Manti Te’o net worth has been a topic of interest, given his eventful career and financial journey. The former NFL linebacker made millions through football contracts, brand endorsements, and media appearances.
Despite facing a well-known catfishing scandal, he remained focused on his professional growth. His time with teams like the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints contributed significantly to his wealth.
Over the years, he has diversified his income through investments and public speaking engagements. With an estimated net worth of $3.5 million in 2025, Manti Te’o continues to build his financial success beyond football, securing long-term stability and new opportunities in the sports and business world.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Manti Malietau Louis Teʻo |
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1991 |
| Age | 34 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Laie, Hawaii, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 241 lbs (109 kg) |
| Profession | Former NFL Player, Investor, Speaker |
| College | University of Notre Dame |
| NFL Career | 2013 – 2021 |
| Teams Played For | San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at $3.5 million |
| Income Sources | NFL Contracts, Endorsements, Investments, Media |
| Marital Status | Married to Jovi Nicole Engbino |
| Social Media | Active on Instagram & Twitter |
Who is Manti Te’o?
Manti Te’o is a former NFL linebacker known for his stellar college career at Notre Dame. Born on January 26, 1991, in Hawaii, he gained national attention for his outstanding defensive skills, finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2012.
He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2013 and later played for the Saints and Bears. Despite facing injuries and controversies, Te’o built a respectable career. His story became widely discussed after the Netflix documentary, “Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist.”
Early Life of Manti Te’o
Manti Te’o was born on January 26, 1991, in Laie, Hawaii, and grew up in a tight-knit Samoan family. From an early age, he showed exceptional talent in football, excelling at Punahou School, the same high school attended by Barack Obama.
As a senior, he earned Hawaii’s Gatorade Player of the Year and was one of the nation’s top recruits. His strong faith and disciplined upbringing shaped his character, helping him secure a scholarship to Notre Dame, where he became a standout linebacker.
Manti Te’o Net Worth
Manti Te’o net worth is estimated at $3.5 million, primarily from his NFL contracts, signing bonuses, and post-football ventures. Throughout his seven-season NFL career, he earned over $10.4 million, with major contracts from the Chargers, Saints, and Bears.
Despite injuries limiting his career, Te’o remained financially stable. His wealth has also grown through public speaking, brand collaborations, and media appearances, including the Netflix documentary “Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist”, which reignited public interest in his story.
Net Worth Comparisons
- Luke Kuechly – $30 million (Similar draft era, retired early but earned more)
- Tyrann Mathieu – $25 million (Longer NFL career and strong endorsement deals)
- Kenny Vaccaro – $10 million (Same draft class, first-round pick advantage)
- Dont’a Hightower – $15 million (Had a longer tenure as a linebacker)
Manti Te’o Quick Facts
Manti Te’o is a former NFL linebacker known for his impressive college career at Notre Dame and professional stints with the Chargers, Saints, and Bears.
Born on January 26, 1991, in Laie, Hawaii, he gained national recognition for his outstanding defensive skills. Standing 6’1” (1.85 m) tall and weighing 241 lbs (109 kg), Te’o was drafted 38th overall in 2013.
His NFL career spanned seven seasons, earning him $10.4 million. In 2024, his net worth is $3.5 million, with income from media, speaking engagements, and endorsements.
| Fact | Detail |
| Real Name | Manti Malietau Louis Te’o |
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1991 |
| Age (2024) | 33 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’1” (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 241 lbs (109 kg) |
| NFL Draft | 2013, Round 2, Pick 38 |
| Teams Played For | Chargers, Saints, Bears |
| Career Duration | 2013 – 2020 |
| Estimated Net Worth (2024) | $3.5 million |
Manti Te’o Career Earnings Breakdown
Manti Te’o earned $10.4 million during his NFL career, playing for the Chargers, Saints, and Bears. His rookie contract with the Chargers (2013–2016) was worth $5.17 million, including a $2.14 million signing bonus.
He later signed a $5 million deal with the Saints (2017–2019), earning a peak salary of $1.7 million in 2018. In 2020, he joined the Bears’ practice squad, making $132,000.
Across his contracts, he secured $3.79 million in guaranteed money, contributing to his $3.5 million net worth in 2024.
