You probably remember the white Ford Bronco. Everyone does. It was June 17, 1994, and 95 million people were glued to their TV screens watching a slow-motion car chase that felt like a fever dream. At the wheel was Al "AC" Cowlings, the lifelong friend and protector of O.J. Simpson. But while the world focused on the man in the backseat, Cowlings himself became a permanent fixture in American pop culture.
People often ask about al cowlings net worth because they want to know if he cashed in on that notoriety or if the legal circus drained him dry. It’s a complicated story. We aren’t talking about Hollywood A-lister money or modern NFL quarterback salaries.
Honestly, Cowlings’ financial life has been a rollercoaster of high-draft-pick potential, journeyman reality, and post-trial obscurity.
The NFL Years: Building the Initial Nest Egg
Before he was the world’s most famous driver, AC was a beast on the football field. He wasn't just some guy O.J. knew; he was the fifth overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft. That’s a big deal. The Buffalo Bills took him right after he’d been a first-team All-American at USC.
Back in the 70s, NFL players weren't making the $50 million a year we see today. Not even close. Cowlings played ten seasons for teams like the Bills, Houston Oilers, and San Francisco 49ers. He was a "journeyman" in the literal sense, moving where the work was.
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His career earnings were respectable for the era, but inflation is a beast. A top-tier salary in 1975 might have been around $100,000 to $150,000. When you factor in taxes, agent fees, and the lifestyle expectations of a pro athlete in Los Angeles, that money doesn't last forever. Most of his initial wealth came from these game checks and a few minor acting roles, like his stint on the HBO show 1st & Ten.
The 900 Number and the Post-Chase Fallout
After the chase, Cowlings was in a weird spot. He was facing felony charges for aiding a fugitive (which were eventually dropped), and he had massive legal bills. He needed cash. Fast.
He tried something that feels very "90s": a 900-number.
He set up a line where fans could pay about $2.99 a minute to hear him talk about his life and his friendship with O.J. There were rumors he made over a million dollars from that venture. But when he had to testify under oath during Simpson's civil trial, Cowlings admitted the 900-number basically just "broke even." Between the setup costs and the dwindling public interest, it wasn't the gold mine people thought it was.
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He also sold the infamous white Bronco. He reportedly sold it to Michael Gilbert (O.J.'s former agent) and some other investors for $75,000. It was a 1993 model that would have been worth maybe $10,000 as a used car, so he definitely made a "fame premium" on that sale.
The Reality of Al Cowlings Net Worth Today
So, where does that leave him in 2026? Al cowlings net worth is estimated to be around $1 million to $1.5 million.
That might sound low for a "celebrity," but you have to look at the context. He hasn't had a public-facing job in decades. He’s lived a very private life in Southern California, purposefully avoiding the spotlight.
Where the money comes from:
- NFL Pension: This is likely his most stable source of income. Having played ten seasons, he’s entitled to a solid monthly payout from the league.
- Social Security: He’s well into his late 70s now, so he’s drawing regular benefits.
- Past Business Ventures: In the early 2000s, there were reports he hit some financial snags. Fox News even reported he faced bankruptcy around that time.
- Handbag Sales: For a while, he reportedly worked as a sales rep for a handbag company. It's a far cry from the NFL, but it’s honest work that kept him afloat.
- Public Storage Connection: One of his longtime friends is B. Wayne Hughes, the billionaire founder of Public Storage. Reports from former teammates suggest Cowlings worked for Hughes in some capacity for years, which likely provided a steady, private income away from the cameras.
Why He Stayed Quiet (And Poor-ish)
Cowlings could have written a "tell-all" book. He could have done the reality TV circuit. He could have been on every true crime documentary of the last thirty years.
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He didn't.
He famously threatened to sue FX when they were making The People v. O.J. Simpson because he didn't want his likeness used in a way that made him look bad. He has protected his privacy—and O.J.'s secrets—with a level of loyalty that you just don't see anymore. That loyalty came at a literal cost. He walked away from millions in potential media deals just to be left alone.
Moving Forward: Managing Your Own Legacy
If there’s a lesson in the story of AC’s finances, it’s about the value of the "quiet life." He chose peace over a bigger bank account.
If you're looking to protect your own financial future or understand how "legacy" wealth works, here are a few things to consider:
- Diversify Early: Cowlings relied heavily on his physical health and a single friend. When the football ended and the friend became toxic to his "brand," his options narrowed.
- The Value of a Pension: Never underestimate the power of a guaranteed retirement check. For many former athletes, that NFL pension is the only thing standing between them and total poverty.
- Privacy as an Asset: Sometimes, not being "searchable" is a choice that saves you more in legal fees and stress than a tabloid check provides.
To get a better handle on how your own retirement might look compared to a pro athlete's, you should check out the latest updates on NFL pension structures or use a standard retirement calculator to see how "passive income" stacks up against a one-time windfall.