Manti Te’o’s NFL career was both remarkable and controversial, from his standout performances at Notre Dame to his time with the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears.
But beyond his athletic achievements, Manti Te’o’s financial journey has been shaped by a combination of contract earnings, endorsements, and a catfishing scandal that impacted his salary and career trajectory.
In this article, we will explore Manti Te’o’s net worth, his salary breakdown, and how his financial situation has evolved since his football days.
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?
As of 2025, Manti Te’o’s net worth stands at approximately $3.5 million. While this might not place him among the wealthiest NFL players, his financial journey has been affected by various factors, including his performance in the NFL, his involvement in a controversial catfishing incident, and the media’s scrutiny of his career.
Compared to other NFL stars, Manti’s net worth is relatively modest. His wealth, however, still ranks high when considering the challenges he faced during his professional career, including being dropped from a potential first-round pick to the second round due to the scandal.
Related People/Companies:
- San Diego Chargers
- New Orleans Saints
- Chicago Bears
- Notre Dame
- Heisman Trophy
- Maxwell Award
- Butkus Award
- Lombardi Award
- NFL Draft
- Netflix (Untold Documentary)
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Manti Te’o Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
What Are His Earnings from His NFL Career?
Manti Te’o earned a total of $10.4 million during his career in the NFL, playing for the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears.
His contracts, though substantial, were affected by injuries and the scandal that plagued his draft process. The highest salary he earned was around $1.7 million during his time with the New Orleans Saints in 2018.
Te’o’s first contract, signed with the Chargers in 2013, was a four-year deal worth $5.172 million. This contract included a signing bonus of $2.14 million.
After his time with the Chargers, he moved to the Saints, where he signed a two-year deal worth $5 million in 2017.
However, despite these contracts, Manti Te’o’s financial trajectory was certainly impacted by the media’s focus on his catfishing incident. Had it not been for the controversy, Te’o likely would have earned more during his NFL career.
His Financial Journey Post-NFL
After retiring from the NFL in 2021, Manti Te’o’s financial situation likely changed. While exact details on his post-football earnings are not public, he has remained in the public eye, especially due to his involvement in Netflix’s documentary Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist.
This media venture could bring in additional income through royalties and future speaking engagements.
Te’o may also explore business ventures, media appearances, or charitable initiatives to maintain or increase his wealth.
Although he hasn’t disclosed his business dealings, public figures like Te’o often branch out into personal branding, public speaking, or endorsements even after retiring from their primary careers.
How Did His Catfishing Incident Affect His Career and Salary?
The infamous catfishing incident that Manti Te’o was involved in during his time at Notre Dame had a lasting effect on both his reputation and his financial prospects.
In 2013, Te’o was a victim of an elaborate hoax in which a fake online relationship was created, and the media scrutiny that followed hurt his draft stock. Although his personal life was exploited for sensational stories, the financial toll was felt in his career.
Instead of being drafted in the first round, Te’o fell to the second round, which cost him millions in potential contract value. The scandal also delayed his NFL success, and he faced public backlash, which diminished his earning power from endorsements and sponsorships.
His Personal Life and Marriage: How Does It Relate to His Finances?
Manti Te’o’s personal life has played a role in his financial decisions. He married Jovi Nicole Engbino in 2020, and they have two children together.
Having a family often leads to more conservative financial decisions, and it’s likely that Te’o’s wealth has been managed with a focus on long-term stability for his family.
Though personal finances are often private, Te’o’s marriage to Jovi might influence his investments and his approach to future earnings, whether in business ventures or other personal projects. Being part of a family could also lead to decisions around saving, investments, and more traditional wealth-building strategies.
What Are the Sources of His Wealth Outside of Football?
While Manti Te’o earned the majority of his wealth through his NFL contracts, he may also have additional income sources through media engagements, such as the Netflix documentary Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist.
This documentary explored his catfishing scandal, which was a major event in his life, and could have helped boost his public image and earn him additional revenue.
Manti may also benefit from personal ventures, whether it be through social media, endorsements, or speaking engagements, though there’s limited public information available regarding these opportunities. His future wealth may also be shaped by business investments or collaborations with brands.
Conclusion
Manti Te’o’s financial journey has been marked by both highs and lows, from his NFL earnings to the fallout from a highly publicized scandal. As he moves beyond football, it will be interesting to see how his wealth grows in the coming years. For more insights into celebrity finances, feel free to leave a comment, share, or read more articles on AndoMoney.com.
