Manti Te’o is a former American football linebacker who became one of the best-known defensive players of his college generation. After starring at Notre Dame, he spent eight years in professional football and later moved into sports broadcasting. Today, interest in Manti Te’o net worth comes from his NFL earnings, media career, personal life, and remarkable journey beyond football.
Quick bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manti Malietau Louis Te’o |
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1991 |
| Age | 35 years old in 2026 |
| Birthplace | Laie, Hawaii, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former NFL linebacker and sports analyst |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) |
| Playing Weight | Approximately 241 pounds (109 kilograms) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $3.5 million |
| College | University of Notre Dame |
| NFL Draft | 38th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft |
| NFL Teams | San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears |
| Wife | Jovi Nicole Engbino, also known as Jovi Te’o |
| Children | Two children, Hiromi “Hiro” Te’o and Kyro Te’o |
Who Is Manti Te’o?
Manti Malietau Louis Te’o was born on January 26, 1991, in Laie, Hawaii. He attended Punahou School before joining the University of Notre Dame. His combination of tackling ability, leadership, and defensive awareness made him one of college football’s standout linebackers. He was eventually selected by the San Diego Chargers in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Manti Te’o Net Worth
As of 2026, Manti Te’o net worth is commonly estimated at around $3.5 million. Celebrity Net Worth currently publishes this figure, although Te’o has not publicly released audited financial records confirming his total wealth. For that reason, the number should be viewed as an outside estimate rather than an official statement about his finances.
His wealth has mainly been connected with professional football earnings and his later broadcasting career. Unlike some former athletes, Te’o does not regularly publicize expensive purchases or detailed investment information, making an exact calculation difficult.
NFL Salary and Earnings
Te’o entered professional football as the 38th overall selection in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played four seasons with the San Diego Chargers before joining the New Orleans Saints. He later spent time with the Chicago Bears, completing an eight-year NFL career.
NFL salaries formed the most important foundation of his professional wealth. Contract figures reported during his playing years provide useful information about earnings, but salary should not be confused with net worth because taxes, agent fees, living costs, investments, and other expenses reduce the amount an athlete ultimately keeps.
Notre Dame Career
Before reaching the NFL, Te’o became a national football star at Notre Dame. His 2012 season was particularly memorable. He was named a unanimous All-American and finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, an unusual achievement for a defensive player.
His major honors included the Butkus Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Bednarik Award, Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award, and Lott IMPACT Trophy. Those achievements helped establish Te’o as one of the most decorated defensive players of his era.
NFL Career
Te’o spent most of his NFL career with the Chargers and Saints. Pro Football Reference records 62 regular-season games, 48 starts, 307 combined tackles, two interceptions, and 1.5 sacks during his career. His final NFL season was with Chicago in 2020.
While injuries affected portions of his professional career, he remained in the league for several years and built a respectable record as an inside linebacker.
Life After Football
Retirement did not end Te’o’s connection with football. In 2024, he joined NFL Network as an analyst. He has worked on programs including Good Morning Football and Good Morning Football: Overtime, allowing him to use his playing experience in television and football analysis.
This second career gives Te’o another professional income stream and has introduced him to audiences who may not have followed his playing days closely.
Age and Height
Manti Te’o is 35 years old in 2026. Official football records list him at 6 feet 1 inch, or about 1.85 meters, with a playing weight of approximately 241 pounds or 109 kilograms.
He has a broad, athletic build typical of an NFL inside linebacker. During his playing career, his physical strength, tackling ability, and awareness were important parts of his defensive game.
Family and Early Life
Te’o grew up in Hawaii in a close family environment. His parents are widely identified as Brian and Ottilia Te’o. His Hawaiian upbringing and Polynesian family background have often been discussed as important influences on his character and football journey.
Before national fame arrived, Te’o developed his reputation at Punahou School in Honolulu, where he became one of the country’s highly regarded young football prospects.
Wife and Children
Manti Te’o is married to Jovi Nicole Engbino, now known as Jovi Te’o. The couple married in 2020 and have built a family together.
They have two children, a daughter named Hiromi “Hiro” Te’o and a son named Kyro Te’o. In recent years, Te’o’s public image has increasingly focused on fatherhood, marriage, faith, personal growth, and his broadcasting career.
Lifestyle
Te’o appears to live a relatively private and family-focused lifestyle. There is limited reliable public information confirming collections of luxury cars, expensive properties, yachts, or other extravagant purchases often associated with celebrity profiles.
His public appearances now tend to center on football, broadcasting, family activities, fitness, and personal development rather than displays of wealth. This makes unsupported claims about his houses or luxury assets best avoided.
Social Media
Te’o has maintained a public presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where fans can see updates related to football, family life, motivational messages, and professional appearances.
His social presence also allows him to remain connected with football audiences after retirement while supporting his newer identity as an analyst and media personality.
Public Attention
Te’o’s career also became connected with the famous 2012 catfishing controversy, when he discovered that a person he believed he had formed an online relationship with did not exist as represented.
The story became a major national media event and was later revisited in Netflix’s documentary Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist. Over time, public discussion has shifted increasingly toward how Te’o handled the experience and rebuilt his life afterward.
Income Today
Te’o’s current income is likely different from his NFL playing years. His confirmed professional role with NFL Network provides a continuing connection to sports media, although his broadcasting salary has not been publicly disclosed by the network.
Possible additional earnings may come from appearances, partnerships, speaking opportunities, or other media activities, although these should not be treated as confirmed income without reliable disclosure.
Fun Facts
Te’o was a Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2012, something rarely achieved by a linebacker. He also won several of college football’s most important defensive awards during the same season.
He was drafted 38th overall in 2013, played for three NFL organizations, appeared in more than 60 regular-season games, and eventually transitioned from professional linebacker to television football analyst.
Final Thoughts
The commonly published estimate places Manti Te’o net worth at about $3.5 million, but his exact financial position remains private. His story is broader than money alone. From Notre Dame fame and an eight-year NFL career to marriage, fatherhood, and broadcasting, Te’o has continued building a public career long after his final professional game.Frequently Asked Questions.
FAQs
What is Manti Te’o’s estimated net worth?
Manti Te’o’s estimated net worth is approximately $3.5 million. This figure is based on publicly available estimates and is not an officially confirmed financial statement.
How old is Manti Te’o in 2026?
Manti Te’o is 35 years old in 2026. He was born on January 26, 1991, in Laie, Hawaii.
Which NFL teams did Manti Te’o play for?
Manti Te’o played for the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears during his NFL career. He entered the league after being selected 38th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Who is Manti Te’o’s wife?
Manti Te’o is married to Jovi Nicole Engbino, who is also known as Jovi Te’o. The couple married in 2020.
How many children does Manti Te’o have?
Manti Te’o and Jovi Te’o have two children. Their children are named Hiromi “Hiro” Te’o and Kyro Te’o.
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