Manti Te’o, a former American football linebacker, had a career in the National Football League (NFL) with the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Houston Texans.

Manti, hailing from Laie, Hawaii, emerged as an exceptional high school football athlete before proceeding to join the renowned University of Notre Dame football team.

Manti’s career, despite his accomplishments on the field, was marred by a girlfriend hoax that gained widespread attention in the nation.

In May 2023, Manti Te’o’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $3.5 million. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Manti Te’o’s life and career, delving into his net worth and its evolution throughout the years.

Early Life and College Career

Manti Malietau Louis Te’o entered the world on January 26, 1991, in Laie, Hawaii. He was one of four siblings, with Ottilia Te’o and Brian Te’o, who both hailed from Samoan heritage, as his parents.

Manti was raised in a tight-knit family with strong ties to the Mormon faith. His father excelled as a defensive lineman during high school, while his mother was a skilled volleyball player.

In Honolulu, Manti went to Punahou School, where he participated in high school football. He showcased exceptional skills and earned numerous accolades, such as the Gatorade State Player of the Year and State Defensive Player of the Year.

Colleges from all corners of the country pursued him intensely, but in the end, he made the decision to join the University of Notre Dame’s team.

Playing as a linebacker for the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame, Manti had a remarkable college career.

In addition to being a finalist for the Heisman Trophy during his senior year, he achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a three-time All-American and winning a multitude of prestigious awards. Notably, he was honored with the Butkus, Chuck Bednarik, Lombardi, and Walter Camp awards.

Nevertheless, Manti’s collegiate tenure was marred by a widely publicized girlfriend deception. In September 2012, news broke that Manti’s supposed partner, Lennay Kekua, had tragically succumbed to leukemia.

Subsequently, the truth emerged that Lennay Kekua was a fictitious character, and Manti had fallen prey to an intricate deception. Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, a close acquaintance of Manti, was the mastermind behind the scheme, fabricating an online identity to engage in communication with him.

Manti had never met Lennay Kekua in person, as their entire relationship had been conducted online. The incident gained widespread attention and negatively impacted Manti’s professional trajectory.

NFL Draft and Professional Career

In spite of the girlfriend hoax, Manti Te’o’s reputation remained intact among NFL teams, leading to his selection in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers.

A four-year agreement was inked by him with the Chargers, entailing a signing bonus valued at $2.14 million.

Manti showcased his talents for the Chargers during the 2013 season, joining the team midway and participating in 13 games. He skillfully accumulated 61 tackles and successfully intercepted one pass.

Despite his injuries, he remained with the Chargers for the following seasons. However, his performance was hindered by these physical setbacks. Unfortunately, in 2015, he endured a foot injury that ended his season prematurely, leading to his placement on the injured reserve list.

Manti signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2017 and primarily served on the practice squad throughout the season. However, he received a promotion to the active roster in December and participated in three games.

After being with the Saints until 2019, he concluded his career with the Bears in 2020.

Personal Life

Although Manti has been associated with multiple women throughout the years, his personal life has largely remained undisclosed.

While attending Punahou School, he formed a lasting bond with Jovi Nicole Engbino, leading to a long-term relationship.

In 2012, the couple ended their relationship after being together for several years, just before the girlfriend hoax scandal unfolded. Manti has also been romantically associated with a number of other women, namely Maya, Eden, and Tiare.

Nevertheless, Manti has refrained from publicly acknowledging any of these relationships. Furthermore, he has openly discussed his devout Mormon beliefs in the past.

Manti’s family holds great importance in his life, with three siblings named Brieanne, Manasseh, and Eden. Annette Santiago, Manti’s grandmother, played a pivotal role in shaping his life and career.

In 2012, she tragically lost her life, just before the girlfriend hoax scandal unfolded.

Manti Te’o Net Worth 2023

As of May 2023, Manti Te’o is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $3.5 million. It should be noted that this figure is not definitive and is subject to change due to factors such as his salary and endorsements.

Manti Te’o’s total earnings from 2013 to 2020 amounted to $10,424,620, which fluctuated based on the team he was affiliated with and the accolades he garnered during his NFL career.

During his initial four seasons, Manti accumulated a sum of $5,253,209 in earnings. Notably, his most lucrative year came in 2017, when he joined the New Orleans Saints and garnered $2,350,000.

He was granted a signing bonus of $600,000, a roster bonus of $850,000, and a workout bonus of $50,000 during that year.

Manti accumulated a total of $5,039,411 during his tenure of three seasons with the San Diego Chargers. In the year 2016, he reached his peak earning with the Chargers, receiving a sum of $1,110,330.

During his sole season with the Chicago Bears, Manti’s NFL career hit its lowest point as he earned a mere $132,000.

Throughout his eight seasons in the NFL, Manti accumulated a grand total of $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.

Manti Te’o’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.5 million, despite the fluctuation in his earnings based on the awards he received and the team he played for during his relatively short NFL career.

Even though Manti Te’o has been out of the NFL since 2020, his net worth remains noteworthy. He has amassed a substantial fortune from his NFL contracts and endorsement deals throughout his career.

Additionally, Manti’s involvement in his girlfriend’s hoax scandal has been highlighted in the Netflix documentary called “Untold.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Key Takeaway

Despite the girlfriend hoax scandal, Manti Te’o has experienced both triumphs and tribulations in his life and career. Through his immense talent and unwavering dedication, he has managed to amass a substantial net worth and etch his name into the annals of NFL history.

Being recognized with numerous awards and accolades, his accomplishments on the field have solidified his reputation as one of the top linebackers of his era.

Although Manti’s professional football career may have come to an end, his influence on the sport will continue to be significant for many years.