Cris Carter Net Worth - Pulptastic
Daniel Santos What is Cris Carter’s Net Worth?
Cris Carter, a retired American professional football player, has a net worth of $20 million. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins during his NFL career. Carter is regarded as one of the best wide receivers of all time, having made eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.
Following his retirement from football in 2002, Carter worked for several television programs, including ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” and FS1’s “First Things First.” He has received numerous accolades, including being named to the Ohio State Football All-Century Team and being inducted into the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame.
Carter was also named to the NFL’s 1990s All-Decade Team and as one of the 50 Greatest Vikings. He was inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor and had his number, #80, retired. In 2013, Carter was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Education
Cris Carter, born as Graduel Christopher Darin Carter on November 25, 1965 in Troy, Ohio, grew up with three brothers and two sisters. He attended Heywood Elementary in Troy before moving to Middletown, Ohio, where he played both football and basketball at Middletown High School. In his teenage years, he changed his surname to Cris, after wide receiver Cris Collinsworth.
Carter was heavily recruited out of high school for both football and basketball but ultimately chose to focus on football at Ohio State University. He set a Rose Bowl record in his freshman year and led the Buckeyes to a Citrus Bowl title in his sophomore year. As a junior, he became OSU’s first All-America selection at wide receiver, catching 69 passes for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns. However, he signed a contract with sports agent Norby Walters before his senior year, which was discovered and rendered him ineligible for his final season. Despite this setback, Carter finished his collegiate career as OSU’s record-holder in receptions, with 168.
Cris Carter’s Early Career
Carter was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL supplemental draft. He had limited play in his rookie season, catching only five passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns. However, he saw more action in 1988, catching 39 passes for 761 yards and six touchdowns. The following year, he became the Eagles’ primary red zone receiver and led the team with 11 touchdown catches. Carter’s time with the Eagles came to an end after a falling out with coach Buddy Ryan, and he was cut from the team in the subsequent preseason. It was later revealed that his substance abuse issues were the real reason behind his departure.
Cris Carter’s Career Highlights
Cris Carter was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Vikings for just $100 due to his troubles with alcohol and drugs. He had a spotty first season but proved his worth the following year with 72 receptions, 962 yards, and five touchdowns. In 1993, he recorded career highs in receptions and yards, caught nine touchdowns, and made his first of eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. Carter set a new NFL single-season record for receptions in 1994 with 122 and led the Vikings to a 10-6 record and another NFC Central Division title. His best statistical season came in 1995 with 122 receptions for a career-high 1,371 yards.
Throughout the late 90s, Carter continued to impress with seasons of 96 receptions for 1,163 yards and ten touchdowns in 1996, leading the NFL with 13 touchdown receptions in 1997, and helping the Vikings to a 15-1 record in 1998. He closed out the decade with 90 receptions for 1,241 yards and 13 touchdowns, second only to Jerry Rice in receptions over the decade. In the first season of the new millennium, Carter posted 96 receptions, 1,274 yards, and nine touchdowns as the Vikings won another NFC Central Division title. The 2001 season was less successful, and Carter used his out clause to end his contract with Minnesota.
Cris Carter’s NFL Comeback with the Miami Dolphins
After unsuccessful talks with various NFL teams, Cris Carter became an analyst on HBO’s “Inside the NFL” for five months before returning to the NFL to play for the Miami Dolphins. He struggled in his first game, catching only three passes for 31 yards and was later sidelined for four weeks due to kidney problems. Carter returned in Week 14 but continued to struggle until Week 15 when he caught a one-handed touchdown pass, securing the Dolphins’ win over the Oakland Raiders. Unfortunately, the Dolphins went on to lose the next two games and miss the playoffs. Carter retired at the end of the season.
Cris Carter’s NFL Earnings
Over the course of his NFL career, Cris Carter earned approximately $30 million in salary. His highest single-season salary was in 1999 when he played for the Vikings and earned $6.3 million.
Cris Carter’s Post-NFL Career
Following his retirement from the NFL, Cris Carter took on television and coaching gigs. He became an analyst on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” and “Monday Night Countdown,” and also for Yahoo Sports. Later, he started co-hosting the FS1 show “First Things First” with Nick Wright. Carter also became an analyst for the NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football.”
As a coach, Carter does assistant coaching at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Carter’s Children: Monterae and Duron
Cris Carter has two children: Monterae and Duron. Monterae is involved in philanthropic work, while Duron played college football at OSU and Coffeyville Community College before joining the Canadian Football League.