Don Shula, the iconic NFL coach, amassed a net worth estimated at $60 million by the time of his passing in 2020. This impressive fortune reflects not only his unparalleled success in professional football but also his savvy business ventures and endorsements. Shula’s legacy as the winningest coach in NFL history, highlighted by the Miami Dolphins’ perfect season in 1972, established him as a household name and a symbol of excellence.
Beyond football, his ventures in the restaurant industry and his lucrative endorsement deals significantly contributed to his wealth. Don Shula’s financial achievements, combined with his legendary sports career, make him an enduring figure in American sports history.
What was Don Shula’s net worth at death?
After 1957, Shula did not sign a contract with any NFL teams. As a player for the Washington Redskins, he said goodbye to his professional football career and became an NFL coach. He made his name in the Hall of Fame as a coach in 1997. As of now, Don Shula’s net worth is $60 million.
Don Shula Personal Details- Birth, Family, Wife, Kids, and More…
Birth Place: Don Shula was born on January 4, 1930, in Grand River, Ohio. His full name is Donald Francis Shula.
Parents: He is the son of his father, Dan, and his mother, Mary Shula.
High School: In his early football career, he went to the elementary school at St. Mary’s. Later, he studied at Thomas W. Harvey High School in Painesville, Ohio. In his senior year of high school in 1950, he rushed for 125 yards.
Cruising with my grandkids! Stop at #Shulas347 in Norfolk pic.twitter.com/inDxCfDH1S
— Don Shula (@DonShula) August 10, 2017
College Career: In his college career, he played at John Carroll University in Ohio. He was a John Carroll Blue Streaks football team member in his early life. After the successful completion of his college career, he turned his focus to a professional football career.
Wife: In his personal life, Don Shula is married. He sat for his marriage twice in his life. He married his high school girlfriend, Dorothy Bartish. Later, on October 15, 1993, he married Mary Anne Stephens.
Children: Don Shula is the father of five children. His son, Mike Shula, is an American football coach for the Buffalo Bills. Another son, David Donald Shula, is an American football coach and former NFL player. His three daughters are Donna Shula, Annie Shula, Don Shula, and Sharon Shula.
Height and Weight: Don Shula stands up to 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds.
Don Shula Professional Football Career Details
NFL Teams: Don Shula began his professional football career in 1951 and retired from the game in 1957. He played for the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Colts, and Washington Redskins during his professional life.
NFL Contracts: In the 1951 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected him in the 9th round (110th overall). He played the 1951–1952 season with this team. From 1953 to 1956, he was a player for the Baltimore Colts. In the last phase of his life, he spent time with the Washington Redskins in 1957.
Position: His position on the field of football was a defensive back. Shula wore jersey numbers 96, 44, 25, and 26.
Career Stats: In the sphere of the NFL, he played in 73 games. His career statistics are:
- Interceptions: 21
- Regular-season record: 328–156–6 (0.676)
- Postseason record: 19–17 (0.528)
- Career record: 347–173–6 (0.665)
NFL records: Don Shula is the holder of the most regular-season wins as a head coach with 328. He holds a total of 347 wins as a head coach. This man has the record of having the only undefeated season through the regular season and playoffs. He added his name to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
| Season | Team | Role | Salary (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Baltimore Colts | Head Coach | $25,000 |
| 1970 | Miami Dolphins | Head Coach | $70,000 |
| 1973 | Miami Dolphins | Head Coach | $100,000 |
| 1980 | Miami Dolphins | Head Coach | $200,000 |
| 1990 | Miami Dolphins | Head Coach/GM | $1,200,000 |
| 1995 | Miami Dolphins | Head Coach/GM | $2,000,000 |
Don Shula Coaching Career Highlights
Teams he coached: Shula was a defensive backs coach for Virginia (in 1958), Kentucky (in 1959), and the Detroit Lions (in 1960). Then he became a defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions (from 1961 to 1962). Don was the head coach of the Baltimore Colts (from 1963 to 1969) and the Miami Dolphins (from 1970 to 1995). The Miami Dolphins was the last team of his coaching career.
Super Bowl winner: Don Shula missed the best part of his coaching career with the Miami Dolphins. During his time with this team, he led them to two Super Bowl victories: Super Bowl VII and VIII.
Achievements as a coach: Don won the NFL championship in 1968. Don was the AP NFL Coach of the Year four times: in 1964, 1967, 1968, and 1972. He became Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year in 1993. In 2013, Don Shula won the Lamar Hunt Award. He inserted his name on the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team. He was a member of the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. This man got on the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll.
Don Shula’s cause of death
Shula is no more in this world. He took the last inhale of his life on May 4, 2020, in Indian Creek, Florida. At the time of his death, he was aged 90. Some people thought that he died of coronavirus. But the exact cause of his death was not revealed.
Don Shula Full Bio/Wiki:
| Full Name | Donald Francis Shula |
| Birth Date | January 4, 1930 |
| Birthplace | Grand River, Ohio, USA |
| Died | May 4, 2020 |
| Age at Death | 90 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Hungarian-American |
| Profession | Professional Football Coach, Player |
| Famous For | Coaching the Miami Dolphins to a perfect season in 1972 |
| Years Active | 1951–1995 (Player and Coach) |
| NFL Coaching Record | 328 wins, 156 losses, 6 ties |
| Teams Coached | Baltimore Colts (1963–1969), Miami Dolphins (1970–1995) |
| Major Achievements | 2× Super Bowl Champion (VII, VIII); Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame (1997) |
| Spouse(s) | Dorothy Bartish (m. 1958–1991; her death), Mary Anne Stephens (m. 1993) |
| Children | Five: Dave, Donna, Sharon, Anne, Mike |
| Education | John Carroll University (Bachelor’s Degree) |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Net Worth (at Death) | Estimated $60 million |
| Hobbies/Interests | Golf, Charitable Activities |
| Philanthropy | Don Shula Foundation for Breast Cancer Research |
| Books Written | “Everyone’s a Coach” |
| Legacy | Longest-serving coach in NFL history, synonymous with discipline and excellence |
Conclusion
Don Shula, an iconic figure in the history of the NFL, left an indelible mark both on and off the field. His remarkable coaching career, highlighted by his record-breaking wins and the unmatched perfect season with the Miami Dolphins, solidified his legacy as one of the greatest coaches of all time. Beyond football, Shula’s business ventures and philanthropic efforts demonstrated his versatility and commitment to making a positive impact. His net worth, built through decades of success in sports and business, reflects the incredible career and influence he had throughout his life. Don Shula’s story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Don Shula’s net worth?
A: Don Shula’s estimated net worth at the time of his passing was around $60 million, accumulated from his coaching career, endorsements, and business ventures.
Q2: What is Don Shula best known for?
A: Don Shula is best known for leading the Miami Dolphins to the NFL’s only perfect season in 1972 and for being the NFL’s all-time winningest coach.
Q3: How long did Don Shula coach in the NFL?
A: Don Shula coached in the NFL for an impressive 33 years, spending the majority of his career with the Miami Dolphins.
Q4: Did Don Shula engage in philanthropic work?
A: Yes, Don Shula was actively involved in charitable work, including his foundation that supported breast cancer research and various community-focused initiatives.
Q5: What other ventures was Don Shula involved in?
A: Apart from football, Don Shula was a successful entrepreneur, notably owning a chain of steakhouses and engaging in other business pursuits.
Sources:
Don Shula Biography– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Shula
Don Shula Stats– https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/ShulDo0.htm
As A coach– https://www.nytimes.com/1970/02/19/archives/dolphins-land-shula-as-coach-with-a-5year-500000-pact.html
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