Terry Crews Net Worth Proves He’s More Than Just an Ex-NFL Player

Terry Crews net worth today is a testament to his unwavering commitment, talent, and versatility. While many recognize him as a former NFL player, his true success and wealth were earned after he left the field. Today, Terry Crews net worth stems primarily from his acting career, TV hosting, and brand endorsements. His journey from a struggling football player to one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures highlights that success can come from unexpected places.

How Did Terry Crews Build His Fortune?

Terry Crews net worth is not derived from his brief NFL career. His transition to the entertainment industry genuinely propelled him to success. While football played a role in his early life, his passion for the arts and entertainment allowed him to build a fortune far beyond his NFL earnings.

Terry Crews' Early Life and Career Beginnings

Before Crews stepped onto a football field, he was immersed in the arts. He began playing the flute when he was young and attended the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy. This early exposure to the arts sparked his lifelong passion for creative expression. Crews also had a talent for visual art, and his skills in painting and drawing were just as notable as his athletic abilities.

Crews attended Western Michigan University on an art scholarship. While there, he tried out for the football team and earned a full athletic scholarship. This decision marked the beginning of his journey into the NFL, even though his heart had always been more inclined toward creative pursuits.

Terry Crews' Short NFL Career

Terry Crews was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1991, marking the start of his NFL career. However, his time in the league was less lucrative than many might expect. He played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Redskins, over five years. Despite the fame and prestige that come with playing professional football, Crews struggled financially. At one point, he only earned $150 per week during a stint with the Green Bay Packers.

Crews have openly admitted that he would have made more money working at McDonald’s during this time. This brutal reality shaped his understanding of money and success. Despite these challenges, Crews continued to work on his side passion for art. He would paint portraits of fellow players and sell them for thousands of dollars, using his artistic abilities to make ends meet.

When Crews retired from the NFL in 1997, he was nearly broke. Without the financial backing of a successful football career, he took on hourly-wageing floors and worked as a security guard.

The Rise of Terry Crews in Hollywood

These humble beginnings led Crews into the world of entertainment. His security guard job at various film studios and with high-profile celebrities gave him his first real taste of the industry. Crews took every opportunity to make connections, and it eventually paid off when he landed his first significant role on the game show Battledome in 1999.

Terry Crews’ Breakthrough in Hollywood

Crews’ first taste of Hollywood success came with a memorable role in the Old Spice commercials. His humorous, over-the-top persona quickly made him a fan favorite, leading to more ad campaigns and TV appearances. However, his role as Damon in Friday After Next (2002) truly solidified his place in the entertainment world. This character became iconic, and it was the beginning of his rise to fame.

Crews’ ability to bring humor and heart to each role made him a sought-after talent in Hollywood. From there, he landed parts in blockbuster films like The Expendables series and White Chicks. His acting career, combined with his larger-than-life personality, cemented his status as an A-list actor.

Terry Crews’ Major Roles That Boosted His Net Worth

Several key roles have been instrumental in building Terry Crews’ fortune. His work in both movies and television brought him fame and a solid income stream. Some of his major roles include:

Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Crews brought humor and depth to his role as Terry Jeffords in this hit sitcom. Although his exact salary per episode has never been confirmed, he is widely believed to earn around $80,000 per episode. Given that the show ran for eight seasons, this role contributed significantly to his overall earnings.
America’s Got Talent (AGT): In 2019, Crews became the host of AGT, one of the most-watched talent shows in the U.S. He reportedly earns around $1.5 million per season, making this one of his most lucrative jobs. Each show episode brings in significant pay, with estimates suggesting he makes about $68,000 per episode. Hosting AGT has helped elevate his public profile even further.
Everybody Hates Chris: Crews played Julius, the family's father, in this hit sitcom. While his salary was likely much lower than that of lead actor Tyler James Williams, who reportedly earned $250,000 per episode, Crews’ supporting role still contributed significantly to his earnings.
Film Appearances: Beyond television, Crews’ roles in films like The Expendables, White Chicks, and The Longest Yard continue contributing to his wealth. His comedic chops, coupled with his physical presence, have made him a go-to actor for comedic and action roles alike.

What Is Terry Crews Net Worth in 2025?

As of 2025, Terry Crews's net worth is around $25 million. This is a remarkable achievement, considering that much of his wealth was built after leaving the NFL. His entertainment career, endorsements, and brand partnerships have allowed him to earn a significant income. Even more impressive is that Crews has done this without the benefit of the multi-million-dollar contracts often associated with professional athletes.

How Terry Crews Makes Money Today

While acting and hosting remain the primary sources of his income, Terry Crews also makes money through several other avenues:

Brand Endorsements: His partnership with Old Spice is one of the most notable, but Crews has also worked with other brands. His appeal and credibility as a public figure have made him a valuable asset for companies looking to reach a broad audience.
Motivational Speaking: Crews is a passionate advocate for mental health, fitness, and personal development. His motivational speaking engagements have helped him earn additional income while also helping others through his message of resilience and perseverance.
Fitness and Lifestyle: Crews, known for his strong physique, often shares fitness tips and workouts with his followers, establishing himself as a brand ambassador for health and fitness.
Book Sales: Crews's book writing, in addition to his acting career, has increased his income. His memoir, Manhood: How to Be a Better Man—or Just Live with One, became a bestseller and brought him financial and critical success.

Lessons from Terry Crews' Success

Terry Crews’ story is one of transformation and perseverance. It shows that true success comes from passion, hard work, and an ability to adapt to new opportunities. Here are some key lessons from his journey:

Adaptability: Crews seamlessly transitioned from football to acting and hosting. His ability to reinvent himself kept him relevant in a competitive industry.
Hard Work Pays Off. Crews worked tirelessly, taking on side jobs when necessary and overcoming hardships to build their career.
Follow Your Passion: Despite the challenges of his early career, his love for the arts led him to his true calling in Hollywood.

Final Thoughts

Terry Crews net worth proves that past careers or circumstances do not solely determine success. His journey from a struggling NFL player to a multi-millionaire Hollywood star shows that anyone can build a successful career with determination, talent, and luck. Whether you know him from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, America’s Got Talent, or his viral Old Spice commercials, Crews’ rise to wealth is a true testament to what can happen when you follow your passion.