Brian Bosworth is often referred to as “The Boz” in sports and entertainment circles. As a controversial but talented football player, Bosworth became a national figure playing linebacker for the University of Oklahoma and later for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. An injury ended his football career and Bosworth ventured into the worlds of acting and business, making a fortune along the way.
Early NFL Career and NCAA Success
Brian Bosworth was born on March 9, 1965, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He rose to fame as a linebacker for the University of Oklahoma Sooners from 1984 to 1986. Bosworth was one of the nation’s most visible college football players due to his aggressive style, high-energy performances, and outspoken personality. He won the Butkus Award twice for college linebacker of the year in 1985 and 1986.
But his college career wasn’t without controversy. Bosworth had criticized the NCAA after being suspended from the 1987 Orange Bowl after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Despite the setbacks, Bosworth’s skills on the field had already made him become a household name and set the stage for his entry into NFL.
NFL Career and Its Sudden End
In 1987, Seattle Seahawks in the supplemental draft selected Bosworth for a 10-year, $11 million contract – one of the largest rookie contracts at the time. College dominance was expected to translate to the pro level for Bosworth. But injuries doomed his NFL career – a debilitating shoulder injury forced him into early retirement just after three seasons. Although his playing career was mediocre, Bosworth played briefly in the NFL and left with a significant sum of money.
Transition to Acting: From Gridiron to Hollywood
In retirement, Bosworth tried acting – a career shift that surprised many but added to his net worth. The 1991 action film Stone Cold had him playing an undercover cop infiltrating a biker gang. The film did poorly at the box office but Bosworth showed his potential as an action star.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Bosworth acted in several films, including The Longest Yard (2005), alongside Adam Sandler, and other action roles in direct-to-video movies. Though his acting career didn’t reach the heights of some other athletes-turned-actors, his acting career generated a decent income and helped him stay relevant in pop culture.
Entrepreneurship and Business Success
Brian Bosworth has also done business. One of his most lucrative business ventures was in real estate. Bosworth has since gone into business – buying property and flipping homes – and has amassed a large net worth.
Net Worth Estimate
As of 2024, Brian Bosworth is estimated to be worth around $8 million. Bosworth played less football than expected but he managed to leverage his fame into acting roles, business deals, and endorsements. He has reinvented himself enough to live comfortably decades after leaving the NFL.
Conclusion
Brian Bosworth’s net worth reflects his ability to pivot and succeed across industries. Bosworth has reinvented himself at every opportunity – from college football star to the NFL and Hollywood. But his real estate investments and smart business moves have only strengthened his financial position as a financially successful athlete-turned-entrepreneur.