CA is a high tax state and that applies to their jock tax too

[theking]

“It’s Tough”: Cam Newton Weighs in as Sam Darnold Loses $71,000 to California’s Jock Tax

Based on reports following Super Bowl LX in February 2026, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold effectively lost money by winning the championship due to California’s high "jock tax". While he earned a $178,000 winner's bonus, California’s tax on his "duty days" in the state resulted in a tax bill of approximately $249,000, leaving him with a net loss of over $71,000 for the game.

Key Details of the Situation:
The "Jock Tax": California taxes non-resident professional athletes based on "duty days" spent in the state, which include practices, media sessions, and the game itself. Because Seattle spent about eight days in California for the Super Bowl, this triggered a tax on a prorated share of Darnold's entire annual salary.

Net Loss: The estimated $249,000 tax bill exceeded the $178,000 bonus, resulting in a ~$71,000 deficit.

[Hung_Low]

LMAO!!! You pay to play in CA.

Here's why CA is broke and cost so much to live vs TX...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3y3ejYDZmM