What is Cris Carter's Net Worth?
Cris Carter, a retired American professional football player, has a net worth of $20 million. Not to be confused with Chris Carter, the creator of "The X-Files," Cris Carter played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins. Renowned for his remarkable skills, Carter made eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and is often considered one of the best wide receivers of all time. Post-retirement in 2002, Carter transitioned to television, working for ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown" and FS1's "First Things First." His accolades include being part of the Ohio State Football All-Century Team, the NFL's 1990s All-Decade Team, and the 50 Greatest Vikings. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, Carter's #80 was retired by the Minnesota Vikings.
Early Life
Born as Graduel Christopher Darin Carter on November 25, 1965, in Troy, Ohio, Cris Carter is one of six siblings. He began his education at Heywood Elementary in Troy before moving to Middletown, Ohio, where he attended Middletown High School. Here, he demonstrated prowess in both football and basketball. Inspired by wide receiver Cris Collinsworth, Carter dropped his surname and unofficially changed his name to Cris.
Collegiate Career
Highly recruited for football and basketball, Carter chose to attend Ohio State University, focusing solely on football. He set a Rose Bowl record in his freshman year with nine receptions for 172 yards. As a junior, Carter's performance peaked with 69 catches for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him OSU's first All-America selection at wide receiver. However, a contract with sports agent Norby Walters made Carter ineligible for his senior season, ending his collegiate career with 168 receptions.
Philadelphia Eagles
Carter was chosen by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1987 NFL supplemental draft, initially participating in limited action during his rookie season. He quickly improved, becoming the Eagles' primary red zone receiver. However, his tenure with the Eagles ended after a fallout with coach Buddy Ryan, partly due to Carter's substance abuse issues.
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Minnesota Vikings
In 1990, Carter was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Vikings for $100. Carter's career flourished with the Vikings, becoming the team's leading pass catcher. He earned eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and set an NFL single-season record with 122 receptions in 1994. With standout performances throughout the 1990s, Carter was instrumental in leading the Vikings to multiple NFC Central Division titles and playoff appearances. By the end of his tenure, he had amassed staggering statistics, including over 835 receptions in the decade.
Miami Dolphins
After parting ways with the Vikings in 2001, Carter briefly analyzed for HBO's "Inside the NFL" before joining the Miami Dolphins. His stint was marred by kidney issues, but he managed notable performances, including a one-handed touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders. The Dolphins, however, failed to make the playoffs, and Carter retired at the end of the season.
Career Earnings
Throughout his NFL career, Cris Carter earned around $30 million in salary, with his highest single-season income of $6.3 million coming from the Vikings in 1999.
Post-Football Career
Following his NFL career, Carter transitioned smoothly into television and coaching. He became a familiar face on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown" and "Monday Night Countdown," and later co-hosted FS1's "First Things First." Carter currently assists as a coach at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Personal Life
Carter has two children: daughter Monterae, who is involved in philanthropic activities, and son Duron, who played college football at OSU and Coffeyville Community College before joining the Canadian Football League.
