Manti Te’o Net Worth 2024: Career Earnings, Contracts & Financial Overview

How much is Manti Te’o’s net worth in 2024? NFL Player Fortune dives deep into the financial details of this former linebacker, highlighting his career earnings, contract milestones, and net worth progression over the years. Let’s explore how his achievements shaped his fortune.

Manti Te’o Quick Facts

What is the Net Worth of Manti Te’o in 2024?

Manti Te’o’s net worth in 2024 is estimated at $3.5 million, shaped by his NFL career earnings and brief media resurgence through Netflix. Compared to his peers, his financial standing reflects a career impacted by off-field controversies and injuries.

Net Worth Comparisons:

• Kenny Vaccaro: $10 million (drafted same year, 15th overall).
• Tyrann Mathieu: $25 million (similar age, consistent career trajectory).
• Luke Kuechly: $30 million (same position, retired early).
• Donta Hightower: $15 million (similar linebacker role, extended career).

Te’o’s earnings highlight his resilience despite setbacks, showing how a robust collegiate legacy and NFL opportunities shaped his finances.

What is Manti Te’o’s salary/income in 2024?

Although Manti Te’o is retired, his income in 2024 largely stems from his career earnings and any residual media-related income. During his NFL tenure (2013–2020), he earned $10.4 million from contracts, bonuses, and incentives.

NFL Salary Highlights:

• San Diego Chargers (2013–2016): $5.17 million, including a $2.14 million signing bonus.
• New Orleans Saints (2017–2019): $5.19 million, including $600,000 guaranteed for his second contract.
• Chicago Bears (2020): $132,000 as a practice squad member.

Te’o’s financial challenges stemmed from being drafted in the second round instead of the first, potentially costing him millions. Comparatively, Kenny Vaccaro, a first-rounder from the same draft year, secured a $9.4 million rookie deal.

Although Te’o didn’t secure significant endorsement deals, his resurgence through Netflix has positioned him as a public figure, possibly boosting income streams from branding or media opportunities in the future.

Overview of Manti Te’o’s Career Earnings

Manti Te’o earned an estimated $10.4 million in total NFL salary throughout his career. His income came primarily from contracts with three teams: the San Diego Chargers, the New Orleans Saints, and the Chicago Bears. Key financial highlights include a $2.14 million signing bonus in 2013 and a peak single-season earning of $1.7 million in 2018.

These earnings reflect Te’o’s consistent contributions to his teams, balanced by periods of injury that limited his on-field time and financial growth.

Key Contracts and Salary Breakdown

Three central contracts shaped Te’o’s financial journey in the NFL:

• San Diego Chargers (2013–2016)
  Signed as the 38th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Te’o agreed to a 4-year contract worth $5.17 million. This included:
  • Base Salary: Ranging from $405,000 in 2013 to $1.11 million in 2016.
  • Signing Bonus: A guaranteed $2.14 million, paid in his rookie year.
  • Cap Impact: $940,442 in his first season, peaking at $1.64 million in 2016.
• New Orleans Saints (2017–2018)
  Te’o joined the Saints on a 2-year, $5 million deal. Key details include:
  • Annual Average: $2.5 million.
  • Guaranteed Amount: $600,000.
  • Peak Cap Hit: $2.8 million in 2018.
• Chicago Bears (2020)
  Te’o’s final NFL stint came as a Bears’ practice squad member. He earned $132,000 in 2020, reflecting his transition from a full-time player to a supportive role.

Signing Bonuses and Guaranteed Money

Bonuses and guarantees played a critical role in Te’o’s earnings:

• Total Signing Bonuses: $2.44 million.
• Guaranteed Money Across Contracts: $3.79 million, including roster and performance bonuses.

These guarantees provided financial security, especially during seasons impacted by injuries.

Financial Highlights by Team

• San Diego Chargers:
  Te’o’s rookie contract accounted for $5.17 million, making up nearly half of his career earnings.
  • The highest Single-Season Payout was $2.54 million in 2013 (including the signing bonus).
• New Orleans Saints:
  During his tenure, Te’o earned $5 million, which was highlighted by consistent roster bonuses and a $1.7 million payout in 2018, which was his highest annual salary.
• Chicago Bears:
  Though limited to the practice squad, Te’o secured a modest $132,000, marking the end of his NFL career earnings.

Cap Impact and Financial Contributions

Te’o’s contracts were structured to balance team cap impacts with his guaranteed earnings. While playing for the Saints, his highest cap number was $2.8 million in 2018.
Across all contracts, Te’o consistently delivered value relative to his cap percentages, particularly during his rookie deal with the Chargers.

Cash Flow and Yearly Earnings

A breakdown of Te’o’s annual cash flow reveals key financial trends:

• 2013: $2.54 million (rookie year with the Chargers).
• 2017–2018: $2.5 million and $1.7 million respectively (Saints).
• 2020: $132,000 (Bears practice squad).

This steady cash flow demonstrates Te’o’s ability to capitalize on opportunities despite injuries limiting his active playing years.

