victory in Super Bowl VI in 1972, where he was named the game’s MVP.
Staubach continued to lead the Dallas Cowboys to two more Super Bowls, winning his second championship in 1977. However, he also suffered numerous injuries, particularly severe concussions. Due to health concerns, he decided to retire in 1979.
By the time he left the NFL, Staubach had the highest career passing completion percentage in league history. In 1985, he was officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a true legend.
Beyond football, Staubach achieved significant success in business. In 1977, he co-founded The Staubach Company, a commercial real estate firm. Initially focusing on office development, the company later expanded into consulting and tenant representation services. Staubach worked with major corporations such as AT&T, McDonald’s, and many other prominent brands.
2. Roger Staubach’s net worth in 2025
Roger Staubach’s estimated net worth in 2025 is approximately $600 million. His financial success is not solely attributed to his NFL career but also to his strategic investments in real estate, which he initiated while still an active player.
Staubach officially joined the NFL in 1969 with a starting salary of $25,000 per year. By the time he renegotiated his contract, his annual income had increased to $160,000. Although this was a substantial figure at the time, Staubach once admitted that it pales in comparison to the “massive” salaries of modern football players.
What set Staubach apart was his proactive approach to investment. Instead of waiting until retirement, he used his free time during his playing career to work as a real estate broker, gradually laying the foundation for his future business ventures.
In 1977, he founded The Staubach Company, a real estate firm. Leveraging his years of brokerage experience and keen business acumen, his company rapidly grew.
After retiring from football, Staubach devoted himself entirely to expanding the company. By 2008, The Staubach Company had established over 70 offices across North America with a workforce of 1,600 employees. That same year, he orchestrated a landmark deal—selling the company for $640 million, with payments distributed over the following years. This transaction significantly boosted his net worth, making him one of the wealthiest former athletes in the world.
Beyond real estate, Staubach diversified his investments. Alongside Troy Aikman, another Dallas Cowboys legend, he co-owned Hall of Fame Racing, a team competing in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.
Additionally, during the 1970s and 1980s, Staubach was the face of the men’s fashion brand Anderson Little, appearing in numerous print and television advertising campaigns.
3. Income sources contributing to Roger Staubach’s net worth
The Staubach Company
In 1977, Roger Staubach co-founded The Staubach Company, a firm specializing in commercial real estate. Under his leadership, the company quickly grew and became a trusted partner for major corporations such as AT&T, McDonald’s, K-Mart Corporation, Hospital Corporation of America, and leading financial institutions.
Beyond commercial real estate brokerage, The Staubach Company also invested in residential apartment complexes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, generating a steady and long-term income stream.
Partnership with Jones Lang LaSalle
Recognizing the potential for global market expansion, Staubach partnered with Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), a Chicago-based real estate firm and one of the world’s largest property management companies. This collaboration elevated The Staubach Company’s influence on the international stage.
In 2008, JLL acquired The Staubach Company for $640 million, a pivotal deal that significantly increased Staubach’s wealth. Following the sale, he continued to serve as the Executive Chairman of JLL’s Americas division for a decade before officially retiring in 2018.
Racing Hall of Fame
Staubach’s business ventures extended beyond real estate into the world of motorsports. Alongside his former Dallas Cowboys teammate Troy Aikman, he co-owned Hall of Fame Racing, a team competing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Investing in NASCAR not only diversified Staubach’s income sources but also showcased his sharp business instincts in the sports industry.
4. Is Roger Staubach the richest NFL player?
As of 2025, Roger Staubach is considered the richest living former NFL player, with an estimated net worth of around $600 million.
While Jerry Richardson—a former player turned businessman—once amassed a fortune of $2 billion, he passed away in 2023. As a result, Staubach now tops the list of the wealthiest former NFL players.
Staubach’s success is not solely attributed to his NFL career but also to his strategic real estate investments and smart business decisions. His story serves as proof that athletes can build a strong financial future beyond their playing days.
From a talented football player to a real estate mogul, Roger Staubach has demonstrated that success is not confined to the field. Through intelligent investment strategies, he has become one of the richest former NFL players in the world. His journey stands as a great inspiration for athletes looking to build lasting financial success after retirement.
