Manti Te’o’s career has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. From college football stardom to NFL contracts, controversies, and redemption, his financial journey reflects both success and setbacks.
In 2025, his net worth and earnings are a point of intrigue for many.
How much has the former linebacker made in his career, and how has his financial situation evolved? Keep reading to find out more about Manti Te’o’s wealth and how the catfishing scandal impacted his finances.
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?
Manti Te’o’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be $3.5 million according to various sources. While his wealth is considerably lower than other NFL stars, it reflects both his earnings and the setbacks caused by the catfishing incident.
Te’o’s journey in the NFL involved contracts with the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears, but his drop in the draft and subsequent media backlash cost him millions in potential earnings.
Compared to other players in his class, Manti Te’o’s financial standing is modest.
Competitors/Partners/Friends in Jobs/Related to Manti Te’o:
- San Diego Chargers
- New Orleans Saints
- Chicago Bears
- NFL
- Brian Te’o
- Ottilia Te’o
- Jovi Nicole Engbino
- Notre Dame Football Team
- Maxwell Award
- Chuck Bednarik Award
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Manti Te’o Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Did His Earn During His NFL Career?
Manti Te’o’s NFL earnings have been shaped by both his talent and the challenges he faced due to his catfishing incident. Initially, he was considered one of the top prospects during his college days, winning major awards like the Maxwell Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award.
However, his draft position dropped from the first to the second round following the scandal, resulting in a loss of potential earnings.
Te’o’s contract with the San Diego Chargers was worth $5.172 million over four years. During his time with the New Orleans Saints, he signed a two-year contract worth $5 million. Later, his time with the Chicago Bears was brief, involving a practice squad contract that earned him an estimated $132,000.
Despite these setbacks, Manti Te’o still managed to carve out a decent career in the NFL. His highest salary came during the 2018 season, where he earned approximately $1.7 million while playing for the New Orleans Saints.
How Did His Financial Situation Change After Leaving the NFL?
Post-retirement, Manti Te’o has remained involved in the public eye, appearing in documentaries and occasionally making media appearances. While he no longer plays football professionally, his post-NFL career still contributes to his income.
Te’o’s involvement in the Netflix documentary discussing his catfishing scandal provided him a platform to share his side of the story and regain public sympathy.
Te’o’s endorsements and sponsorship deals have likely been affected by the controversy surrounding him, though there is no detailed public information on his current endorsement contracts. After retiring from the NFL, Te’o shifted his focus to family life, as he married Jovi Nicole Engbino in 2020 and has two children.
How Did His Catfishing Incident Affect His Career and Finances?
The catfishing scandal was a defining moment in Manti Te’o’s life and career. Originally thought to have been in a relationship with a woman who tragically passed away, it was later revealed that the woman did not exist, and Te’o had been the victim of an elaborate hoax.
This caused a media frenzy and significantly impacted his draft position, leading him to be picked 38th overall instead of a higher first-round pick.
As a result, Te’o’s career earnings suffered due to the public perception of the scandal. He was unable to secure as large of a contract as initially expected, and the incident likely caused a decrease in potential sponsorship deals and brand partnerships.
Despite the controversy, Te’o has shown resilience. He later appeared in a Netflix documentary titled Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist, where he addressed the hoax and its effect on his life. This effort helped restore some of his public image, but the financial implications of the scandal remained significant.
What Was His Salary Breakdown for Each Season?
Manti Te’o’s earnings during his NFL career varied season by season. His time with the San Diego Chargers was marked by the $5.172 million contract over four years. Following this, Te’o signed a two-year contract worth $5 million with the New Orleans Saints.
His highest-earning season came in 2018 when he made approximately $1.7 million. After his time with the Saints, he joined the Chicago Bears, though his earnings were limited to his practice squad contract in 2021, which brought in about $132,000.
Though his time with the Saints was the most financially rewarding, Te’o’s career was impacted by both his draft position and the catfishing scandal. As a result, his total career earnings were lower than initially expected for a player of his talent.
What Impact Did His Career Have on His Financial Success?
Manti Te’o’s awards and accolades during his college career helped pave the way for his initial success in the NFL. He was a standout linebacker at Notre Dame, where he gained national attention.
His impressive college career culminated in several major awards, including the Butkus Award and the Lombardi Award, which cemented his status as one of the top defensive players.
However, the catfishing incident severely impacted Te’o’s financial trajectory. Despite winning several prestigious awards and earning a starting position in the NFL, Te’o’s career earnings fell short of what might have been expected from someone of his skill level.
His Post-NFL Financial Life: How Is He Managing Now?
Since retiring from football, Manti Te’o’s financial management appears to focus on his personal life and family. His marriage to Jovi Nicole Engbino and the birth of their two children likely play a significant role in his financial priorities.
While there is no public information on Te’o’s specific investments or business ventures, it’s clear that he has shifted his focus from professional sports to his family and life outside of the NFL.
Though his post-retirement income may not rival his football earnings, Te’o’s reputation has begun to rebuild, and he continues to find opportunities to engage with the public.
Conclusion
Manti Te’o’s financial journey is a reflection of both triumph and adversity. Despite facing significant challenges, including the infamous catfishing scandal, Te’o has managed to build a steady income from his NFL career, endorsements, and post-retirement appearances.
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