Net Worth Ranker
What Is Mark Gastineau’s Net Worth?
As of 2023, Mark Gastineau, the former NFL defensive end, has a reported net worth of $200,000. This figure reflects a culmination of his earnings from his professional football career, subsequent ventures, and the financial challenges he has faced over the years. His financial standing is markedly different from the peak of his earning potential during his time with the New York Jets.
Mark Gastineau’s Contract Details and Career Earnings
Mark Gastineau’s most significant contract was a 5-year deal worth $4 million signed with the New York Jets in February 1984. This contract provided him with an average annual salary of $800,000. Prior to this, Gastineau was earning $250,000 per year from the Jets. These figures represent a substantial income for the period, placing him among the higher-paid defensive players in the NFL. Over his career, Gastineau earned several million dollars, but various financial difficulties have impacted his overall net worth. His role as part of the “New York Sack Exchange” significantly contributed to his marketability and earning potential during his prime years.
Gastineau played for the New York Jets from 1979 to 1988. During this time, he achieved considerable success and recognition, which included five Pro Bowl selections. His peak seasons were in 1983 and 1984, when he led the NFL in sacks. In 1983, he recorded 19 sacks and followed that with 22 sacks in 1984. These achievements contributed to his high profile and market value, influencing his contract negotiations and endorsement opportunities. While specific endorsement details from his playing career are not widely available, his status as a prominent player would have likely led to additional income streams beyond his base salary.
Financial Challenges and Setbacks
Despite a lucrative NFL career, Mark Gastineau encountered significant financial problems. One of the primary factors contributing to his reduced net worth was his contentious 1991 divorce from his first wife, Lisa Gastineau. It has been reported that he lost a substantial portion of his assets during the divorce settlement. The specifics of the settlement, including exact amounts and asset distribution, are not publicly detailed, but the financial impact was significant.
In addition to the divorce settlement, Gastineau faced mounting medical bills, which further strained his financial resources. In May 2019, Mark and his current wife, Jo Ann, established a GoFundMe campaign to solicit financial assistance. The campaign successfully raised $47,000, which was used to offset some of the medical expenses. This fundraising effort underscores the financial difficulties Gastineau experienced despite his prior high earnings. The GoFundMe campaign serves as a documented instance of his need for financial assistance, highlighting the disparity between his past earnings and current financial status.
Post-Retirement Ventures and Income
Following his NFL career, Mark Gastineau pursued various ventures, including a brief stint in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and a foray into professional boxing. In 1990, he attempted a football comeback with the BC Lions of the CFL but was released after just four games. The financial details of his CFL contract are not publicly available, but the short duration of his time with the team suggests that it did not significantly contribute to his overall income.
Gastineau’s boxing career began in 1991. He participated in several matches, some of which were surrounded by controversy. It was alleged that some of his opponents were instructed to “take a dive” to enhance his image. His boxing career ended in 1996 after a loss to former football player Alonzo Highsmith. While the specific earnings from his boxing career are not well-documented, it is unlikely that these ventures provided a substantial long-term income stream. The controversies surrounding his boxing matches may have also limited his potential for endorsements or further opportunities in the sport.
Currently, Mark Gastineau and his wife, Jo Ann, rely on his NFL pension and fees from autograph appearances for their income. The exact amount of his NFL pension is not publicly disclosed, but it provides a stable, albeit limited, source of income. Autograph appearances also generate some revenue, though the frequency and fees associated with these appearances can vary. These sources of income, combined with the GoFundMe support, reflect his present-day financial circumstances. The shift from high-earning NFL player to reliance on pension and autograph fees highlights the financial challenges he has faced.
Legal Issues and Their Financial Impact
Mark Gastineau’s legal troubles have also had financial repercussions. In 1984, he was convicted of assaulting a patron at Studio 54 in New York, resulting in 90 hours of community service. This incident, while not directly leading to significant financial losses, likely affected his public image and potential endorsement opportunities. A more significant legal issue arose in the early 1990s when he was arrested for picking up a package of amphetamines at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. This led to a three-year probation sentence. Legal fees and potential fines associated with this arrest would have contributed to his financial strain.
In 2000, Gastineau faced further legal trouble when he failed to complete an anger management course after an incident involving his wife, resulting in an 18-month jail sentence. This legal issue would have undoubtedly led to additional legal fees and a loss of income during his incarceration. These legal issues, combined with the other financial challenges, have played a role in shaping his current net worth. The cumulative effect of legal fees, fines, and lost income opportunities has contributed to his diminished financial standing.
Early Life and Education
Mark Gastineau was born on November 20, 1956, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He attended Round Valley High School in Eagar, Arizona. His early life and education provided the foundation for his athletic career. In 1975, Gastineau began attending Eastern Arizona Junior College. He later transferred to Arizona State University, where he played one season as a defensive end before transferring to East Central Oklahoma State University. Being drafted into the NFL from East Central Oklahoma State University was a significant achievement and marked the beginning of his professional football career.
Personal Life and Health Challenges
Mark Gastineau has faced several personal challenges that have indirectly affected his financial situation. His first marriage to Lisa D’Amico, now known as Lisa Gastineau, ended in a divorce in 1991, which significantly impacted his financial assets. He also had a relationship with Danish actress Brigitte Nielsen, with whom he had a son. In 2007, Gastineau married JoAnn, who has been a source of support during his later financial and health struggles. The emotional and personal challenges associated with these relationships and life events have likely had an indirect impact on his financial decisions and overall well-being.
In 2016, Gastineau was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. He also revealed that he had been battling colon cancer. These health issues have undoubtedly led to significant medical expenses and have likely impacted his ability to engage in income-generating activities. The costs associated with managing these health conditions further contribute to the financial strain on Gastineau and his family. The combination of medical bills, reduced income potential, and other financial challenges paints a comprehensive picture of his current financial situation and overall net worth.
NFL Career Highlights and Achievements
Mark Gastineau’s NFL career was marked by numerous achievements that contributed to his initial financial success. He was drafted in the second round of the 1979 NFL draft by the New York Jets, becoming the first player ever drafted from East Central Oklahoma State University. He quickly established himself as a dominant defensive lineman, earning five Pro Bowl selections. Gastineau was a key member of the “New York Sack Exchange,” a defensive line known for its ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. He led the NFL in sacks in both 1983 and 1984, recording 19 and 22 sacks, respectively. These accomplishments elevated his status and earning potential during his NFL career. His achievements on the field directly translated to higher contract values and endorsement opportunities.
