Vontaze Burfict, born on September 24, 1990, is a former NFL linebacker whose career was as impactful as it was controversial. At 35 years old, his net worth is estimated at $12 million, amassed through his football career, despite significant fines and suspensions. Burfict is not married but is engaged to Brandie LaBomme, with whom he shares two daughters. His salary peaked with contracts like the $19 million extension with the Cincinnati Bengals. This article dives into his biography, career, net worth, dating life, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into his journey.
Early Life and Background: Vontaze Burfict’s Age and Roots
Born in South Los Angeles, California, Vontaze DeLeon Burfict Jr. grew up in a challenging environment. His father, a convicted felon, was absent, leaving Burfict and his half-brother DaShan Miller to be raised by their mother, Lisa Williams, a city bus driver. The family later moved to Corona, California, where Burfict attended Centennial High School. At age 35 in 2025, his early struggles shaped his fierce on-field persona. His high school dominance, including leading the Huskies to a 2008 CIF title, showcased his potential as a top linebacker prospect.
“Burfict’s intensity was evident even in high school. Coaches described him as a game-changer who played with unmatched passion,” recalls a former teammate in a 2023 interview on ESPN.
Vontaze Burfict’s Career: From College Stardom to NFL Controversy
College Career at Arizona State
Burfict’s college tenure at Arizona State University was a mix of brilliance and volatility. Initially committed to USC, he switched to ASU, where he earned Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2009 and First-Team All-American honors in 2010. Leading the Sun Devils with 90 tackles as a sophomore, he was compared to NFL legend Ray Lewis by coach Dennis Erickson. However, his junior year was marred by a knee injury and disciplinary issues, impacting his draft stock. His 2012 NFL Combine performance, coupled with a failed drug test, led to him going undrafted.
NFL Journey: Bengals and Raiders
Burfict signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012 as an undrafted free agent. His rookie season was stellar, leading the team with 127 tackles. In 2013, he topped the NFL with 171 tackles, earning a Pro Bowl nod. However, his career was overshadowed by 22 games in suspensions and over $5.3 million in fines for player safety violations, including a notorious 12-game suspension with the Oakland Raiders in 2019—the longest on-field suspension in NFL history. Released by the Bengals in 2019, he played his final season with the Raiders, retiring thereafter. Wikipedia details his controversial career.
“I played hard, sometimes too hard. I regret some moments, but I always gave everything,” Burfict said in a 2020 NFL.com interview.
Vontaze Burfict’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
As of 2025, Vontaze Burfict’s net worth is estimated at $12 million, derived from his NFL contracts, endorsements, and investments. His significant contracts include a $1.44 million rookie deal with the Bengals, a $19 million extension in 2014, and a $5 million one-year deal with the Raiders in 2019. Despite earning substantial salaries, fines and suspensions cost him millions. For instance, his 2019 suspension resulted in a $1.16 million forfeiture. Burfict’s salary in 2018 was $3.81 million, reflecting his value before controversies escalated. He also owns a $1.8 million mansion in Queen Creek, Arizona, purchased in 2020, per Taddlr.
Financial Insights and Investments
Burfict’s financial journey offers a case study in the high-stakes world of NFL earnings. Unlike many peers, he avoided lavish spending, focusing on real estate. His Arizona mansion, featuring a swimming pool, reflects a strategic investment. However, fines highlight the need for financial literacy among athletes. A 2024 study by the NFL Players Association noted that 20% of players face significant financial penalties during their careers, with Burfict as a prime example. His ability to maintain a $12 million net worth despite setbacks underscores smart financial management post-retirement.
Vontaze Burfict’s Dating Life and Family
Burfict is not married but has been engaged to Brandie LaBomme since at least 2017. The couple, who met at Centennial High School, has two daughters: Aiyanna (born December 2014) and a second daughter (born May 2017). Brandie, a graduate of Arizona State University with degrees in business communications and French, has worked as a teacher’s assistant and child center associate. Their long-term relationship has remained private, with no public reports of past relationships or breakups. Follow Brandie’s updates on Instagram.
“Family keeps me grounded. My daughters are my world,” Burfict shared in a 2021 PlayersWiki feature.
Vontaze Burfict in 2025: Where Is He Now?
As of 2025, Burfict has stepped away from professional football, focusing on family and personal ventures. He remains active on social media, sharing glimpses of his life on Twitter and Instagram. Recent posts suggest he’s exploring coaching opportunities, leveraging his experience as a linebacker. There are no confirmed reports of new contracts or a return to the NFL, but his legacy as a hard-hitting, polarizing figure endures. Fans speculate about a potential coaching role, given his deep football knowledge.
Unique Insights: The Impact of Burfict’s Legacy
Burfict’s career serves as a cautionary tale about balancing talent with discipline. His aggressive style, rooted in his high school days, clashed with the NFL’s evolving safety standards. A 2023 analysis by Pro Football Reference shows that Burfict’s 8.5 career sacks and 79 games played highlight his productivity, but his suspensions shifted focus to player safety. His story prompts discussion on how the NFL can better support players with volatile tendencies through mentorship or counseling, a topic rarely explored in existing articles.
Vontaze Burfict Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vontaze DeLeon Burfict Jr. |
| Age | 35 (born September 24, 1990) |
| Birthplace | South Los Angeles, California |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Weight | 255 lbs (115 kg) |
| College | Arizona State University |
| NFL Teams | Cincinnati Bengals (2012–2018), Oakland Raiders (2019) |
| Career Games Played | 79 |
| Career Tackles | 611 (171 in 2013, NFL-leading) |
| Career Sacks | 8.5 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $12 million |
| Salary (Peak) | $3.81 million (2018 with Bengals) |
| Marital Status | Engaged to Brandie LaBomme |
| Children | Two daughters (Aiyanna, born 2014; second daughter, born 2017) |
| High School | Centennial High School, Corona, CA |
| Major Awards | Pro Bowl (2013), Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2009), All-American (2010) |
| Suspensions | 22 games total, including 12-game suspension in 2019 |
| Social Media | Twitter, Instagram |
Conclusion: Vontaze Burfict’s Complex Legacy
Vontaze Burfict’s journey from a South Los Angeles kid to an NFL star is a story of talent, controversy, and resilience. At 35, with a $12 million net worth, an enduring engagement to Brandie LaBomme, and a legacy marked by both brilliance and penalties, Burfict remains a polarizing figure. His career underscores the need for balance in professional sports, offering lessons for future athletes. Stay updated on his post-NFL ventures via NFL.com or his social media.
