Manti Te’o’s journey from a celebrated college football star to an NFL player has been filled with incredible highs, dramatic lows, and numerous financial milestones.
As fans and investors alike continue to wonder about his wealth, it’s important to take a closer look at Manti Te’o’s net worth, salary, and overall financial status.
In this article, we’ll explore everything from his early career at Notre Dame to his time in the NFL, giving you a detailed view of his financial journey in 2025. Stay with us as we delve into how Manti Te’o’s wealth has evolved over the years and what he’s up to today.
Manti Te’o Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Manti Malietau Louis Te’o |
| Popular Name | Manti Te’o |
| Birth Date | January 26, 1991 |
| Age | 34 (as of March 8, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Laie, Hawaii, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Samoan |
| Education | Punahou School, University of Notre Dame |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jovi Nicole Engbino |
| Children | Hiro Te’o (born August 12, 2021), Kyro Aumua Te’o (born January 16, 2023) |
| Dating | Married to Jovi Nicole Engbino |
| Siblings | BrieAnne, Tiare, Eden, Maya and Manasseh |
| Parents | Ottilia Te’o, Brian Te’o |
| Height | 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inches) |
| Net Worth | $3.5 million |
| Source of Wealth | NFL contracts, endorsements, public appearances |
What is the Net Worth of Manti Te’o in 2025?
In 2025, Manti Te’o’s net worth is estimated at $3.5 million. While his financial standing has fluctuated throughout his career, his earnings from his NFL career, combined with his contracts and endorsement deals, have kept him in a healthy financial position.
Compared to other NFL players of his era, such as Jameis Winston and Zach Martin, Manti’s wealth is on the lower end due to the effects of the media scandal that impacted his draft position.
However, his time with teams like the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears still resulted in considerable earnings.
In comparison to other athletes in the NFL, Manti’s net worth may be modest, but he has still managed to secure significant earnings, especially from his endorsement deals. If you’re curious about other wealthy athletes, check out this list of popular athletes whose financial portfolios may interest you:
- Jameis Winston
- Zach Martin
- San Diego Chargers
- New Orleans Saints
- Chicago Bears
- Notre Dame University
- Maxwell Award
- Chuck Bednarik Award
- Butkus Award
For more celebrity net worth insights, visit our page on the richest celebrities.
Manti Te’o Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
His Career Earnings and Financial Journey in the NFL
Manti Te’o’s career earnings were impacted by both his performance and the infamous catfishing incident that caught media attention in 2012. Despite the scandal, Manti’s position as a second-round draft pick by the San Diego Chargers gave him a significant start in the NFL.
His first contract, a four-year deal worth $5.172 million, helped establish his financial foundation. Over the years, Te’o played for the New Orleans Saints and the Chicago Bears, which also contributed to his overall earnings.
His highest-paid season came in 2018 when he earned $1.7 million with the New Orleans Saints. However, throughout his career, Manti’s earnings were affected by the media frenzy surrounding his personal life.
The scandal, which emerged just prior to the 2013 NFL Draft, significantly affected his stock in the draft, leading to lower pay compared to other players who had similarly successful college careers.
His NFL Contract and Salary Details
Manti Te’o’s contracts throughout his NFL career were structured to provide stability despite the scandal’s impact on his public image.
His initial contract with the San Diego Chargers provided him with a $2.14 million signing bonus. After his move to the New Orleans Saints, his contract earnings were lower, though he did have incentives that could boost his earnings.
Te’o’s final contract with the Chicago Bears was far less lucrative, and his role on the team was limited, which resulted in smaller salary payments.
The fluctuation in his salary can be attributed to both his on-field performance and the impact of public scrutiny, making it an interesting case study of how personal reputation can affect a player’s financial trajectory.
How His Wealth Was Affected by the Catfishing Incident
The infamous catfishing scandal of 2012 not only tarnished Manti Te’o’s public image but also had long-lasting effects on his financial earnings.
Initially projected to be a first-round draft pick, Te’o’s reputation took a hit when it was revealed that the girlfriend he had spoken about in interviews and on social media was a fabricated character created by Ronaiah Tuiasosopo.
This scandal likely played a role in his drop to the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the San Diego Chargers. As a result, Te’o’s first contract earnings were lower than they could have been had the incident not taken place.
Moreover, the media frenzy around the incident led to a reduced marketability for Manti Te’o, which impacted his ability to secure endorsement deals during his career.
His Earnings from Endorsements and Sponsorships
Unlike many other NFL players, Manti Te’o did not have a large portfolio of endorsement deals throughout his career. While he certainly attracted attention during his college years, the catfishing scandal overshadowed his marketability and kept potential endorsements at bay.
However, there were some modest sponsorships throughout his NFL tenure, particularly with brands that focused on promoting athletes’ performance and health.
These endorsement opportunities were relatively few compared to the high-profile deals secured by other NFL stars. While Manti Te’o may not have reaped the same financial rewards through endorsements as some of his peers, his primary earnings were still tied to his NFL contracts.
His Financial Status Today
As of 2025, Manti Te’o is retired from professional football. His net worth stands at approximately $3.5 million, a significant sum for a player who spent less time in the spotlight than some of his peers.
Te’o’s current financial status is solid, but it’s clear that his wealth was influenced by a combination of factors—his on-field performance, the media scandal, and his career longevity.
The Impact of Manti Te’o’s College Career on His Wealth
Te’o’s college career at Notre Dame was a major factor in his rise to NFL stardom. During his time with the Fighting Irish, Te’o earned several prestigious awards, including the Maxwell Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award, and the Butkus Award.
These accolades played a key role in elevating his profile and establishing his reputation as one of the top linebacker prospects in the country.
While these awards helped boost Te’o’s career and led to a high draft pick, they also came with additional pressure. The combination of high expectations and the pressure to succeed contributed to both his success and the challenges he faced later in his professional career.
Conclusion
Manti Te’o’s financial journey reflects the highs and lows of a professional athlete’s life. From his early college days at Notre Dame to his NFL career, Te’o’s wealth was influenced by his performance, media attention, and personal struggles.
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