Rick Neuheisel Net Worth, Rick Neuheisel is a well-known figure in American college football—both as a former player, head coach, and now a sports analyst and media personality. Over the years, Neuheisel has worn many hats, transitioning from leading programs like UCLA and Washington to becoming a staple voice on CBS Sports. His rich experience in collegiate athletics, his engaging media presence, and his resilience through career ups and downs make him one of the more compelling personalities in American sports broadcasting today.
This article offers a comprehensive and original look at Rick Neuheisel’s net worth, his wife, salary, and background as might be found on Wikipedia, but with substantial detail and added value. It’s structured for maximum readability and optimized for SEO with a focus on authentic storytelling and deep reporting. Whether you’re a football enthusiast, a curious fan, or someone exploring sports careers, this is a helpful summary worth bookmarking.
Rick Neuheisel Net Worth Quick Bio
Field | Detail |
---|---|
Full Name | Richard Gerald “Rick” Neuheisel Jr. |
Profession | Football Coach, Analyst, Former Player |
Date of Birth | February 7, 1961 |
Age | 64 (as of 2025) |
Birthplace | Madison, Wisconsin, USA |
Nationality | American |
Education | UCLA (B.A.), USC Law School (attended) |
Marital Status | Married |
Wife | Susan Neuheisel |
Children | 3 sons (including Jerry Neuheisel) |
Employer | CBS Sports (current) |
Notable For | Coaching UCLA, Washington, Colorado |
Estimated Net Worth | $8 million (as of 2025) |
Annual Salary | Estimated $500,000 – $700,000 (media role) |
Early Life and Background
Rick Neuheisel was born on February 7, 1961, in Madison, Wisconsin, and raised in Tempe, Arizona. Coming from a middle-class background, he was the youngest of four siblings in a tight-knit, sports-loving family. His father, Richard Neuheisel Sr., played a pivotal role in encouraging athletic pursuits.
From an early age, Rick showed both leadership qualities and athletic prowess. He was a standout student-athlete at McClintock High School in Tempe, where he excelled as a quarterback. But Rick wasn’t just about football; he also took academics seriously, an approach that would follow him throughout his career.
His early years laid the foundation for a future that would combine sports, media, and leadership in unique and unexpected ways.
Education
After a successful high school career, Rick Neuheisel earned a football scholarship to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He played as a quarterback for the UCLA Bruins, famously leading the team to a win in the 1984 Rose Bowl, where he was named the game’s MVP.
Rick graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Post his collegiate playing days, he pursued a legal education and enrolled in the University of Southern California (USC) Law School. Though he never completed a law career, his brief stint in law school reflects his diverse interests and capability beyond sports.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Rick Neuheisel is 64 years old. Though no longer active on the field, he remains fit and active, frequently appearing in studio broadcasts and sports commentary shows.
Height: 6 feet 1 inch
Weight: Approx. 195 pounds
Hair Color: Light Brown / Graying
Eye Color: Blue
Build: Athletic, well-maintained
Style: Typically seen in business-casual or sports network attire
Rick’s youthful charisma and coach-like demeanor have allowed him to maintain a strong on-camera presence, even years after retiring from coaching.
His Father
Rick Neuheisel Sr., Rick’s father, was a significant influence on his life. A devout family man and high school football coach, the elder Neuheisel instilled in Rick a strong work ethic and passion for the game. He emphasized discipline, respect, and the value of education—traits that clearly reflect in Rick’s multifaceted career.
Rick has spoken fondly in interviews about his father’s role in shaping his identity, particularly during tough transitions in his coaching career.
His Mother
Rick Neuheisel’s mother played a quieter but equally pivotal role. She was known for being supportive and grounded, a homemaker who prioritized education, emotional well-being, and resilience in her children.
Rick has credited his mother for helping him stay humble despite success and for being the emotional rock of the family during turbulent times, including his high-profile coaching firings and transitions into media.
Children
Rick and his wife Susan Neuheisel have three sons: Jerry, Jack, and Joe. All three have participated in football to varying degrees, following in their father’s footsteps.
- Jerry Neuheisel, the most well-known of the three, played quarterback at UCLA and has since pursued a career in coaching. He’s been involved with various college programs, gaining respect for his own unique coaching insights.
