Net Worth Ranker
What Is Cris Carter’s Net Worth?
Cris Carter, a celebrated former American professional football player, boasts a net worth of $20 million. His financial standing reflects a successful career spanning the NFL and subsequent ventures in sports broadcasting. Carter’s wealth has been accumulated through playing contracts, endorsements, and his work as a television analyst.
Cris Carter’s NFL Career Earnings and Contract Details
During his illustrious NFL career, Cris Carter earned approximately $30 million in salary alone. His peak earnings occurred in 1999 while playing for the Minnesota Vikings, where he secured a salary of $6.3 million for that single season. This figure represents the highest annual compensation he received during his time in the league. His contracts with the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins contributed significantly to his overall wealth.
Cris Carter’s Early Life and Collegiate Career
Graduel Christopher Darin Carter, known as Cris Carter, was born on November 25, 1965, in Troy, Ohio. He spent his early years in Troy, attending Heywood Elementary before his family relocated to Middletown, Ohio. In Middletown, he attended Middletown High School where he excelled in both football and basketball, demonstrating early athletic talent that would later define his professional life. His decision to unofficially change his surname to Cris, inspired by wide receiver Cris Collinsworth, marked a personal turning point in his early career aspirations.
Carter’s collegiate career at Ohio State University (OSU) was transformative. He accepted an offer from OSU and focused solely on football. In his freshman year, Carter set a Rose Bowl record with nine receptions for 172 yards. The following year, he led the Buckeyes to a Citrus Bowl title. Carter’s junior year was particularly outstanding, catching 69 passes for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns, making him OSU’s first All-America selection at wide receiver. Despite a setback when he was declared ineligible for his senior season due to signing with sports agent Norby Walters, Carter concluded his collegiate career as OSU’s record-holder in receptions, with 168, solidifying his status as a top prospect for the NFL.
Cris Carter’s Professional Football Career
In the 1987 NFL supplemental draft, Cris Carter was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round. His initial year saw limited action, with five receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns. In 1988, his role expanded, resulting in 39 passes caught for 761 yards and six touchdowns. By 1989, he had become the Eagles’ primary red zone receiver, leading the team with 11 touchdown catches. However, a conflict with coach Buddy Ryan led to his departure from the Eagles, with Carter later admitting that his substance abuse issues contributed to his release. Subsequently, Carter was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Vikings for a mere $100 in 1990.
Carter’s career revitalized with the Minnesota Vikings. His first season was modest, with 27 receptions for 413 yards and three touchdowns. However, in 1991, he emerged as the Vikings’ leading receiver, with 72 receptions, 962 yards, and five touchdowns. He continued his impressive performance in 1992, contributing to the Vikings’ 11-5 record and NFC Central Division title. In 1993, he achieved career highs with 86 receptions and 1,071 yards, along with nine touchdowns, earning his first of eight consecutive Pro Bowl selections. In 1994, Carter set a new NFL single-season record with 122 receptions, leading the Vikings with 1,256 yards and seven receiving touchdowns, helping the team achieve a 10-6 record and another NFC Central Division title. In 1995, he matched his previous reception record with 122 catches for a career-high 1,371 yards. The 1996 season saw Carter catch 96 passes for 1,163 yards and ten touchdowns. In 1997, he led the NFL with 13 touchdown receptions and made several memorable catches. In 1998, he helped the Vikings to a 15-1 record, leading to a Divisional Round victory, though they lost the NFC Championship Game to the Atlanta Falcons. He concluded the 1990s with 90 receptions for 1,241 yards and 13 touchdowns, with his 835 receptions for the decade only second to Jerry Rice.
In 2000, Carter recorded 96 receptions, 1,274 yards, and nine touchdowns as the Vikings again won the NFC Central Division title. The 2001 season was less successful, and Carter ended his contract with Minnesota. He then briefly joined the Miami Dolphins. He started his first game for the team in Week 9, but he only managed to catch three passes for 31 yards. After being sidelined for four weeks because of kidney problems, he struggled upon his return in Week 14, but he performed better in Week 15 when he caught a one-handed touchdown pass to give the Dolphins the win over the Oakland Raiders. Following the end of that season, Carter retired from professional football.
Cris Carter’s Post-Football Career and Television Work
Following his retirement from the NFL, Cris Carter transitioned into television and coaching. He became an analyst for ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” and “Monday Night Countdown,” providing commentary and insights on football games. He also worked for Yahoo Sports, further establishing his presence in sports media. In 2017, Carter co-hosted the FS1 show “First Things First” with Nick Wright, offering opinions on various sports topics. Additionally, he served as an analyst for the NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” solidifying his role as a prominent figure in sports broadcasting. Carter also serves as an assistant coach at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Key Milestones and Recognition
Cris Carter’s career milestones include setting an NFL single-season record for receptions in 1994, achieving eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, being named to the NFL’s 1990s All-Decade Team, and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. These accolades reflect his exceptional performance and impact on the sport. He was also inducted into the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame. Carter was named as a member of the Ohio State Football All-Century Team and as one of the 50 Greatest Vikings. He was also named to the Minnesota Vikings 40th University Team and he has been inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor and had his #80 retired.
