What is Brian Bosworth's Net Worth and Salary?
Brian Bosworth, also known as "The Boz," is a former professional football player and actor with a net worth of $8 million. Despite his brief NFL career, he became quite famous. Playing only two NFL seasons, he was a standout athlete at the University of Oklahoma. In 1987, he signed the biggest rookie contract in NFL history with the Seattle Seahawks, valued at $11 million over ten years. Unfortunately, an injury forced him to retire early. Bosworth received a $7 million tax-free payout from an NFL insurance policy, which is worth about $11.5 million today when adjusted for inflation.
Early Life
Brian Bosworth was born on March 9, 1965, in Oklahoma City. He has admitted to having a strained relationship with his father, feeling that nothing he did was ever good enough.
College Football
Bosworth gained prominence as a college football star at the University of Oklahoma, where he played for the Oklahoma Sooners. Known for his unorthodox hairstyles and outspoken criticisms of the NCAA, he nonetheless proved to be an exceptional linebacker. Bosworth won the Butkus Award twice, recognizing him as one of the best tacklers in college football.
He revealed inside stories about the Oklahoma Sooners, including players using firearms and drugs in the locker rooms. Although initially dismissed, many of his claims were later validated. Bosworth was eventually kicked off the team for wearing a shirt with the slogan "NCAA: National Communists Against Athletes," coinciding with a failed drug test for steroids.
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NFL Career
Bosworth graduated a year early, making him eligible for the NFL supplemental draft. Initially, he sent letters of disinterest to various teams, stating he wouldn't show up for training if drafted by them, preferring to join the Raiders. However, he eventually joined the Seahawks, enticed by an $11 million, ten-year deal.
Though his NFL career was short, Bosworth made a lasting impression. His unique appearance and trash-talking drew plenty of attention. He even monetized his persona by selling self-mocking t-shirts. After criticizing Denver's quarterback, he sold 10,000 shirts with slogans like "Ban the Boz" for $15 each.
His career ended after just two seasons due to a severe shoulder injury. Team doctors noted that his shoulders were akin to those of a man in his 60s.
After Football
Since retiring from football, Bosworth has pursued various ventures. He released an autobiography titled The Boz, sharing inside stories from his football career. He also ventured into acting, appearing in films like Adam Sandler's The Longest Yard. In 2014, ESPN aired a documentary about him called Brian and the Boz.