- Jack and Joe Neuheisel have maintained lower profiles but remain active in the football community through coaching, training, or support roles.
The Neuheisel family has become something of a “football dynasty,” with Rick often expressing pride in seeing his sons involved in the sport he loves.
Who Is Rick Neuheisel?
Rick Neuheisel is a former college football quarterback, head coach, and current sports analyst. He played quarterback at UCLA and in the USFL (for the San Antonio Gunslingers), before transitioning into coaching and later broadcasting.
He has held head coaching positions at:
- University of Colorado Boulder (1995–1998)
- University of Washington (1999–2002)
- UCLA (2008–2011)
Known for his upbeat personality, Rick also brought musical talent into the spotlight—he is an accomplished guitarist and singer, sometimes performing humorous or inspirational songs on sports broadcasts. His appearances on CBS Sports HQ and SiriusXM’s College Sports Nation have made him a beloved voice among college football fans.
Career Timeline and Highlights
- 1984 – Leads UCLA to a Rose Bowl win as quarterback
- Mid-1980s – Plays briefly in the USFL
- 1994–1998 – Becomes head coach at Colorado; wins Big 12 Coach of the Year
- 1999–2002 – Head coach at Washington; high-profile firing over NCAA infractions
- 2008–2011 – Head coach at UCLA; mixed results lead to dismissal
- 2012–Present – Joins CBS Sports as an analyst and studio host
- 2010s–2020s – Frequent appearances on SiriusXM, podcasts, and football forums
Current Life
As of 2025, Rick Neuheisel is a college football analyst for CBS Sports, appearing on College Football Today, Inside College Football, and related programs. His insights draw from personal coaching experience and an articulate understanding of game strategy.
He splits his time between television studios, live sports events, and family engagements. Rick has also participated in motivational speaking events and continues to enjoy music—sometimes performing guitar on-air or at charity events.
He is also involved with several youth football initiatives and makes regular appearances at alumni events for UCLA and other schools.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Rick Neuheisel’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. This wealth has been accumulated from decades of work across multiple sectors: professional playing, coaching, and media.
Income Sources:
- CBS Sports Analyst Salary: Estimated between $500,000 and $700,000 annually
- Previous Coaching Contracts (Buyouts + Salaries): Estimated over $10 million in career total
- Speaking Engagements and Endorsements: Estimated $50,000–$100,000 annually
- Book Deals, Podcasting: Supplementary income (not publicly disclosed)
Despite public controversies and career challenges, Rick has managed his finances effectively, securing long-term value through consistent work and reputation.
Wife
Susan Neuheisel, Rick’s wife, has been a constant presence throughout his coaching highs and lows. The couple met in college and have been married for over 35 years. Susan has played a low-profile but crucial role in supporting Rick’s career—from moving with him across the country for coaching jobs to managing family life during intense football seasons.
While she avoids the media spotlight, Susan occasionally appears at charity events, alumni gatherings, and football banquets with Rick. Her stability and support have often been cited by Rick as foundational to his success.
Wikipedia Presence
Yes, Rick Neuheisel has an official Wikipedia page, which provides a summary of his playing career, coaching stints, and media work. However, that page only touches on the surface compared to this in-depth article.
This content provides added value beyond Wikipedia by offering deeper insights into:
- Family background
- Financial specifics
- Personal challenges and transitions
- Public perception and legacy
If you’re looking for a reliable and comprehensive view of Rick Neuheisel’s life, this article complements the Wikipedia entry with greater depth and unique analysis.
Conclusion
Rick Neuheisel is more than a former college football coach—he’s a multidimensional personality who has transitioned seamlessly from the field to the studio. His net worth, career journey, and personal story offer a fascinating look at the evolving nature of sports media and leadership.
From leading players on the sidelines to influencing viewers in living rooms, Rick continues to make an impact. He’s a figure who blends knowledge, charisma, and authenticity, making him one of the most substantial and respected voices in college football today.
Whether you’re curious about Rick Neuheisel’s salary, exploring his Wikipedia profile, or learning more about his wife and family, this article has offered a helpful summary that combines factual accuracy with deep personal insight.