What Is Ed Hartwell’s Net Worth?
Edgerton “Ed” Hartwell II, a former professional football linebacker, has an estimated net worth of $200,000 as of 2025. His earnings primarily stem from his career in the National Football League (NFL) and the United Football League (UFL), as well as appearances on reality television. While he secured a lucrative contract with the Atlanta Falcons, injuries and subsequent releases impacted his long-term earnings potential.
Ed Hartwell’s Football Career Earnings
Hartwell’s professional football career spanned from 2001 to 2010, including his time in the NFL and UFL. His NFL journey began when the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL draft. He later played for the Atlanta Falcons and had brief stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders. In 2010, Hartwell concluded his career with the Las Vegas Locomotives in the UFL.
Baltimore Ravens (2001-2004): Hartwell’s initial NFL contract with the Baltimore Ravens provided a foundational income at the start of his professional career. Specific financial details from his rookie contract are not publicly available, but NFL rookie contracts typically include a base salary, signing bonus, and potential performance-based incentives. In his rookie season (2001), he primarily played on special teams. In 2002, he started all 16 games, recording 144 combined tackles and three sacks, enhancing his value and potential earnings in subsequent contracts. During the 2003 season, Hartwell started 15 games and posted 94 combined tackles and three sacks. In 2004, his final season with the Ravens, he started 15 games and recorded 97 combined tackles.
Atlanta Falcons (2005-2006): In May 2005, Ed Hartwell signed a six-year, $26.25 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The contract included an $8 million signing bonus, significantly boosting his immediate earnings. The contract stipulated that he would earn $5 million per season for the first two seasons. However, injuries plagued his time with the Falcons. Consequently, he was released before the third season of the contract. Despite the full contract value, Hartwell ultimately earned $18 million from this deal, covering the signing bonus and the salaries for the two seasons he played. This figure represents a substantial portion of his overall career earnings.
Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders (2007-2008): Following his release from the Falcons, Hartwell signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2007. However, he was released after the preseason, preventing him from earning any substantial income from this contract. Later, he signed with the Oakland Raiders in 2008, but he was released within a few months. Again, this stint did not contribute significantly to his overall earnings.
Las Vegas Locomotives (2010): Hartwell’s final professional football stint was with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL in 2010. While specific salary details for UFL players are not widely publicized, UFL salaries were significantly lower than those in the NFL. His time with the Locomotives provided a modest income to close out his football career. The team’s victory in the 2010 UFL Championship Game against the Florida Tuskers was a career highlight.
Other Ventures and Financial Matters
Real Housewives of Atlanta: Hartwell appeared in the first two seasons of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” alongside his then-wife, Lisa Wu. While exact figures are not available, reality television appearances can provide supplementary income. However, this income is typically much lower than that of professional athletes with lucrative contracts.
Foreclosure: In June 2007, Lisa Wu and Ed Hartwell purchased a suburban Atlanta mansion. They secured a $2.9 million adjustable-rate mortgage on the property. By 2009, the home faced foreclosure due to default, indicating significant financial strain. This foreclosure negatively impacted Hartwell’s financial standing, contributing to his current net worth.
Divorces and Settlements: Hartwell’s divorces from Lisa Wu in 2011 and Keshia Knight Pulliam in 2018 likely involved financial settlements. Divorce settlements can significantly impact net worth, particularly when dividing assets and determining spousal or child support obligations. The specific terms of these settlements are not publicly available, but they would have factored into Hartwell’s overall financial situation.