Garrison Hearst at a Glance
- Net Worth: $1.1 million
- Birthdate: January 4, 1971
- Birthplace: Lincolnton, Georgia
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Former NFL Running Back
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What is Garrison Hearst’s Net Worth?
Garrison Hearst has a net worth of $1.1 million. He is a former American professional football player who built his fortune during a 10-season career as a running back in the National Football League.
Hearst’s earnings began when he was selected as the third overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. His financial success peaked during his time with the San Francisco 49ers. In 1997, he signed a two-year deal with the 49ers valued at $2.8 million, which included a $600,000 signing bonus. After a breakout 1998 season, he secured a five-year, $15.1 million contract.
Following a severe, career-threatening injury, the 49ers famously supported Hearst through his two-year rehabilitation. After his successful return, the team rewarded him with a six-year, $20 million contract extension in 2002, which came with a $3 million signing bonus. His salary and bonuses were also the subject of a 2002 California legal case regarding how performance bonuses were allocated for state income tax purposes. Hearst concluded his career with a one-year, $785,000 contract with the Denver Broncos in 2004.
Early Life
Garrison Hearst was born in Lincolnton, Georgia. He attended Lincoln County High School, where he became a dominant, all-state running back. His high school success made him one of the nation’s top recruits.
He attended the University of Georgia, playing for the Bulldogs football team from 1990 to 1992. His collegiate career was exceptional. In his junior year, Hearst was recognized as a unanimous All-American and won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top college running back. He was also named the SEC Player of the Year and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Career
Garrison Hearst’s professional career began when the Phoenix Cardinals selected him as the third overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. After two seasons slowed by injuries, he had a breakout year in 1995, rushing for 1,070 yards. He was released by the Cardinals and played the 1996 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, gaining 847 yards.
His career truly ignited when he joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1997. In 1998, Hearst had his finest season, rushing for 1,570 yards and setting a new NFL record for combined rushing and receiving yards (2,105). That performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and First-team All-Pro honors.
This success was tragically halted during a 1999 playoff game when he suffered a severe ankle break. The injury was so complex that it required extensive surgery and led to avascular necrosis. Hearst missed the entire 1999 and 2000 NFL seasons while undergoing a difficult rehabilitation.
He staged a historic return to the field in 2001. In one of the greatest comeback stories in sports, Hearst rushed for 1,206 yards, earning his second Pro Bowl selection and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. He played two more seasons for the 49ers before playing his final season with the Denver Broncos in 2004. He finished his NFL career with 7,966 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns.
