Mike Golic Net Worth

Mike Golic’s Net Worth and Career: From NFL to ESPN Stardom

Mike Golic, a prominent figure in American sports broadcasting, has built a successful career spanning professional football and radio/television commentary. This article delves into Mike Golic’s net worth, exploring his career trajectory from a college football player at Notre Dame and an NFL defensive lineman, to a popular sports radio and television personality. We’ll examine his salary history, broadcasting career, and personal life, offering a comprehensive overview of his achievements and financial success.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Michael Louis Golic Sr., widely known as Mike Golic, was born on December 12, 1962, in Willowick, Ohio. His father, Louis Robert “Bob” Golic, played professional football in the Canadian Football League. This athletic background influenced Mike’s own passion for the sport. He attended St. Joseph High School in Cleveland, Ohio, before attending the University of Notre Dame. At Notre Dame, he excelled both academically, majoring in finance and management, and athletically, playing football and participating in wrestling. He showcased leadership skills, being chosen as the captain of the football team in his senior year.

Professional Football Career

Mike Golic’s football journey continued after college when he was selected in the 10th round of the 1985 NFL draft by the Houston Oilers. He played in the NFL for eight seasons, also representing the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins. Throughout his career, Golic played in 115 games, starting 49. He recorded 11.5 sacks and three interceptions, leaving a mark as a defensive lineman in the league. His brother, Bob Golic, also played professional football for 14 seasons.

Television and Broadcast Career

Golic transitioned into television early in his playing career. He started a weekly segment called “Golic’s Got It” on “The Randall Cunningham Show”, earning a Mid-Atlantic Region Emmy Award for his work. After retiring from the NFL in 1995, he joined ESPN as a reporter and analyst for “Sunday NFL Countdown” and “NFL 2Night.” He also provided color commentary for the Arena Football League from 1996 to 1998 and again from 2007 to 2008, and covered college football games for ESPN/ABC.

The Rise of “Mike & Mike”

In 1998, Mike Golic teamed up with Mike Greenberg to host the “Mike & Mike” show on ESPN Radio. The show quickly gained popularity and was simulcast on ESPN2 TV starting in 2006. “Mike & Mike” became known for its engaging content and popular segments, including the annual “Sheet of Integrity” wager, which stemmed from a friendly bet between the hosts about the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The duo even released a book together in 2010 titled “Mike and Mike’s Rules for Sports and Life.”

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“Golic and Wingo” and Beyond

“Mike & Mike” concluded in 2017 when Mike Greenberg left to work on ESPN’s morning show “Get Up!” Mike Golic then started a new show called “Golic and Wingo” with Trey Wingo, also featuring his son, Mike Golic Jr. The show was canceled by ESPN on July 9, 2020, with its final broadcast on July 31, 2020.

Before “Mike and Mike,” Golic had already started in radio broadcasting, co-hosting the first morning show on ESPN Radio, “The Bruno-Golic Morning Show,” with Tony Bruno. This program lasted for a year, and Golic remained with the show after Bruno’s departure, working with different co-hosts until its end. Beyond his main shows, Golic made cameo appearances in TV series, including ESPN’s “Tilt” and, along with Mike Greenberg, on “Guiding Light” in 2008. He was also slated to appear in the video game “All-Pro Football 2K8.”

(Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images)

Personal Life and Family

Mike Golic is married to Christine, and together they have three children. All three children attended the University of Notre Dame. His two sons played football there, and his daughter competed in swimming. His son, Michael Louis Golic Jr. (Mike Golic Jr.), played football at Notre Dame and later played in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints, as well as the Canadian CFL team, the Montreal Alouettes.

In 2015, Golic was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in the Outstanding American category, which acknowledges individuals who have used wrestling as a foundation for success in other fields. This recognizes Golic’s athletic prowess and his ability to leverage it into a successful media career.

Mike Golic’s Net Worth

Mike Golic has amassed a net worth of $25 million, reflecting his successful career as a sports analyst, radio host, and former NFL player. His salary with ESPN played a significant role in building this wealth. In 2015, he signed a five-year contract with ESPN, earning $4 million annually. His salary increased to $6 million per year in 2019, underscoring his value to the network. Golic’s net worth is a testament to his longevity and popularity in sports media.

Conclusion

Mike Golic has enjoyed a multifaceted career, transitioning from a successful NFL player to a prominent figure in sports broadcasting. His journey from the gridiron to the radio and television studios, coupled with his financial achievements, provides an inspiring story for athletes and media personalities alike. Golic’s net worth is a reflection of his dedication, hard work, and the impact he has made in the world of sports.