Overview

Lyle Martin Alzado (April 3, 1949 – May 14, 1992) was an American professional football player renowned for his intense and intimidating playing style as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Raiders, winning Super Bowl XVIII with the Raiders. A three-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl selection, Alzado was also recognized as the UPI AFC Player of the Year in 1977 and the PFW NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1982. Beyond football, Alzado ventured into acting, appearing in films like ‘Ernest Goes to Camp’. He also tried his hand at boxing, even participating in an exhibition match with Muhammad Ali in 1979. Later in life, Alzado admitted to long-term steroid abuse, attributing his brain cancer to it, though no conclusive link was ever established. He became an advocate against steroid use, urging young people to avoid the mistakes he made. Alzado passed away at the age of 43 in 1992 in Portland, Oregon.

What Is Lyle Alzado’s Net Worth?

Lyle Alzado, a prominent figure in American professional football and entertainment, had a net worth of $2 million at the time of his passing. Alzado’s financial standing was accumulated through a combination of his professional football career, acting roles, and other ventures.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in April 1949, Alzado’s early life laid the foundation for his athletic endeavors. Although specific details regarding his upbringing and early financial circumstances are not extensively documented in publicly available resources, his time at Lawrence High School, where he was a Vardon Trophy candidate, marked the beginning of his journey in sports. He continued his football career at Kilgore College and Yankton College, honing his skills and preparing for a professional career.

NFL Career and Earnings

Alzado’s professional football career began when he was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 4th round of the 1971 NFL Draft. His time with the Broncos (1971-1978) marked the start of his NFL earnings. Specific details about his contracts and salaries during this period are not fully disclosed publicly, but NFL players’ salaries in the 1970s were significantly lower than today’s figures. After his tenure with the Broncos, Alzado played for the Cleveland Browns from 1979 to 1981. His time with the Browns also contributed to his overall earnings, although the exact figures are not publicly available. He concluded his NFL career with the Los Angeles Raiders (1982-1985), where he won Super Bowl XVIII. While specific contract details are not readily accessible, winning the Super Bowl would have included bonuses and increased marketability, contributing to his net worth.

Throughout his NFL career, Alzado received several accolades, including two Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro selections. These achievements would have bolstered his earnings through bonuses and endorsements. In 1977, he was named UPI AFC Player of the Year, and in 1982, he received the PFW NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. These honors, while prestigious, do not have directly correlated financial figures available for public record.

Acting Career and Earnings

Beyond football, Lyle Alzado ventured into acting, appearing in several movies. His filmography includes titles such as “Ernest Goes to Camp,” “Tapeheads,” “Destroyer,” “Who’s Harry Crumb,” “Shocktroop,” “Club Fed,” “Hangfire,” “Comrades in Arms,” and “Neon City.” While the exact earnings from these roles are not publicly disclosed, acting provided an additional income stream that contributed to his overall net worth. The financial compensation for actors varies widely based on roles, movie budgets, and the actor’s prominence, making it difficult to ascertain specific figures without access to private contract information.

Other Ventures

Alzado’s diverse pursuits extended beyond football and acting. He was an amateur boxer and fought an exhibition match against Muhammad Ali in 1979. While this event would have generated some income, the specific amount is not publicly available. Alzado’s admission of using anabolic steroids also marked a controversial period in his life. However, this aspect of his life did not directly contribute to his financial status but rather affected his public image and health.

Property and Assets

Specific details regarding Lyle Alzado’s property and assets are not widely available in public records. Information about real estate holdings, investments, or other significant assets would provide a clearer picture of his financial portfolio. Without access to private financial records, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive breakdown of his assets.

Net Worth Trajectory

Determining the exact trajectory of Lyle Alzado’s net worth over time is difficult due to the lack of detailed financial records. His net worth of $2 million at the time of his death reflects the culmination of his earnings from his NFL career, acting roles, and other ventures, offset by any expenses, investments, and financial decisions made throughout his life. NFL salaries in the 1970s and 1980s were significantly lower than today’s standards, which impacts the overall evaluation of his earnings. Furthermore, Alzado’s transition into acting and other ventures provided additional income streams, but the specific amounts are not publicly accessible.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved