The New England Patriots may not be in the Super Bowl this year, but Massachusetts sports fans still have a connection to the big game. Jeffrey Lurie, the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, has deep roots in the Bay State. Born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, Lurie has been at the helm of the Eagles since 1994, leading them to multiple Super Bowl appearances and one championship win in 2018 against his hometown team, the New England Patriots.
As of 2025, Jeffrey Lurie’s net worth is estimated at $5.3 billion, according to Forbes. But how did this Massachusetts native build his fortune, and what are some lesser-known facts about his career and personal life? Let’s dive into the story of Jeffrey Lurie—business mogul, die-hard football fan, and even an Academy Award-winning film producer.
From Newton, MA to Billionaire NFL Owner
Jeffrey Lurie grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, alongside his younger sister and brother. His father, Morris Lurie, tragically passed away from kidney cancer when Jeffrey was just nine years old. Despite this early hardship, Lurie was surrounded by business and entrepreneurial influence. His maternal grandfather, Philip Smith, was the founder of General Cinema, a once-dominant movie theater chain that eventually grew into a $3 billion conglomerate.
Lurie’s love for sports started young. A devoted Boston sports fan, he was obsessed with the New England Patriots for most of his life. “I was at virtually every single game in the stands for, I don’t know, 20-30 years,” Lurie told the Boston Globe. He even tried to buy the Patriots in the early 1990s but lost out in the bidding process. However, that loss turned into an opportunity when he set his sights on the Philadelphia Eagles, purchasing the team in 1994 for $185 million—a record-breaking price at the time.
Education: Three Massachusetts Universities & A Doctorate
Lurie’s academic journey took him to three prestigious Massachusetts universities.
- Clark University (Worcester) – Bachelor’s degree in psychology (1973)
- Boston University – Master’s degree in psychology (1975)
- Brandeis University (Waltham) – Doctorate in social policy
While at Brandeis, Lurie even taught social policy at BU for three years. His doctoral dissertation focused on women in Hollywood films, showing his early interest in the entertainment industry—a passion that would later lead him to success in film production.
Building a Billion-Dollar Empire in Football & Film
Since buying the Eagles, Lurie has transformed the franchise into one of the most successful teams in the NFL. Under his ownership, the Eagles have consistently been playoff contenders, making multiple Super Bowl appearances and clinching their first-ever Super Bowl win in 2018.
But football isn’t Lurie’s only claim to fame. He has also had an incredibly successful career in film production. His production company, Chestnut Hill Productions (named after his Massachusetts hometown), has backed several critically acclaimed films. In fact, three of his films have won Academy Awards:
- “Inside Job” (2010) – A gripping documentary about the 2007-08 financial crisis
- “Inocente” (2012) – A short film about a 15-year-old undocumented immigrant chasing her artistic dreams
- “Summer of Soul” (2021) – A feature film highlighting the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival
Lurie’s ability to balance two very different industries—sports and entertainment—has been remarkable and has contributed to his ever-growing net worth.
Where Does Jeffrey Lurie Live?
Despite spending most of his time in Philadelphia, Lurie still maintains strong ties to Massachusetts. In 2005, he purchased a 13-acre estate on Martha’s Vineyard for $13.4 million. The property, located near Ripley Cove, is one of his prized real estate assets.
In addition to his Massachusetts retreat, Lurie owns several luxury properties, including:
- A mansion in Philadelphia’s Wynnewood neighborhood
- A home in Palm Beach, Florida
Lurie’s extensive real estate portfolio is just another indicator of his vast fortune and success.
Is Jeffrey Lurie Interested in Buying the Boston Celtics?
Recently, rumors swirled that Lurie was interested in purchasing the Boston Celtics. While the idea of a Massachusetts native owning one of Boston’s most beloved teams seemed fitting, Lurie shut down the speculation at the Super Bowl Opening Night in early 2025.
Still, with his deep-rooted passion for sports and past attempts to buy the Patriots, it wouldn’t be surprising if he explores other ownership opportunities in the future.
What’s Next for Jeffrey Lurie in 2025?
At 73 years old in 2025, Lurie shows no signs of slowing down. His leadership continues to keep the Eagles as one of the NFL’s premier teams, and his influence in the entertainment industry is still thriving. Whether he’s navigating Super Bowl dreams or producing Oscar-worthy films, Jeffrey Lurie is a Massachusetts success story through and through.
While Patriots fans may not have their team in the big game this year, they can still take pride in knowing that one of their own—Jeffrey Lurie—is at the top of the football world. Whether it’s through his $5.3 billion empire, his contributions to film and sports, or his ties to Massachusetts, Lurie remains a figure worth cheering for.
