From Athlete to Business Mogul: Herschel Walker Net Worth Story

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With a career spanning over a decade in the NFL, Herschel Walker was a dominant force on the football field, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. But just how much is this former athlete worth? 

According to Forbes, Herschel Walker’s net worth is estimated to be around 73 million dollars. In this article, we will delve into the life of Herschel Walker and explore the various sources of his wealth to determine his net worth.

From his early years in the sport to his post-football ventures, we will examine the financial aspects of his life and shed light on the fortune he has amassed over the years. So, let’s get started!

Herschel Walker’s Early Life and Career

Herschel Walker, born on March 3, 1962, in Wrightsville, Georgia, was raised in a family of seven children. Herschel was known for his athleticism and excelled in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and track. 

Despite his natural talent, Herschel faced numerous obstacles, including speech impediments and bullying in school. However, he used these challenges as motivation to become a better athlete.

Early Football Career

Herschel’s football career began at Johnson County High School, where he quickly gained recognition as a stellar player. In addition to leading his teams to state championship in football and track while keeping an A average, he ran for a record-breaking 86 touchdowns.

As the country’s most coveted high school football star and the class valedictorian, Herschel Walker participated in the 1980 Academy of Achievement program.

College Football Career

In 1980, Herschel enrolled at the University of Georgia, where he would become one of the greatest college football players of all time. During his three years at Georgia, Herschel rushed for 5,259 yards and 49 touchdowns, leading his team to a national championship in 1980. He also won numerous individual awards, including the Heisman Trophy in 1982.

USFL and NFL Career

In 1983, Herschel was drafted by the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League (USFL). He played two seasons with the Generals, setting records for the most rushing yards and touchdowns in a single game.

After the USFL folded in 1985, Herschel was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth NFL draft round. He played for the Cowboys for three seasons before being traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent the next four years. 

He later played for the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring from the NFL in 1997. Herschel Walker’s football career was remarkable, and his legacy as one of the greatest running backs in football history remains intact.

Herschel Walker’s Professional Football Career

Herschel Walker began his professional football player with the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League (USFL) in 1983. In his first season, he rushed for 1,812 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading the Generals to the playoffs. 

The following year, he set a USFL record with 2,411 rushing yards and caught 53 passes for 505 yards. He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year.

NFL Career

In 1985, the USFL folded, and Herschel joined the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. In his first season with the Cowboys, he rushed for 1,514 yards and led the league in yards from scrimmage. He was named to the Pro Bowl and was a first-team All-Pro selection. Herschel would go on to play for several NFL teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles.

During his NFL career, Herschel rushed for 8,225 yards and scored 61 touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice and was named a first-team All-Pro once. Herschel was also known for his versatility, as he was an excellent receiver and kick returner. He finished his career with 4,859 receiving yards and 5,084 return yards.

Notable Moments and Games

One of the most memorable moments of Herschel Walker’s career came in a game against the New York Giants in 1994. Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, Herschel returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, breaking multiple tackles and outrunning the Giants’ coverage team. The play was named the NFL’s Play of the Year.

Another notable game came in 1992 when Herschel rushed for a career-high 237 yards against the New York Giants. He also scored four touchdowns in the game, leading the Vikings to a 31-17 victory.

Herschel Walker’s professional football career was highly successful, marked by numerous accomplishments and memorable moments.

Herschel Walker’s Business Ventures

After retiring from football, Herschel Walker embarked on a mixed martial arts (MMA) career. In 2010, at 47, he made his MMA debut, winning his first fight by technical knockout. He would have two wins and one loss in his MMA career.

TV Appearances

Herschel Walker has also appeared on numerous TV shows, including “Celebrity Apprentice” and “Dancing with the Stars.” He finished in third place on “Celebrity Apprentice” and was eliminated in the fifth week of “Dancing with the Stars.”

Endorsements and Business Ventures

Herschel Walker has endorsed various products and companies, and he’s been involved in several businesses, including a food line and fitness program. His most successful business is “Herschel’s Famous 34,” which includes protein bars, shakes, and snacks named after his jersey number. Despite his success, he faced business failures, such as a failed governor bid and investing in a bankrupt natural gas company.

Herschel Walker’s Net Worth

According to various sources, Herschel Walker’s net worth is around $73 million. Here’s an overview of his income sources:

Earnings from Football Contracts

During his football career, Herschel Walker earned millions from his contracts with the USFL and the NFL. In 1983, he signed a three-year contract with the New Jersey Generals for a reported around $5 million, making him the highest-paid player in professional football at the time. He went on to sign multiple contracts with various NFL teams, earning millions more throughout his career.

Business Ventures

In addition to his earnings from football contracts, Herschel Walker has also made money through his various business ventures, including his line of food products and his appearances on TV shows. He has also been involved in endorsements and other entrepreneurial pursuits, such as a fitness program and a line of sports equipment.

Factors Affecting Net Worth

Herschel Walker’s net worth may have been impacted by his failed political bid and investment in a bankrupt natural gas company, along with lawsuits he has faced. Despite these factors, his substantial net worth is attributed to his successful football career and business ventures.

FAQs

How Much Money Did Herschel Walker Make Playing Football?

Herschel Walker earned millions of dollars during his football career, including a reported $5 million contract over three years in the USFL and significant earnings from his NFL career, endorsements, and business ventures. However, the exact amount he earned is not publicly available.

What is The Net Worth of Deion Sander?

Deion Sanders is a former American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB). As of 2023, his net worth is around $50 million.

What did Herschel Walker Do For a Living?

Herschel Walker is a former professional American football player who played in the United States Football League (USFL) and the National Football League (NFL). After retiring from football, he pursued a mixed martial arts career and appeared in several TV shows and movies.

Why Did the Cowboys Trade Herschel Walker?

In 1989, the Dallas Cowboys traded Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings in one of the most famous trades in NFL history. The trade involved many players and draft picks, but the main reason was that the Cowboys were struggling and wanted to rebuild their team. They believed that by trading Walker, they could acquire the players and draft picks they needed to build a stronger team for the future.

How Many Sit-ups Did Herschel Walker Do A Day?

Herschel Walker was known for his intense workout regimen, which included high-bodyweight exercises like push-ups and sit-ups. According to some reports, he would do up to 3,500 daily sit-ups as part of his training routine. However, the exact number is difficult to verify and may have been exaggerated over time.

Final Thoughts

Herschel Walker is a former football player with a successful USFL and NFL career. He has also succeeded in business ventures, including his food product line and TV appearances, resulting in an estimated net worth of around $73 million.

Beyond his football and business success, Herschel has advocated for mental health awareness and supported various charitable causes, such as assisting military veterans and promoting physical fitness and health.