Beginning this week, stadiums will open, tailgates will assemble and fans will flock to see some of the finest athletes in the world take to the field in pursuit of the Lombardi trophy. Football is back, baby, and to kick off the start of the 2013 NFL season, realtor.com is celebrating the only way we know. The waiver wire is not the only place where transactions were made this offseason — we’ve tracked some of the hottest moves in NFL player homes. So, grab your popcorn and take a seat: Here are 21 of the top NFL real estate stories of the year.
RGIII’s New Crib
With his star status in D.C. firmly entrenched, NFL sensation and quarterback on the mend Robert Griffin III is settling in for the long haul. In June the dynamic Redskins QB made real estate news when he purchased an 8,800-square-foot estate in Aldie, VA, for $2.5 million. Hidden away inside Creighton Farms, a posh Jack Nicklaus golf-course community found an hour and 15 minutes away from FedEx Field, the three-plus-acre property features a library, a game/media room and a stone wine cellar. Plus, it has all the amenities needed for an athlete on the mend. The dynamic playmaker, who is working his way back from LCL and ACL repairs, will likely take full advantage of the in-house elevator and the 60-inch Jacuzzi in the master bath, along with community amenities like the pool and fitness facilities.
Jay Cutler’s Chi-Town Rental
Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari are not hanging up their ’80s party hats anytime soon, but the newlyweds are clearly imbibing in a more suburban lifestyle. The Chicago Bears quarterback, who is in a contract year with the team, and Cavallari, an actress who rose to fame on the MTV reality series “Laguna Beach,” made headlines this offseason with news that they had ditched their downtown Chicago condo for a posh new setup in the Windy City suburbs. Cutler and Cavallari began leasing the 6,718-square-foot Winnetka mansion for $10,000 a month back in March. Sited on a three-quarter-acre lot, the celebrity rental came fully loaded with a high-end gourmet kitchen, a stately wood-paneled library and a spa-like master suite.
Gronk Flips Out
Rob Gronkowski was a hot topic this offseason mainly because of his many surgeries, but he also made real estate news after lateralling his Tampa property to a willing buyer. The Pro Bowl tight end posted his bro-tastic Florida hangout on the market this week, listing the prized property for $2.4 million – an $800,000 increase from what Gronkowski paid for the waterfront oasis last year. Built the Patriot way for partying, Gronk’s pad comes with 4,781 square feet of indulgences, including 10 flat-screen TVs, a wood-paneled elevator, fish tanks and iPhone-controlled surround sound.
Troy Aikman Goes Deep in Big-D
Troy Aikman may not be a general manager, but he has pulled off quite a trade in recent days. The legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback, who was previously offering one of the highest priced pieces of Highland Park real estate, has apparently chosen to pick up another mansion in the same affluent neighborhood. Aikman shelled out $4.6 million for his new 10,662-square-foot home, which is slightly smaller and comparatively much less expensive than the $24 million manse he posted in 2011.
Jerry Rice’s Seven-Year Spiral
Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice finally sold his mansion in Atherton, CA, but it took a price cut of nearly 60 percent to do it. The San Francisco 49ers legend had, at one point, looked to bank a whopping $22 million when he put the custom-built manse up for sale in 2007. However, when the dust settled seven years later, the esteemed wideout walked away with just $9 million for the 13,908-square-foot home. Sited on 1.2 acres, Rice’s now-former residence rocks an All-Pro workout facility with $500,000 worth of weight-lifting equipment and training gear, a sauna, and a steam room complete with cold plunge.
Keyshawn Johnson’s Big Chop
Speaking of big-time receivers, Keyshawn Johnson’s megamansion in Calabasas is proving to be a tough sell – which may have something to do with his neighbor, pop star turned reckless driver Justin Bieber. After listing the massive, 11,746-square-foot mansion in February for $10.5 million, the former Pro Bowl wideout turned NFL analyst has chopped a cool $2 million off his asking price. Those questioning the credentials of Keyshawn’s mansion need not. Johnson’s mansion is strong in amenities, with a sunken basketball court, a contemporary swimming pool and a game room.
Ray Lewis’ Baltimore Bail
With his ticket punched for Bristol, newly retired linebacker Ray Lewis is looking to part ways with this Maryland home. The Baltimore Ravens icon and two-time world champion is asking $1.1 million for the Owings Mills, MD, property that offers, among other things, an Olympic-size pool, a grand master suite with a very Ray Lewis shoe closet and a sweet fish tank in the living room. It’s not the first million-dollar Lewis home to hit the market this year. Back in March, fresh off another Super Bowl-winning season, the future Hall of Famer listed his oceanfront home in Highland Beach, FL, for a whopping $5 million.
Walter Jones’ Field of Dreams
Arguably the greatest left tackle in NFL history, former Seattle Seahawks lineman Walter Jones earned nine Pro Bowl bids and seven All-Pro selections over a span of 13 seasons. He was a member of an impressive 2005 Seahawks squad that represented the NFC in Super Bowl XL. However, even more impressive is Jones’ Huntsville, AL, mansion, with full-size football field included, which hit the market for $3.5 million in early 2011 and has remained ever since.
Chris Cooley Cashing Out of D.C.
Former Washington Redskin Chris Cooley is selling his home near the District of Columbia. The eight-year veteran and Redskins record-holder, who was was waived by the team during training camp in 2012, is looking to make a clean break by selling the 9,700-square-foot home the couple shared in Leesburg, VA. Listed for $2.5 million, the brick-lined property includes a total of six bedrooms and seven-and-a-half baths spread across three floors. The master suite boasts a standalone Jacuzzi and a massive dressing room. Other highlights include a chef’s kitchen, a media room, a gated wine cellar and an elevator.
