What Is Keyshawn Johnson’s Net Worth?
Keyshawn Johnson, a former NFL wide receiver, has an estimated net worth of $20 million. This wealth is primarily derived from his 11-season professional football career and subsequent ventures in media and television.
Keyshawn Johnson’s NFL Earnings and Contracts
Johnson accumulated approximately $45 million in salary throughout his NFL career. His earnings were bolstered by several lucrative contracts, including a 6-year, $30 million deal with the New York Jets signed in 1996. This contract, signed right after being drafted number 1, placed him among the top-paid players at his position early in his career.
In 2000, Johnson signed a 7-year, $50 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At the time, this was a significant investment by the Buccaneers, reflecting Johnson’s proven performance and potential to contribute to the team’s success. He played a crucial role in their Super Bowl XXXVII victory.
Later in his career, in 2004, Johnson signed a 3-year, $10 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to these base salaries, Johnson earned approximately $500,000 in bonuses throughout his career, adding to his total compensation from playing professional football.
Keyshawn Johnson’s Early Life and Collegiate Career
Keyshawn Johnson was born on July 22, 1972, in Los Angeles, California. His early life was marked by challenges, including involvement in gang-related activities. He spent nine months in a California youth facility after being arrested for possessing cocaine, marijuana, and a handgun, highlighting the difficult circumstances he faced during his youth.
Johnson attended Palisades High School and later Susan Miller Dorsey High School, where he played football during his senior year, showcasing his athletic abilities. He began his collegiate career at West Los Angeles College, where he played only eight games due to behavioral issues and lack of attendance at practices. After taking a year off, he returned to football and performed well enough to earn a transfer to the University of Southern California (USC).
At USC, Johnson made a significant impact on the football program. In 1994, he recorded 66 catches for 1,362 yards and nine touchdowns, demonstrating his potential as a top-tier receiver. The following year, in 1995, he had 102 catches for 1,434 yards and seven touchdowns, further solidifying his reputation as a standout player.
Johnson helped lead the Trojans to victory in the 1995 Cotton Bowl Classic, where he was named the MVP, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. He also contributed to the Trojans’ victory in the Rose Bowl in 1996, further cementing his legacy at USC and boosting his prospects for the NFL Draft.
Keyshawn Johnson’s NFL Career
In the 1996 NFL Draft, Keyshawn Johnson was selected as the first overall pick by the New York Jets, marking a pivotal moment in his career. During his three seasons with the Jets, the team experienced a remarkable turnaround, improving from a 1-15 record in 1996 to a 12-4 record and an AFC East Division title in 1998.
In an AFC divisional playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1998, Johnson had a standout performance, catching nine passes for 121 yards and a touchdown, and rushing for 28 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his versatility as an offensive weapon. However, the Jets fell short of reaching the Super Bowl, losing the AFC Championship Game to the Denver Broncos.
In the spring of 2000, Johnson was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he spent four seasons through 2003. In 2002, Johnson had his best season, helping the Buccaneers achieve a 12-4 record and win Super Bowl XXXVII against the Oakland Raiders. During the regular season, he recorded 76 catches for 1,088 yards and five touchdowns. In the Super Bowl, he had six catches for 69 yards, contributing to the team’s victory.
Johnson’s tenure with the Buccaneers ended prematurely due to a strained relationship with new head coach Jon Gruden. In the 2004 offseason, Johnson was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, reuniting him with his former Jets coach Bill Parcells. In his first season with the Cowboys, he led the team in receiving yards and tied for the lead in touchdown catches, proving his continued value as a receiver.
Johnson played one more season with the Cowboys before being released in the 2006 offseason to make room for newly acquired receiver Terrell Owens. Following his release, Johnson signed a four-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. During a “Monday Night Football” game against the Buccaneers in November of 2006, Johnson scored a touchdown, becoming the first NFL player to score a touchdown with four different teams on “Monday Night Football.”
After just one season with the Panthers, Johnson was released on May 1, 2007. Later that month, he announced his retirement from the NFL, concluding his 11-season professional football career. His performance across multiple teams and his ability to contribute consistently made him a notable figure in the league.
Keyshawn Johnson’s Post-Retirement Career
On the same day he announced his retirement from the NFL, Keyshawn Johnson joined ESPN as a football analyst, marking the beginning of his media career. In 2007, he was part of the NFL Draft broadcasting team and provided analysis for “Sunday NFL Countdown” and “Monday Night Countdown,” leveraging his football expertise in a new role.
On those programs, Johnson created a segment called “C’mon Man!,” where panel members highlighted notable moments from the previous NFL week. He later became an analyst on ESPN’s “Who’s Now” competition and appeared on SportsCenter and ESPN Radio, expanding his presence in sports media. Johnson left ESPN in 2023.
In addition to his work with ESPN, Johnson had an A&E reality television interior design show in 2009 titled “Keyshawn Johnson: Tackling Design,” showcasing his interest in design. He also starred in an ad campaign for Jägermeister, demonstrating his ability to connect with audiences beyond sports. In 2013, Johnson competed in the 17th season of the dance competition television show “Dancing with the Stars.” He was paired with professional dancer Sharna Burgess and was the first celebrity to be voted out, marking a brief foray into reality television.
Keyshawn Johnson’s Real Estate Investments
Around 2002, Keyshawn Johnson acquired a 4-acre property in Beverly Hills for an undisclosed amount, signaling his entry into high-end real estate. In 2003, he completed construction on an 11,200 square foot mansion on the property, reflecting his taste for luxury and investment in real estate. He sold this home in 2016 for $11.5 million, demonstrating a significant return on his investment.
In 2015, Keyshawn Johnson purchased a mansion in Calabasas, California, for $2.2 million, adding to his real estate portfolio. He sold this home in February 2022 for $3.36 million, once again realizing a profit on his real estate investment. These real estate transactions highlight Johnson’s ability to make sound investment decisions and manage his assets effectively.
Keyshawn Johnson’s Personal Life
Keyshawn Johnson has three children: Keyshawn Jr., London, and Vance. He also had a daughter named Maia, who passed away in 2021.