Dexter Manley is a name that brings back memories of NFL glory. He was a fierce defensive end who dominated the field during the 1980s. His career was filled with incredible highs and devastating lows. Today, many people wonder about Dexter Manley net worth and how his life unfolded after football. This article explores his journey from college to the NFL, his financial struggles, and his path to redemption.
Profile Bio
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Dexter Keith Manley |
| Date of Birth | February 2, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 257 lbs (117 kg) |
| Position | Defensive End |
| NFL Teams | Washington Redskins, Phoenix Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| NFL Career | 1981-1991 |
| Super Bowl Wins | 2 (XVII, XXII) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $100,000 – $500,000 |
Early Life and College Career
Dexter Manley grew up in Houston during difficult times. His family struggled financially. He faced poverty and hardship as a child. Education was a challenge for him. Manley could not read or write properly during his school years. This secret would later become public and shape his story.
Football became his escape and his hope. He showed natural talent on the field. His athletic ability was obvious to everyone who watched him play. High school coaches noticed his potential immediately. They encouraged him to pursue football seriously.
Manley attended Oklahoma State University. He played college football for the Cowboys. His performance on the field was impressive. He developed his skills as a defensive lineman. College coaches helped him refine his technique. However, his academic struggles continued throughout college. He graduated without being able to read, which he kept hidden from most people.
NFL Career Highlights
The Washington Redskins drafted Dexter Manley in 1981. It was the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Many teams had overlooked him, but Washington saw his potential. This decision would prove to be brilliant. Manley quickly established himself as a dominant force.
His rookie season showed promise. He learned from veteran players on the team. The Redskins had a strong defensive unit. Manley fit perfectly into their system. His speed off the edge was remarkable. Quarterbacks feared him throughout the 1980s.
Manley recorded 97.5 career sacks. This was an impressive number for his era. He made four Pro Bowl appearances during his career. These honors recognized him as one of the league’s best defensive ends. He was selected for Pro Bowls in 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986. His best years came in the mid-1980s. During this time, he was virtually unstoppable.
The highlight of his career was winning two Super Bowls. The first came in Super Bowl XVII after the 1982 season. The Redskins defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-17. His second championship was Super Bowl XXII after the 1987 season. Washington beat the Denver Broncos 42-10. These victories cemented his legacy as an NFL champion.
Manley also played briefly for other teams. The Phoenix Cardinals signed him in 1990. He finished his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1991. However, substance abuse issues cut his career short. He was banned from the NFL in 1989 for violating the league’s drug policy. This was a devastating blow to his career and finances.
Financial Peaks and Pitfalls
During his NFL career, Dexter Manley earned significant money. Professional football players in the 1980s made good salaries. However, they did not earn the massive contracts that players receive today. Manley’s peak earnings were substantial but not comparable to modern standards. His total career earnings are estimated at around $3-4 million.
At his financial peak, Manley lived comfortably. He enjoyed the lifestyle that came with NFL success. He bought expensive cars and a nice home. He spent money on luxury items and entertainment. Like many young athletes, he did not think much about the future. Financial planning was not a priority for him.
His illiteracy created additional financial challenges. He could not read contracts or financial documents properly. This made him vulnerable to bad advice and poor decisions. Some people took advantage of his situation. He trusted the wrong advisors at times. His inability to read made managing money extremely difficult.
Substance abuse problems drained his finances significantly. Cocaine addiction became a serious issue during his career. He spent large amounts of money feeding his addiction. Medical treatment and rehabilitation programs were expensive. Legal problems also cost him money. The combination of addiction and poor financial management destroyed his wealth.
His NFL ban in 1989 eliminated his primary income source. He was only 30 years old when his career effectively ended. The loss of his football salary was devastating. He had become accustomed to a certain lifestyle. Maintaining that lifestyle without NFL income was impossible. His financial situation deteriorated rapidly after leaving football.
Post-NFL Challenges
Life after football was extremely difficult for Dexter Manley. He struggled with addiction for many years. Cocaine had its grip on him. He entered rehabilitation programs multiple times. Each time, he hoped for lasting recovery. Unfortunately, relapses happened repeatedly. The cycle of addiction controlled his life.
In 1987, while still playing, he publicly admitted he could not read. This confession shocked the sports world. He testified before the U.S. Senate about his illiteracy. His testimony brought national attention to the issue of athlete education. It was a brave moment that highlighted a serious problem. Many athletes graduate from college without proper education. Manley’s admission opened important conversations about academic standards.
His addiction led to legal troubles. He was arrested multiple times for drug-related offenses. Court appearances became part of his routine. He spent time in prison due to his addiction. These legal problems damaged his reputation further. They also created additional financial burdens. Legal fees and fines added to his money troubles.
Depression and mental health issues plagued him. The loss of his career was traumatic. He struggled to find his identity without football. Many former athletes face this challenge. The transition from sports to regular life is difficult. For Manley, it was especially hard given his other problems. He felt lost and without purpose.
His relationships suffered during this period. Family members tried to help but felt helpless. Friends from his NFL days drifted away. Addiction isolated him from people who cared. He hit rock bottom multiple times. Each time seemed worse than the last. His life appeared to be spiraling out of control.
