What Is Devale Ellis’ Net Worth and How Does He Make His Money?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is Devale Ellis’ net worth?”—you’re not alone. With a growing fan base, viral social media presence, and steady television roles, Devale Ellis has carved out a dynamic career across sports, entertainment, and digital media. From his early days in the NFL to co-hosting one of the most popular relationship podcasts on the internet, Ellis has become a textbook example of how to build influence—and wealth—on your own terms. So how much has he earned from it all, and where exactly does his money come from? Let’s break it down.
From Football Fields to Financial Foundations
Before the YouTube fame and television roles, Devale Ellis was chasing a very different kind of dream—football. He played wide receiver at Hofstra University, where he was a standout athlete known for his speed and work ethic. Despite his strong performance, he went undrafted in the 2006 NFL Draft. Still, he didn’t let that stop him. Ellis signed as a free agent with the Detroit Lions, eventually earning a spot on the team.
While his time in the NFL wasn’t long—he played for the Lions and briefly joined the Cleveland Browns—those early contracts provided his first meaningful earnings. NFL salaries, even at entry-level or practice squad positions, can be significant. While exact details of his contracts aren’t public, most NFL rookies during that period earned six figures annually. Though not enough to retire on, those earnings laid the foundation for his future financial ventures.
Importantly, his football background also gave him a public identity and a competitive mindset—two qualities that would later serve him well as he pivoted careers.
Lights, Camera, Income: Acting and TV Career
After leaving the NFL, Devale Ellis took a bold turn into acting—a decision that would pay off over time. His breakthrough came with the BET series Sistas, created by Tyler Perry, where he plays the character Zac. The show was well-received and gave Ellis consistent screen time on a national platform. He became a fan favorite, leading to his starring role in the spin-off series Zatima, which focuses on Zac and his partner Fatima.
Television acting, especially on established cable networks or streaming platforms, can be a stable and lucrative source of income. While exact figures aren’t disclosed, recurring roles in a series like Sistas often command salaries ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per episode for emerging actors, with potential bonuses or increases for spin-offs.
Beyond scripted television, Ellis has also made appearances in commercials and independent projects. This not only increases his visibility but adds extra layers to his acting resume—each one contributing to his financial portfolio. Acting gave him a consistent paycheck and allowed him to build a personal brand rooted in relatability and humor.
Social Media Stardom and Monetization
If you know Devale Ellis, there’s a good chance you’ve seen one of his viral videos with his wife, Khadeen Ellis. Together, they’ve turned their authentic relationship and comedic chemistry into a digital empire. Their YouTube channel, The Ellises, features skits, family content, and honest discussions about love, parenting, and marriage. Their relatability is magnetic, and their following has grown into the hundreds of thousands.
YouTube can be an extremely profitable platform for creators with engaged audiences. Revenue comes from multiple streams—ad monetization through the YouTube Partner Program, brand deals, affiliate marketing, and even direct sponsorships. A channel with solid engagement and over 100,000 subscribers can easily earn tens of thousands of dollars annually in ad revenue alone. For creators like the Ellises, who regularly produce quality, branded content, those earnings likely scale much higher.
In addition to YouTube, Devale has a strong presence on Instagram and TikTok. These platforms are equally valuable for influencer marketing and partnerships. The couple has partnered with brands like McDonald’s, Netflix, and Pampers—each likely bringing in substantial compensation. Social media isn’t just a hobby for them—it’s a full-blown business, and they’re running it with precision.
Podcasting Power: Dead Ass with Khadeen and Devale
As if acting and YouTube weren’t enough, Devale and Khadeen also co-host the popular podcast Dead Ass with Khadeen and Devale. Launched in 2019, the podcast focuses on love, marriage, money, parenting, and everything in between. Their chemistry, honesty, and humor have earned them a loyal fanbase and a top spot on streaming platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Podcasts are more than just a platform to talk—they’re a major income opportunity. Successful podcasts monetize through advertising, sponsorships, live shows, merchandise, and even exclusive content offerings on Patreon or paid platforms. Given Dead Ass‘s success and visibility, it’s safe to say the podcast pulls in a significant portion of the couple’s overall income.
What’s especially smart is how the podcast feeds into their entire brand ecosystem. Episodes often align with themes from their videos or social content, creating a loop of engagement that maximizes visibility—and revenue—across all channels.
Brand Collaborations and Entrepreneurial Moves
One of the most underrated aspects of Devale Ellis’ income strategy is how he leverages his brand for collaborations and potential entrepreneurial ventures. In addition to direct brand deals, Devale and Khadeen have worked on campaigns that go beyond surface-level endorsements. They’ve launched branded video series, hosted virtual events, and participated in panels, all of which position them as lifestyle influencers and cultural commentators.
Though he hasn’t publicly launched his own product line or business (yet), the infrastructure is already in place. The couple has hinted at ventures in the parenting and relationship space, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they eventually release a book, develop a course, or launch a product related to family life or personal growth.
Even without standalone products, the couple’s ability to attract and retain brand partnerships has a lasting impact. Companies are willing to invest in creators who have consistent engagement and trustworthy reputations—two things Devale and Khadeen have cultivated expertly.
What Is Devale Ellis’ Net Worth Today?
So, what is Devale Ellis’ net worth today? While there’s no official figure, most online estimates—including those from Celebrity Net Worth—place his current wealth in the range of $1 million to $5 million. That range accounts for acting contracts, YouTube revenue, brand partnerships, podcast income, and potential investments.
It’s worth noting that Devale’s wealth isn’t just about income—it’s also about diversification and smart strategy. He’s built multiple income streams that don’t rely on a single platform or profession. If acting work slowed down, he’d still have social media and podcasting. If content creation hit a lull, he’d still be able to monetize his personal brand through speaking engagements or consulting.
Compared to other multi-hyphenate entertainers at similar stages in their careers, his net worth is solid and shows clear potential for continued growth. And with every new platform or project he and Khadeen take on, that number is likely to rise.
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