Phil Costa Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

From New Jersey to the NFL’s Offensive Line

Phil Costa was born on July 11, 1987, in Moorestown Township, New Jersey.  Raised in a family with athletic roots — his father, Dr. Richard Costa, was a former competitive bodybuilder — Costa developed physical strength and discipline early. 

Costa’s football journey began in high school, where he played at Holy Cross High School (NJ). He was a three-year starter on the offensive line, never missing a game during those seasons.  That foundation earned him a scholarship to University of Maryland, where he evolved from guard to center and became a key part of the offensive line.

By the time the 2010 NFL Draft passed without his name being called, Costa remained undeterred. The Dallas Cowboys saw his potential and signed him as an undrafted free agent — a decision that would launch a notable, if brief, professional career. 

“Fourth-String” No More: Rising to Starter

What began as a modest role quickly shifted. Initially slated as the Cowboys’ fourth-string center, Costa climbed the depth chart as injuries and inconsistencies hit those ahead of him. 

By 2011 he had earned the starting center position. While his size was sometimes scrutinized against larger NFL linemen, he nevertheless held a critical spot anchoring the Cowboys’ offensive line. 

In 2012, adversity struck: a dislocated ankle landed him on injured reserve, limiting his play and stalling the upward trajectory. 

When the Cowboys drafted a new center in 2013, Costa’s role was diminished — and by March 2014, he was waived in a salary-cap move. 

Early Exit — and Awakening to Life After Football

Shortly after signing with the Indianapolis Colts, Costa made the difficult decision to retire from the NFL on April 21, 2014.  In his own words, accumulated injuries — ankle, back, knees, elbows — had taken a toll on his body and the game he loved.

“The lightbulb moment after the phone stops ringing is now the athlete has to be the one to pick up the phone,” he later reflected, capturing the bittersweet truth many retired athletes face. 

In the months after his final NFL whistle, Costa shed significant playing weight (from roughly 315 lbs to 250 lbs) and explored new interests. He ventured into medical-device sales, working in over 500 heart surgeries — a realm as demanding and high-stakes as any NFL game.

Eventually, that transition led him to co-author The Transition Playbook for ATHLETES: How Elite Athletes WIN After Sports, a guide drawing on the experiences of more than 100 athletes across 30 sports. It stands as a testament to Costa’s drive to help others navigate the often-overlooked challenge of life after professional sports. 

Wealth Built on Sweat, Strategy — and Realistic Returns

Public estimates place Phil Costa’s net worth at roughly US$2 million.  That figure aligns with the earnings from his NFL contracts — including a two-year deal signed with the Colts that carried a value of US$2.75 million, with about US$450,000 guaranteed.

Some more recent sources indicate a slightly higher figure — around US$3 million — perhaps reflecting post-NFL ventures, consulting, or business activity. 

The dual nature of that success — on the field and beyond — underscores an important reality: for many professional athletes, net worth is rarely tied solely to playing days. Costa’s post-football reinvention plays a critical role, even if it doesn't carry the splashy valuations often afforded to superstars.

Beyond the Game: Reinvention, Reflection, and Real Estate

After retiring, Costa didn’t retreat from ambition. According to public professional profiles, he later pursued — and completed — an MBA at Columbia Business School. 

He also appears to have shifted into business and real-estate ventures. A listing for a commercial real-estate brokerage firm names a “Phil Costa” as founder and managing principal — referencing prior experience in investment sales and tenant representation. While it’s not 100% certain this is the same Phil Costa (some details differ), it signals the kind of post-NFL pivot many retired athletes strive for: building a stable, long-term professional identity.

Moreover, in interviews reflecting on his career, Costa emphasizes the importance of early transition planning, mentorship, and humility — lessons he packages for others through his book and public voice.

The Man Behind the Helmet — More Than Just a Player

Phil Costa’s journey feels grounded, honest — and human. From a disciplined kid in New Jersey to NFL center, from injured athlete to introspective author and businessman. His birthdate, July 11, 1987, marks more than a personal milestone; it’s a starting point for a career defined by adaptability and resilience.

His publicly reported net worth might not rival the titans of the sport — but his real value lies in the bridge he built between athletic intensity and post-playing purpose. If anything, Costa’s story offers a richer, more sustainable measure of success than touchdowns or headlines ever could.