Net Worth Ranker
What Is Phil Robertson’s Net Worth?
Phil Robertson, a prominent figure in the world of hunting, business, and reality television, boasts a net worth of $10 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his involvement with Duck Commander, the family-owned hunting accessory empire, and his role as the patriarch of the Robertson family. While specific breakdowns of his assets aren’t publicly available, his income streams include profits from Duck Commander, earnings from the “Duck Dynasty” television series, and revenue from his book sales and public appearances.
Phil Robertson’s Early Life and Career
Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Phil Robertson’s upbringing was characterized by simplicity and self-sufficiency. Growing up in a family of seven children, resources were scarce, and the family home lacked modern amenities like electricity, a toilet, or a bathtub. The family relied heavily on hunting and gardening for sustenance, rarely purchasing groceries from town. Robertson himself has described their lifestyle as being reminiscent of the 1850s, despite being in the 1950s. This upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
Robertson demonstrated athletic prowess from a young age, excelling in football, baseball, and track during high school. He earned a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech University, where he played first-string quarterback. Notably, Terry Bradshaw, who would later become a legendary NFL quarterback, served as his backup. Robertson started as quarterback in 1966 and 1967. In 1968, Bradshaw replaced him. Although approached by Paul Harvey with an offer to play for the Washington Redskins, Robertson declined, prioritizing his passion for hunting over a professional football career. He graduated from Louisiana Tech with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and later obtained a master’s degree in education.
Following his academic pursuits, Robertson initially worked as a teacher before transitioning to commercial fishing. His frustration with the available duck calls led him to experiment with creating his own. In 1972, he invented the first Duck Commander call, securing a patent and formally establishing the Duck Commander Company in 1973. This company, now managed by his son Willie Robertson, has evolved into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Before the popularity of “Duck Dynasty,” Duck Commander sold about 60,000 calls annually, a number which rose to 600,000 in 2012.
Phil Robertson and “Duck Dynasty”
The Robertson family gained widespread recognition through the A&E reality television series “Duck Dynasty,” which aired from 2012 to 2017. The show provided a behind-the-scenes look at their lives, showcasing their family dynamics, hunting adventures, and business operations. While specific salary details for the Robertson family members during their time on “Duck Dynasty” have not been publicly disclosed, it is widely understood that they earned significant incomes from the show. Estimates suggest that the family earned around $200,000 per episode, although it should be noted that this income was shared among the family members and subject to taxes and other expenses. The show’s popularity also led to increased sales for Duck Commander and related merchandise, further contributing to the family’s overall wealth. Today, Phil works alongside his four sons and his wife Kay.
Robertson’s outspoken views have occasionally stirred controversy. In December 2013, he faced criticism for comments made during an interview with GQ magazine, which were perceived as homophobic. Despite issuing an apology and stating that he loves and respects all people, A&E initially suspended him from “Duck Dynasty.” However, after facing backlash from fans, the network reinstated him within a week. Robertson’s memoir, “Happy, Happy, Happy,” became a #1 bestseller, selling nearly a million copies.
Robertson is also a devout Christian and an elder at the White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, Louisiana. He openly shares his religious beliefs and has been featured in various faith-based projects, including Steve Bannon’s 2012 film “Torchbearer,” where he discussed the importance of God in his life. In 2015, Robertson received the Breitbart Defender of the First Amendment Award. He has voiced opposition to abortion, describing it as a violation of the Declaration of Independence, and frequently addresses this issue during public appearances. In a speech at CPAC, Robertson made controversial statements linking STDs to Nazis, Communists, beatniks, and hippies.
Phil Robertson’s Personal Life
Robertson’s personal life has also faced scrutiny. In May 2020, it was revealed that he had a daughter named Phyllis from an affair in the 1970s. He met her for the first time in February 2020 and expressed his surprise, stating he had no prior knowledge of her existence. He has since embraced Phyllis into his family, emphasizing the role of faith in his life. Robertson began dating Marsha “Kay” Carroway in 1964, and they married in 1966. They had their first son, Alan, while they were still in college. The couple has three additional sons: Jase, Willie, and Jep.
Despite his considerable wealth, Robertson maintains a relatively modest lifestyle. He and his wife continue to reside in the same double-wide mobile home in Louisiana that they have occupied for many years. While information about other specific real estate holdings, investment details, or personal assets such as private jets or luxury cars remains private, his commitment to his family, faith, and hunting lifestyle remains evident.