Path to Redemption
Dexter Manley eventually found the strength to change. His path to redemption was long and difficult. It required admitting he needed help. He had to accept that he could not beat addiction alone. This realization was crucial to his recovery.
He entered serious rehabilitation treatment. This time, he committed fully to the process. He worked with counselors and therapists. They helped him understand the roots of his addiction. He learned coping strategies for dealing with stress. The treatment addressed both his substance abuse and underlying issues.
Learning to read as an adult was transformative. He finally tackled his lifelong struggle with literacy. Adult education programs helped him develop reading skills. This achievement gave him tremendous pride and confidence. At age 30, he could finally read properly. It opened new doors and opportunities for him.
Support groups became essential to his recovery. He attended meetings regularly. Other recovering addicts understood his struggles. These connections provided accountability and encouragement. He found strength in sharing his story. Helping others gave his life new meaning.
His faith played an important role in his recovery. He turned to spirituality for guidance and strength. Prayer and meditation became daily practices. His faith community offered support and acceptance. This spiritual foundation helped him stay sober. It gave him a sense of purpose beyond himself.
Rebuilding Financial Stability
Financial recovery was a slow process for Dexter Manley. He had to start almost from scratch. Rebuilding wealth after losing everything is incredibly difficult. He needed to find new sources of income. Football was no longer an option for him.
He began working in motivational speaking. His story resonated with many audiences. Schools invited him to speak about literacy and overcoming challenges. Corporations hired him to talk about redemption and second chances. His authentic and powerful presentations moved people. Speaking engagements provided steady income over time.
Manley also worked in substance abuse counseling. His personal experience made him effective in this field. He understood what addicts faced. He could relate to their struggles on a deep level. Helping others in recovery became his passion. This work was rewarding both personally and financially.
He participated in NFL alumni programs. These programs offer support to former players. They provide resources for healthcare and career transition. Manley took advantage of these opportunities. The NFL alumni network helped him in various ways. Connections with former players led to work opportunities.
He became more careful with money management. Financial literacy became important to him. He learned to budget and save money. He worked with financial advisors who genuinely cared about his wellbeing. This time, he asked questions and paid attention to details. His improved reading skills made managing finances easier.
His current estimated net worth is modest but stable. It ranges between $100,000 and $500,000. This is far less than his peak earnings. However, it represents genuine recovery and stability. He owns property and has some savings. More importantly, he lives within his means. Financial security matters more to him now than luxury.
Personal Life and Legacy
Dexter Manley has been married multiple times. His relationships were affected by his struggles. Addiction and legal problems strained his marriages. However, he has worked to maintain family connections. He has children who he loves deeply. Being a better father became important to him in recovery.
His relationship with his children improved over time. He wanted to be a positive role model for them. He shared his mistakes openly to teach them. His honesty about his failures became a strength. His children saw his determination to change. They witnessed his commitment to staying sober.
Manley’s legacy in the NFL is complicated. He was undoubtedly a great player on the field. His 97.5 sacks and two Super Bowl rings speak for themselves. He terrorized quarterbacks during his prime years. Many consider him one of the best pass rushers of the 1980s. He deserves recognition for his on-field achievements.
However, his personal struggles overshadow his football accomplishments. His story is about much more than sports. It is about overcoming illiteracy, addiction, and financial ruin. His journey demonstrates human resilience and the possibility of redemption. He has become an advocate for literacy programs. He speaks out about the importance of education for athletes.
His public testimony about illiteracy changed college athletics. It forced universities to examine their academic standards. The NCAA implemented stricter academic requirements partly due to attention from cases like his. Student-athletes now receive better academic support. His courage in admitting his problem helped create positive change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dexter Manley’s current net worth?
Dexter Manley’s net worth is estimated between $100,000 and $500,000 today. This is significantly lower than his peak earnings during his NFL career.
How many Super Bowls did Dexter Manley win?
Dexter Manley won two Super Bowl championships with the Washington Redskins. He won Super Bowl XVII and Super Bowl XXII during the 1980s.
Why was Dexter Manley banned from the NFL?
Dexter Manley was banned from the NFL in 1989 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He tested positive for cocaine multiple times during his career.
When did Dexter Manley admit he couldn’t read?
Dexter Manley publicly admitted his illiteracy in 1987. He testified before the U.S. Senate about graduating from college without being able to read.
What does Dexter Manley do now?
Dexter Manley works as a motivational speaker and substance abuse counselor. He shares his story to help others overcome addiction and educational challenges.
Conclusion
Dexter Manley net worth tells only part of his story. The numbers cannot capture his incredible journey. He rose from poverty to NFL stardom. He won championships and became a feared defensive player. Then he lost everything to addiction and poor decisions.
His fall from grace was dramatic and painful. He battled demons that nearly destroyed him. Illiteracy made his struggles even harder. He spent years in darkness and despair. Many people gave up on him completely.
But Dexter Manley refused to stay down. He fought his way back to health and stability. He learned to read as an adult. He conquered his addiction through determination. He rebuilt his life one day at a time.