Brian Keith Bosworth, widely known as “The Boz”, is a former American football player, actor, and entrepreneur. Known for his aggressive playing style, flamboyant personality, and signature blond mullet, Bosworth became one of the most talked-about athletes of the 1980s. As of 2025, he is 60 years old. He was born on March 9, 1965, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
His journey from college football stardom to the NFL, followed by a successful transition into acting and business, is a story of ambition, controversy, and resilience.
Early Life and Education
Brian Bosworth spent his early years in Oklahoma City before moving with his family to Irving, Texas. He attended MacArthur High School, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dominant defensive end.
After graduating in 1983, he received a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma. Playing under coach Barry Switzer, Bosworth quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic linebackers in college football.
College Career and Rise to Fame
Between 1984 and 1986, Bosworth played linebacker for the Oklahoma Sooners. He became a two-time consensus All-American and remains the only player to win the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker, twice.
In 1985, he played a key role in leading the Sooners to a national championship. Over his college career, he recorded 395 tackles, including a memorable 22-tackle game against the University of Miami.
Bosworth also became known for his outspoken criticism of the NCAA. In 1987, after testing positive for steroids, he was banned from the Orange Bowl. In response, he wore a T-shirt on the sidelines reading “National Communists Against Athletes,” which sparked national controversy and led to his dismissal from the team.
Despite his public clashes with the system, Bosworth graduated early with a degree in communications and was recognized for academic excellence.
NFL Career with the Seattle Seahawks
Bosworth entered the 1987 NFL Supplemental Draft and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks. He signed one of the most lucrative rookie contracts in NFL history at the time, a 10-year deal reportedly worth $11 million.
In his rookie season, he recorded 175 tackles, four sacks, and three fumble recoveries, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He gained media attention not just for his performance but also for his larger-than-life persona. One of his most famous on-field moments came when he was overpowered by Bo Jackson during a goal-line play, an image that continues to circulate in sports media.
Unfortunately, Bosworth’s professional career was cut short by recurring shoulder injuries. He retired after just three seasons and received a $7 million insurance settlement.
Transition to Acting and Media
After retiring from football, Bosworth pursued a career in Hollywood. His debut film, Stone Cold (1991), featured him as an undercover cop infiltrating a violent biker gang. While the movie didn’t perform well at the box office, it developed a cult following over the years.
Bosworth later appeared in several other films including Three Kings (1999), The Longest Yard (2005), and Christian-themed projects like Revelation Road and Do You Believe?
He also worked as a sports commentator. In 2001, he was part of the XFL broadcast team and served as a college football analyst for TBS in the early 2000s. Since 2018, he has played the role of a small-town sheriff in Dr Pepper’s popular Fansville commercial series.
Personal Life
Brian Bosworth married Katherine Nicastro in 1993. The couple had three children—Max, Hayley, and Chase—before divorcing in 2006. He later married Morgan Leslie Heuman in 2012. The family now lives in Austin, Texas.
Bosworth has occasionally made headlines for acts of public service. In 2008, he helped rescue a woman from a car accident. In 2009, he performed CPR on a man who collapsed in a parking lot. These actions revealed a more grounded and compassionate side of the man once seen as football’s ultimate bad boy.
In 2014, ESPN released a 30 for 30 documentary titled Brian and The Boz, offering a personal look into his rise, struggles, and attempts at redemption. In 2015, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, officially recognizing his legendary college career.
Business Ventures and Net Worth
Brian Bosworth has successfully diversified his income over the years. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $8 million.
His income sources include:
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NFL salary and a $7 million insurance payout from his career-ending injury
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Earnings from acting roles in films and commercials
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Endorsements, including his long-running role in Dr Pepper advertisements
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Real estate investments and work as a licensed agent, particularly with Sotheby’s International Realty
He has been involved in property development in California and Oklahoma, adding to his post-football income stream.
Legacy
Bosworth’s legacy is multifaceted. To some, he was a college football phenom with unmatched charisma and talent. To others, he represents the excesses and theatrics of 1980s sports culture.
But looking deeper, Bosworth has shown the ability to evolve. From linebacker to actor to businessman, he has carved out a lasting presence across industries. His resilience in the face of public scrutiny and personal setbacks makes his story more than just a sports tale—it’s a story of transformation.
Quick Facts
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Full Name: Brian Keith Bosworth
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Date of Birth: March 9, 1965
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Age: 60 (as of 2025)
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Birthplace: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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College: University of Oklahoma
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NFL Team: Seattle Seahawks (1987–1989)
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Height: 6’2″
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Weight: 245 lbs
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Net Worth: $5–8 million
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Spouse: Morgan Leslie Heuman
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Children: Three