Key Contracts & Salary Breakdown
San Diego Chargers (2013–2016)
- Contract Value: $5.17 million (4-year deal)
- Signing Bonus: $2.14 million (Guaranteed amount)
- Highest Salary: $1.11 million (2016)
New Orleans Saints (2017–2019)
- Contract Value: $5 million (2-year deal)
- Guaranteed Salary: $600,000
- Peak Salary: $1.7 million (2018)
Chicago Bears (2020)
- Practice Squad Salary: $132,000
Bonuses & Financial Perks
- Total Signing Bonuses: $2.44 million
- Guaranteed Money Across Contracts: $3.79 million
Factors Influencing Manti Te’o’s Net Worth
Several factors shaped Manti Te’o’s financial standing. His NFL draft position (Round 2) limited his rookie contract earnings compared to first-round picks. Frequent injuries affected his playing time and contract extensions, reducing his earning potential.
Unlike high-profile athletes, he had fewer endorsement deals, impacting his off-field income. His shorter NFL career (7 seasons) meant fewer high-paying contracts.
However, his Netflix documentary and public speaking engagements have helped revitalize his brand, creating new income streams and boosting his $3.5 million net worth in 2024.
- Draft Position – Falling to Round 2 reduced his rookie contract earnings.
- Injuries – He suffered multiple injuries, limiting his ability to secure long-term contracts.
- Lack of Endorsements – Unlike high-profile players, Te’o had fewer sponsorship deals.
- Shorter Career Span – He played seven seasons but spent his last year on a practice squad..
Post-NFL Financial Ventures
After retiring from the NFL, Manti Te’o explored new income sources. His Netflix documentary, Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist, brought renewed public interest, opening doors for media opportunities and brand partnerships.
He also earns from public speaking engagements, sharing his story of resilience and overcoming adversity. Additionally, Te’o has been linked to potential roles in sports media and analysis, which could further boost his income.
While his NFL career earnings totaled $10.4 million, these new ventures continue to shape his financial future beyond football.
- Public Speaking Engagements – Addressing topics like overcoming adversity and resilience.
- Brand Collaborations – Partnering with brands for promotions.
- Possible Media & Analyst Roles – A future in sports media could boost his earnings.
While his net worth is currently at $3.5 million, future ventures could increase his financial standing.
Manti Te’o’s Legacy And Financial Impact
Manti Te’o’s career is a story of perseverance, talent, and resilience. Despite setbacks, he made a lasting impact on college football and the NFL.
His financial journey shows the importance of strategic money management, even when a career is shorter than expected. Though his net worth of $3.5 million is modest compared to some peers, his post-NFL ventures continue to shape his legacy.
From public speaking to media roles, Te’o has successfully transitioned beyond football, proving that adaptability and smart financial choices lead to long-term stability.
Key Takeaways
- Manti Te’o’s net worth is $3.5 million in 2024.
- Earned $10.4 million during his 7-year NFL career.
- Major contracts with Chargers, Saints, and Bears
- Limited endorsements but renewed media interest in recent years.
- Potential future earnings from branding, media, and speaking engagements.
Social Media
Manti Te’o remains active on social media, engaging with fans and sharing insights into his personal life, career, and motivational experiences. His online presence has grown, especially after his Netflix documentary brought renewed attention to his story.
He uses platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with supporters and share updates on his post-NFL ventures.
His inspirational messages and life lessons resonate with followers, helping him build a strong digital presence that could contribute to future branding and sponsorship deals.
| Platform | Username/Handle | Followers (2024) |
| @manti_teo | 37.5K+ | |
| Manti Te’o Official | 590 |
FAQ’s
What is Manti Te’o’s net worth in 2025?
Manti Te’o’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $3.5 million, primarily from his NFL career and endorsements.
How did Manti Te’o make his money?
He built his wealth through NFL contracts, endorsements, and media appearances after his football career.
Did Manti Te’o’s net worth increase after the catfishing scandal?
While the scandal affected his image, his net worth remained stable due to his NFL earnings and later media ventures.
What is Manti Te’o doing now to grow his net worth?
He is involved in investments, speaking engagements, and media projects, adding to his financial success.
Does Manti Te’o have any major endorsements?
Over the years, he has secured endorsements with sports brands, contributing to his overall net worth.
Conclusion
Manti Te’o’s net worth reflects his resilience and determination, despite the ups and downs of his career. From a promising NFL linebacker to overcoming a public scandal, he has built a financial portfolio through football contracts, endorsements, and media appearances.
His story is one of perseverance, proving that setbacks don’t define success. With ongoing investments and public engagements, his wealth continues to grow. Whether through sports, business, or media, Te’o remains a recognized figure, ensuring his financial stability and long-term success in the industry.