Factors Affecting Career Earnings

While Te’o’s earnings are significant, external factors influenced his financial trajectory:

1. Draft Position: Te’o’s infamous catfishing incident led to a drop in draft position, costing him millions in potential earnings. For context, first-round picks in 2013 earned contracts nearly twice the value of Te’o’s rookie deal.
2. Injuries: Repeated foot and Achilles injuries limited Te’o’s playing time, reducing his ability to secure long-term, high-value contracts.
3. Practice Squad Transition: By 2020, Te’o’s role shifted to the practice squad, further limiting his earning potential.

Comparison to Similar NFL Players

Compared to other linebackers drafted in 2013, Te’o’s earnings were average. Players like Alec Ogletree (30th overall) earned significantly more due to higher draft positions and fewer off-field controversies. However, Te’o remained financially resilient, securing multiple contracts despite challenges.

Post-NFL Ventures and Financial Management

While Te’o’s post-NFL financial ventures remain private, his consistent earnings and limited spending suggest prudent financial management. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability and perseverance in securing long-term economic stability.

Legacy and Financial Impact

Manti Te’o overcame unique challenges to build a $3.5 million net worth and leave a lasting impact on his teams. His story of resilience, both on and off the field, underscores the complexity of financial success in professional sports.

Overview of Manti Te’o

Manti Te’o has made a lasting impact on football, with a career marked by resilience, stellar performances, and significant achievements. Known for his defensive prowess, Te’o rose to prominence at Notre Dame, earning unanimous All-American honors. His NFL career spanned multiple teams, showcasing his determination to succeed despite challenges.

Early Life

Born January 26, 1991, in Laie, Hawaii, Te’o grew up in a close-knit Samoan-American family. Brian and Ottilia Te’o’s parents emphasized discipline and hard work, which are values he carried into his athletic pursuits. With five siblings and a robust support system, Te’o’s passion for football began at a young age.

Te’o attended Punahou School in Honolulu, a prestigious private institution where he excelled academically and athletically. By his junior year, he had already garnered significant attention, earning titles like State Defensive Player of the Year and Gatorade State Player of the Year. Te’o’s performance on the field brought his team their first-ever state championship and set the foundation for a stellar college career.

College Career

Te’o’s decision to attend Notre Dame in 2009 was pivotal. Over four seasons, he emerged as a leader, consistently delivering standout performances. He began as a freshman sensation, recording 63 tackles—the third-highest for a first-year Notre Dame player.

During his senior season, Te’o led the Fighting Irish to an undefeated regular season, culminating in a berth in the BCS National Championship Game. His defensive efforts were instrumental, making him the backbone of a team that boasted one of the nation’s best defenses. Te’o also stood out for his ability to force turnovers, leading all linebackers with 7 interceptions in 2012, a record unmatched since 2001.

Te’o’s time at Notre Dame solidified his reputation as one of the greatest defensive players in college football history.

College Statistics

Te’o’s 437 total tackles rank third in Notre Dame’s history, and he became only the second player to record 100+ tackles in three consecutive seasons.

Awards and Honors

Te’o earned numerous accolades throughout his collegiate career. His standout senior season led to an unprecedented seven significant awards, including:

• Maxwell Award: Best all-around player.
• Chuck Bednarik Award: Outstanding defensive player.
• Bronko Nagurski Trophy: Defensive player of the year.
• Butkus Award: Best linebacker.
• Walter Camp Award: Player of the Year.
• Lombardi Award: Excellence in football performance and leadership.
• Lott Trophy: Defensive IMPACT player of the year.

Te’o also finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, becoming one of the few defensive players to achieve such recognition.

Professional Career

Entry into the NFL

Te’o was selected 38th overall by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Though projected as a first-round pick, off-field controversies affected his draft stock. Despite this, Te’o signed a 4-year, $5.17 million contract with a $2.14 million signing bonus.

Teams Played For

• San Diego Chargers (2013–2016): Te’o became a reliable linebacker, starting 34 games and recording 231 tackles.
• New Orleans Saints (2017–2019): Signed a 2-year, $5 million deal, contributing key plays and leading the team in tackles for loss in 2017.
• Chicago Bears (2020): Joined the practice squad, earning $132,000 in his final NFL season.

Key Performances

In his career, Te’o recorded 307 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and several passes defended. His first NFL interception came in 2014, a highlight against Tom Brady.

NFL Career Statistics

Te’o’s impact extended to 5 playoff games, where he recorded 31 combined tackles and 1 sack.

NFL Records

While Te’o does not hold formal league-wide records, his consistent contributions and leadership earned him recognition as a defensive force. He was named a team captain during the 2016 season with the Chargers, highlighting his influence on and off the field.

Personal Life

Te’o’s personal life gained significant attention due to a catfishing scandal 2012, which later became the subject of a Netflix documentary, Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist. The documentary shed light on his challenges and how he overcame them, earning public admiration for his resilience.

Te’o married Jovi Nicole Engbino in 2020, and the couple has two children. Off the field, he has shown a commitment to charitable efforts, including volunteering during his high school years and continuing to inspire young athletes.

Conclusion

Manti Te’o’s financial journey reflects his resilience and ability to navigate challenging careers. For more insights into NFL players’ net worth and finances, please explore our website at nflplayerfortune.com. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below!