Jesse Owens Net Worth

What Was Jesse Owens' Net Worth?

Jesse Owens was an American track and field athlete who had a net worth of $150,000 at the time of his death in 1980. That's the same as around $550,000 in today's dollars. Born in 1913 in Alabama, he rose to fame as a collegiate star at Ohio State University, earning the nickname "Buckeye Bullet." Owens set multiple world records, including a legendary performance in 1935, where he broke four world records in 45 minutes, a feat still considered one of the greatest in sports history.

Owens' most historic moment came at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he won four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and 4x100m relay, defying Adolf Hitler's propaganda about Aryan supremacy. His achievements made him an international sensation and a symbol of triumph over racism and oppression.

Despite his Olympic glory, Owens faced racial discrimination in the U.S. and struggled financially after retiring from competition. Over time, his legacy was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1976) and other accolades. His story remains an inspiration in sports and civil rights history, showcasing courage, perseverance, and excellence in the face of adversity.

Early Life

James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens was born on September 12, 1913, in Oakville, Alabama. His parents, Henry and Mary Owens, were sharecroppers who struggled to make ends meet. Jesse was the youngest of ten children, and his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, when he was nine years old. Owens attended East Technical High School, where he first showed his talent for track and field. He set a national high school record in the long jump, and he became the first high school athlete to run the 100-yard dash in under ten seconds. Despite his impressive performances, Jesse faced racial discrimination throughout his early life, and he often had to compete in separate events from white athletes.

10/19/1937-Jesse Owens, runner. (via Getty)

Olympic Career

Owens attended Ohio State University, where he continued to dominate in track and field. In 1935, he set three world records and tied another in the span of 45 minutes at the Big Ten Championships. The following year, he made history at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Despite the Nazi regime's racist ideology and Adolf Hitler's belief in the supremacy of the Aryan race, Jesse won four gold medals, in the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash, the long jump, and the 4×100-meter relay. He broke two Olympic records and tied another, and he set a world record in the long jump, which stood for 25 years. Owens' remarkable performance was a powerful statement against racism and discrimination, and it helped to pave the way for future generations of Black athletes.

After the Olympics, Owens returned to the United States to a hero's welcome. He continued to compete in track and field events, but he faced financial difficulties and struggled to find work. Jesse eventually turned to professional sports, playing basketball and running in exhibition races. He also worked as a speaker and spokesperson for various organizations, advocating for civil rights and racial equality.

Later Career & Financial Problems

Jesse Owens faced significant financial struggles despite his historic success at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he won four gold medals. Upon returning home, he received no financial rewards or stable job offers, largely due to racial discrimination and the strict amateur rules of the time, which prevented athletes from profiting from their success. When he attempted to earn money from paid endorsements, he was stripped of his amateur status, effectively ending his track career at just 23 years old.

To support his family, Owens worked various odd jobs, including pumping gas, managing a dry-cleaning business, and even racing against horses in exhibition events. He also pursued business ventures, such as launching a baseball league, opening a public relations firm, and working as a Ford Motor Company personnel manager. However, many of these ventures failed, leaving him in financial trouble. By 1939, just three years after his Olympic triumph, Owens declared bankruptcy due to mounting debts. In 1966, he also faced legal trouble for tax evasion, further highlighting his financial instability.

Later in life, Owens found some relief when he was appointed as a U.S. goodwill ambassador, earning a stable income by promoting fitness and American ideals abroad. In the 1970s, he finally secured endorsement deals from major companies and became a sought-after speaker, improving his financial situation. Owens was also recognized with national honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1976) and the Living Legend Award (1979), which helped restore his legacy.

Getty

Personal Life

In 1935, Owens married Minnie Ruth Solomon, and they had three daughters together. Jesse was a devoted family man, but he faced challenges in his personal life. He struggled with financial instability and suffered from health problems, including chronic lung disease. Despite these difficulties, he remained committed to his family and his advocacy work, using his platform to speak out against racism and discrimination.

Jesse Owens died on March 31, 1980, at 66 years old, from lung cancer.

Legacy, Honors & Awards

Jesse Owens' impact on sports and civil rights is immeasurable. He inspired generations of Black athletes to pursue their dreams and to fight against discrimination in all forms. In recognition of his achievements, Owens received numerous honors and awards throughout his life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. He was also inducted into the International Olympic Committee Hall of Fame and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame. The Jesse Owens Award is the highest accolade given to the year's best track and field athlete.

Owens' legacy continues to inspire people around the world. His triumph at the 1936 Olympics is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Jesse's courage and talent paved the way for future generations of athletes, and his advocacy work helped to advance the cause of civil rights and racial equality in America. Today, Jesse Owens is remembered as a true American hero whose legacy will continue to inspire people for generations to come.

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