Manti Te’o Net Worth

American professional football player Manti Te’o, with a net worth of $3.5 million, has etched his name into the annals of the NFL. From his college football triumphs at Notre Dame to his tenure with teams like the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and the Chicago Bears, Te’o’s journey is interwoven with both gridiron victories and the complexities of a well-publicized catfishing incident.

Early Life

Manti Malietau Louis Te’o was born on January 26, 1991, in Laie, Hawaii. His early passion for football blossomed during high school, where he garnered accolades such as State Defensive Player of the Year and Gatorade State Player of the Year. Te’o’s exceptional skills and achievements paved the way for a standout career at the University of Notre Dame.

Joining Notre Dame in 2009, Te’o quickly made an impact, earning Freshman All-American honors with 63 tackles in his debut season. His sophomore season showcased a transition to inside linebacker, accompanied by an impressive 133 tackles. Te’o’s subsequent seasons continued to amass honors, culminating in numerous awards and a remarkable 437 total tackles for Notre Dame.

Manti Te’o NFL Career

Declared eligible for the NFL Draft in 2013, Te’o faced scrutiny over his 40-yard-dash time, potentially impacting his draft position.

Manti Te’o Contract

Ultimately selected 38th overall by the San Diego Chargers, Te’o signed a four-year, $5-million contract, with over $3 million guaranteed, including a $2 million signing bonus. Injuries, however, posed challenges throughout his career, affecting his performance and contract negotiations.

Manti Te’o Salary

Despite setbacks, Te’o’s NFL journey extended to teams like the New Orleans Saints and the Chicago Bears. Over his NFL career from 2013 to 2020, he earned a total salary of $10.4 million, showcasing resilience in the face of adversities.

Manti Te’o Net Worth

Manti Te’o net worth is $3.5 million. His story goes beyond the football field, showcasing strength, forgiveness, and the enduring spirit of an athlete.

Manti Te’o Catfishing Incident

Te’o’s life took an unexpected turn with a highly publicized catfishing incident. In an elaborate hoax orchestrated by Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, Te’o became the unwitting victim of a fictitious online relationship. The incident, involving a fake girlfriend named Lennay Kekua, garnered media frenzy, overshadowing his accomplishments on the field.

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The fallout from the catfishing incident, including a perceived draft drop and unjust backlash, cost Te’o millions of dollars. The Netflix documentary “Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist,” released in August 2022, provided Te’o an opportunity to share his side of the story. Universally praised for his openness and forgiveness, Te’o emerged as a symbol of resilience and grace in the face of adversity.

Manti Te’o Wife and Children

In 2020, he became engaged to Jovi Nicole Engbino, culminating in marriage later that year. The couple welcomed their first child, Hiro Te’o, in August 2021, and a son, Kyro Aumua Te’o, followed on January 16, 2023.