Terrell Owens: The Life, Career, And Financial Journey Of An NFL Legend

What’s Terrell Owens’ Net Worth Today?

Let’s talk about Terrell Owens, the legendary wide receiver who dominated the NFL for over a decade. As of now, his net worth sits at a modest $500,000. But here’s the kicker: during his NFL days, from 1996 to 2010 (and briefly in 2012), Terrell raked in a staggering $80 million from salary and endorsements. So, what happened? Well, after retiring, Owens faced a series of personal and financial challenges, including mounting expenses and child support obligations. In 2011, while in court discussing his financial responsibilities, Terrell admitted he was practically broke, with no income and astronomical monthly expenses. Stick around as we dive deeper into Terrell’s financial journey throughout this article.

Financial Struggles: How Did It Happen?

Here’s the reality: Terrell Owens earned a jaw-dropping $80 million during his NFL career. But by 2011, he found himself in dire financial straits, telling a judge he had no monthly income but was burdened with sky-high expenses. At the time, Terrell was in court pleading for reductions in four separate child support cases. In court documents, he detailed how he was obligated to pay nearly $60,000 a month to four different women, along with another $63,000 a month for the homes where those women lived. To make matters worse, his personal home in Georgia went into foreclosure, forcing him to move into a girlfriend’s apartment in Los Angeles.

Despite these setbacks, Terrell has been candid about his financial missteps. Below are four valuable lessons he’s shared with aspiring athletes to help them avoid the same pitfalls:

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1. Don’t Overspend.

When Owens was drafted in 1996, like many rookies, he got caught up in the glitz and glamour of NFL life. He recalls, “At that time, I got sucked into wanting to be like everybody else, the guys with the Mercedes and all the flashy cars and jewelry.” Reflecting on those choices, Terrell admits, “I think those are some of the most idiotic purchases players can make, especially when they don’t have the money in the bank to cover them.” His advice? “Don’t live beyond your means. You have to be smart with your money.” He also reminds athletes to account for taxes when receiving signing bonuses.

2. Take Control of Your Finances.

According to Owens, athletes often trust financial advisors who promise to have their best interests at heart. But Terrell learned the hard way. “I took it at face value and got burned,” he says. “I can’t blame them entirely because I had some responsibility too. I should’ve managed my finances just as well as they were.”

3. Ask Questions When You Don’t Understand.

“It’s tricky being an athlete,” Owens explains. “You want to keep a lot of things close to the chest, but the best thing to do is ask questions before it’s too late.” He advises, “Find someone experienced in the field to give you advice. Don’t take anything for granted.”

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4. Think Twice Before Making Big Purchases.

“It’s like ‘mo’ money, mo’ problems,’” Terrell quips. “Sometimes, you think a purchase is well-thought-out, but later you realize, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t have bought that.’”

Early Beginnings: From Alabama to the NFL

Terrell Owens was born on December 7, 1973, in Alexander City, Alabama, to L.C. Russell and Marilyn Heard. Raised by his mother and grandmother, Terrell didn’t start playing football until high school because his grandmother was protective. But once he hit the field, there was no stopping him. At Benjamin Russell High School, Owens excelled in basketball, track, baseball, and eventually football. By his junior year, he was already making waves. He went on to attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he continued to shine in basketball, football, and track. By his sophomore year, Terrell had become a starter, and by his senior year, he was attracting NFL scouts.

A Journey Through the NFL

In 1996, the San Francisco 49ers drafted Owens, and the rest, as they say, is history. His first pro game was against the New Orleans Saints, and his first professional touchdown came on October 20, 1996, against the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2000, Terrell had a record-breaking day, catching 20 passes in a 17-0 win over the Chicago Bears. By 2004, Owens was ready for a new chapter and became a free agent, eventually signing a $49 million, seven-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, his time there was rocky. Owens suffered a severe ankle injury early in the season, which forced him to sit out the rest of the year. Despite this, he played in Super Bowl XXXIX, where the Eagles lost to the Patriots.

After two tense years with the Eagles, Owens was released in 2006 and quickly signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys. The following year was a career-defining one for Terrell, as he set numerous records and became the first player in NFL history to have at least one touchdown and six receptions in seven consecutive games. Unfortunately, Owens suffered another devastating ankle injury in December 2007, which sidelined him for the rest of the season. In March 2009, the Cowboys released him, and he signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills. He finished his only season with the Bills with 55 receptions and five receiving touchdowns.

Owens went on to play with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010 but wasn’t re-signed for 2011. In 2012, he signed with the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League, only to be released later that year. Owens briefly returned to professional football in 2022, playing in the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) League with the FCF Zappers and Knights of Degen. Despite the ups and downs, Terrell Owens was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, capping off a remarkable career that saw him rack up 1,078 receptions for 15,934 yards and 153 receiving touchdowns.

Earnings Throughout His Career

During his NFL career, Terrell earned approximately $67 million in salary alone, with an additional $13 million from endorsements, bringing his total career earnings to $80 million. Unfortunately, as we’ve discussed, he faced significant financial struggles after leaving the league.

Exploring Other Ventures

Terrell Owens didn’t stop at football. In 2009, VH1 premiered “The T.O. Show,” a reality series that ran for three seasons. He also launched a podcast in 2013 called “Time Out with T.O.” In 2015, Owens joined the cast of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice,” where he tackled various business-related challenges. Later that year, he appeared on “Celebrity Wife Swap,” trading lives with actor Robert Carradine. Terrell has also competed on “Dancing with the Stars” and the MTV reality series “The Challenge.”

Controversies That Shaped His Legacy

Throughout his career, Terrell Owens was no stranger to controversy. His flamboyant touchdown celebrations often landed his teams with penalties and fines. In 2006, a police report suggested Owens had attempted suicide after being found unresponsive next to an empty bottle of painkillers. Though he denied the attempt, the incident sparked widespread media attention. Later that year, Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall claimed Owens spat in his face during a game, leading to a $35,000 fine from the NFL.

Owens faced legal challenges as well, being sued in 2011 for failure to pay child support. Three out of four mothers even appeared on the Dr. Phil show to accuse him of neglecting his responsibilities. Despite his on-field greatness, Owens wasn’t voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during his first two years of eligibility, largely due to his off-field behavior. When he was finally enshrined in 2018, Owens skipped the official induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio, hosting his own celebration at his alma mater, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A Glimpse into Terrell’s Personal Life

Terrell Owens is the proud father of four children—two daughters and two sons. His daughter Kylee plays volleyball for Prairie View A&M University. Owens and his estranged wife, Rachel Snider, sold their Sherman Oaks home in 2015 for $2 million. The infamous home where Terrell famously answered interview questions while doing sit-ups during a contract dispute was sold for just $1.7 million in 2010 after being purchased for $3.9 million in 2004.

Owens credits his Christian faith for guiding him through life’s challenges. Raised by his grandmother, who instilled strong Christian values, Terrell was baptized early in life and remains a devoted believer.