Greg Jennings’ Last Lambeau Leap
Greg Jennings may have left Green Bay for division rival Minnesota, but there is still a part of him that remains at Lambeau Field – well, sort of near Lambeau Field. Jennings’ future with the Packers was called into question earlier this year when he listed his De Pere, WI, home for $525,000. As he prepares to break camp and start the year in purple, gold and white, his former Green Bay home is still there for the taking, but at a reduced price – $490,000.
Tony Dorsett’s Dallas Dance
One of the most storied players in Dallas Cowboys franchise history, Tony Dorsett is poised to leave Frisco, TX. The Hall of Fame tailback asked $950,000 for the handsome, brick-lined estate when he first listed it in March, but he has since knocked $20,000 off his asking price. The home boasts a sprawling 5,500 square feet of room to move and luxe details such as hand-scraped wood flooring and a rustic chef’s kitchen.
Alex Smith Kisses the Bay Area Goodbye
Former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith is now the No. 1 man in Kansas City. Traded by the 49ers to the Chiefs during the offseason, Smith wasted little time in listing his home in Los Gatos, CA. Located roughly 30 minutes away from San Francisco’s new venue, Levi’s Stadium, the property offers a comfortable 5,650 square feet of living space, including 1,200 square feet in the master suite alone. Other perks of the quarterback’s $3.5 million property include a home theater with wet bar, a handsome wood-paneled kitchen and a pool.
Brian Cushing Slashes Price
The Houston Texans expect a big return from a fully healthy Brian Cushing this season. The same cannot be said for the linebacker and his waterfront home. When Cushing listed his Missouri City, TX, property in January of 2011, the All-Pro was asking $1.3 million. Since then, he has chopped roughly $100,000 off his asking price in a bid to sell the 7,000-square-foot home with five bedrooms and five baths. Built in 2007, Cushing’s digs features an art media room with a wet bar, a top-tier security system with surveillance cameras, and a pool.
Elvis Dumervil Selling in Castle Rock
After signing with the Baltimore Ravens this offseason, following a fax fumble on the part of his former team, the Denver Broncos, Elvis Dumervil moved quickly to part ways with his ultramodern Castle Rock, CO, property. The home features at least four built-in fish tanks by my count – one in the kitchen, one in the living room, one running down a hallway and yet another in the theater room. The talented pass rusher is asking a cool $2.7 million for the 6,200-square-foot home.
Shaun Alexander’s Lots and Dreams
Shaun Alexander is selling a piece of land in Issaquah, WA. The former Seattle Seahawks tailback asks $3.5 million for his prized 5.61-acre parcel found atop Cougar Mountain. But it’s not just a land sale for Alexander; the listing also comes with plans for a private 11,000-square-foot retreat complete with eight bedrooms, a salon, a home theater, and more.
Brent Jones Selling the Farm
Following in the footsteps of former teammates Jerry Rice and Joe Montana, former San Francisco 49ers tight end Brent Jones has listed his home in Danville, CA. Once a dirt lot that Jones paid less than $1 million for in 2004, the property now offers a 7,187-square-foot villa complete with vineyards and an infinity pool. Today’s asking price? $5.5 million.
Orlando Scandrick’s Modern Manse
Dallas Cowboys defensive back Orlando Scandrick made a major move off the field this year, listing his contemporary mansion in Los Angeles. The modern Hollywood Hills residence was one of Scandrick’s big purchases after signing a five-year, $27 million contract extension with the Cowboys in the summer of 2011. He originally paid $2.1 million for the 3,353-square-foot home with a top-floor master suite, retractable glass walls and a sunken spa. Scandrick looks to make approximately $750,000 on the modern property after listing it for $2.85 million.
Jermon Bushrod Goes Suburban
Fresh off signing a five-year, $35 million deal with the Chicago Bears in March, Jermon Bushrod has treated himself to a fancy new suburban home. The Pro Bowl offensive tackle reportedly shelled out $790,000 for a four-bedroom home in Vernon Hills, IL. If homes were highlight reels, Bushrod’s property would show a mix that includes a two-story foyer, Brazilian cherry floors and a gourmet kitchen. Sited on a golf course, the home enjoys views of the links and also has a pool.
Lance Briggs Punting Desert Spread
Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs has earned some serious coin over the past eight seasons crushing opponents on the gridiron. However, the Windy City standout is poised to lose a few bucks after posting his desert estate at a loss. Briggs listed his Paradise Valley, AZ, residence for approximately $2.7 million back in April — that’s roughly $700,000 less than what he paid for the 6,800-square foot residence back in ’07. Why the bear market? Maybe man caves and putting greens aren’t all the rage anymore.
Elvis Dumervil Buys a Mansion
It’s out with the old and in with the new for Elvis Dumervil. Fresh off inking a five-year deal worth as much as $35 million with the Baltimore Ravens, the pass-rushing linebacker splurged on a $2.3 million mansion in Florida. Dumervil’s Parkland manse offers seven bedrooms, seven baths and 7,900 square feet, along with high-end amenities ranging from a game room with a wet bar to an in-house movie theater to a palatial pool.
Dashon Goldson: King of Marina del Rey
At the rate he’s going, Dashon Goldson will own all the luxury apartments in Marina del Rey by year’s end. After signing a five-year contract worth up to $41.25 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this off-season, the hard-hitting safety has made a slew of investments in the coastal community. Goldson already owned one luxe condo in the area, but he has scooped up three other apartments at various high-rises over the last year.
The post 21 NFL Player Homes to Kick Off the Football Season appeared first on realtor.com® news.