Manti Te’o is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Houston Texans.
Born in Laie, Hawaii, Manti was a standout high school football player who went on to play for the University of Notre Dame.
Despite his success on the field, Manti’s career was overshadowed by a girlfriend hoax that made national headlines.
As of May 2023, Manti Te’o’s net worth is around $3.5 million. In this article, we will take a closer look at Manti Te’o’s life and career, including his net worth and how it has changed over the years.
Table of Contents
Early Life and College Career
Manti Malietau Louis Te’o was born on January 26, 1991, in Laie, Hawaii. He was the third of four children born to Ottilia Te’o and Brian Te’o, both of whom were of Samoan ancestry.
Manti’s father was a defensive lineman in high school, and his mother was a volleyball player. Manti grew up in a close-knit family and was raised in the Mormon faith.
Manti attended Punahou School in Honolulu, where he played high school football. He was a standout player, winning numerous awards, including the Gatorade State Player of the Year and State Defensive Player of the Year.
He was heavily recruited by colleges across the country and ultimately chose to play for the University of Notre Dame.
Manti had an impressive college career at Notre Dame, where he played as a linebacker for the Fighting Irish.
He was a three-time All-American and won numerous awards, including the Butkus, Chuck Bednarik, Lombardi, and Walter Camp awards. He was also a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in his senior year.
However, Manti’s college career was overshadowed by a girlfriend hoax that became national news. In September 2012, it was reported that Manti’s girlfriend, Lennay Kekua, had died of leukemia.
However, it was later revealed that Lennay Kekua never existed and Manti had been the victim of an elaborate hoax. The perpetrator of the hoax was Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, a family friend of Manti’s who had created a fake online persona and used it to communicate with Manti.
The relationship had been entirely online, and Manti had never met Lennay Kekua in person. The incident made national headlines and cast a shadow over Manti’s career.
NFL Draft and Professional Career
Despite the girlfriend hoax, Manti was still highly regarded by NFL teams and was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft.
He signed a four-year contract with the Chargers, which included a signing bonus of $2.14 million.
Manti made his debut for the Chargers in the middle of the 2013 season and played in 13 games, recording 61 tackles and one interception.
He continued to play for the Chargers over the next few seasons, but his performance was hampered by injuries. In 2015, he suffered a season-ending foot injury and was placed on injured reserve.
In 2017, Manti signed with the New Orleans Saints and spent most of the season on the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster in December and played in three games.
He stayed with the Saints until 2019 before ending his career with the Bears in 2020.
Personal Life
Manti’s personal life has been relatively private, although he has been linked to several women over the years.
He was in a long-term relationship with Jovi Nicole Engbino, whom he met while attending Punahou School.
The couple was together for several years before breaking up in 2012, shortly before the girlfriend hoax scandal. Manti has also been linked to several other women, including Maya, Eden, and Tiare.
However, he has not publicly confirmed any of these relationships. Manti is also a devout Mormon and has spoken openly about his faith in the past.
Manti’s family is also a significant part of his life. He has three siblings: Brieanne, Manasseh, and Eden. Manti’s grandmother, Annette Santiago, was a major influence on his life and career.
She passed away in 2012, shortly before the girlfriend hoax scandal.
Manti Te’o Net Worth 2023
As of May 2023, Manti Te’o’s net worth is around $3.5 million. However, this figure is not exact and may fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including his salary and endorsements.
Manti Te’o’s net worth and salary throughout his NFL career varied depending on the team he played for and the awards he received. His earnings from 2013 to 2020 totaled $10,424,620.
In his first four seasons, Manti earned a total of $5,253,209. His highest-earning year was in 2017 when he was signed by the New Orleans Saints and earned $2,350,000.
In that year, he received a $600,000 signing bonus, $850,000 roster bonus, and $50,000 workout bonus.
During his three seasons with the San Diego Chargers, Manti earned a total of $5,039,411. His highest-earning year with the Chargers was in 2016 when he earned $1,110,330.
In his only season with the Chicago Bears, Manti earned $132,000, which was the lowest salary he earned in his NFL career.
In total, Manti earned $5,902,072 in salary, $2,741,760 in signing bonus, $1,600,000 in roster bonus, $100,000 in workout bonus, and $80,789 in incentive throughout his eight NFL seasons.
His earnings varied depending on the awards he received and the team he played for. Despite his short NFL career, Manti Te’o’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.5 million.
Despite being out of the NFL since 2020, Manti’s net worth is still impressive. He has earned a significant amount of money throughout his career, both through his NFL contracts and endorsements.
Manti has also been featured in a Netflix documentary titled “Untold,” which covers his girlfriend’s hoax scandal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much did Manti Te O make in NFL?
In total, Manti Te’o made over $10 million in the NFL. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
He signed a four-year contract worth $5.2 million with the Chargers, including a signing bonus of $2.3 million.
Did Manti Te O do well in the NFL?
Manti Te’o had a successful career in the NFL, playing for six seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, one season with the New Orleans Saints, and one season with the Chicago Bears.
During his time in the league, he recorded over 212 tackles and 2 interceptions.
How long was Manti Te O in the NFL?
Manti Te’o played seven seasons in the NFL from 2013 to 2021. He spent six seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and one season with the New Orleans Saints.
What football team does Manti Te O play for?
Manti Te’o is not playing for any football team as he is retired.
Key Takeaway
Manti Te’o’s life and career have been filled with highs and lows. Despite the girlfriend hoax scandal, Manti’s talent and hard work have earned him a significant net worth and a place in NFL history.
His achievements on the field, including his numerous awards and accolades, have cemented his legacy as one of the best linebackers of his generation.
While Manti’s professional football career may be over, his impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.