Tershawn Wharton has carved out an impressive NFL career as a defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs despite going undrafted in 2020. Known for his relentless work ethic and key contributions to back-to-back Super Bowl victories (LVII and LVIII), Wharton’s journey from small-college standout to NFL mainstay exemplifies perseverance.
This article explores Wharton’s personal life, career milestones, financial standing, and on-field achievements, providing a comprehensive look at one of the NFL’s underrated talents.
Tershawn Wharton’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Tershawn Wharton |
| Nickname | Turk |
| Born | June 25, 1998 (St. Louis, Missouri) |
| Age (2025) | 26 |
| College | Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Weight | 280 lbs (127 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2020 |
| Net Worth | $7.04 million |
| Salary | $2.74 million |
Early Career
Tershawn Wharton’s football journey began in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, where he attended Maplewood Richmond Heights High School. During his senior year, he transferred to University City High School and quickly became a defensive force, racking up 110 tackles and 4 sacks in a single season.
His standout play earned him first-team All-Suburban Central Conference honors and laid the groundwork for his college career.
Wharton chose Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), a Division II school, where he became a four-year starter for the Miners. Despite the smaller stage, he dominated opponents with unmatched intensity.
By the end of his college career, he shattered school records with 58 tackles for loss and 35.5 sacks—numbers that still top the program’s history books. His sophomore year was particularly explosive: 64 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and his first of three consecutive first-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference selections.
Though overlooked by major Division I programs, Wharton’s relentless motor and production caught the eye of NFL scouts. His ability to overpower blockers and chase down ball carriers showcased pro-level potential, even in a less-scouted division. This grit and consistency paved the way for his NFL opportunity, despite going undrafted in 2020.
This version maintains a natural, conversational tone while emphasizing his achievements and challenges during his formative years. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments!
Professional Career
Tershawn Wharton’s NFL journey began against steep odds. After going undrafted in 2020, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent, seizing the opportunity with a standout training camp. Defying expectations, he earned a spot on the 53-man roster and debuted in Week 1 against the Houston Texans, recording his first career sack.
Over five seasons, Wharton evolved from a rotational player to a trusted defensive weapon, contributing to two Super Bowl championships (LVII and LVIII) and becoming a fan favorite for his high-energy play.
His breakout 2024 season solidified his value. Starting all 17 games, Wharton tallied career highs in tackles (29), sacks (6.5), and pass breakups (2), anchoring a Chiefs defense that ranked among the league’s best. His performance earned him a one-year, $2.74 million contract extension, fully guaranteed—a testament to his growth.
Known for his quick first step and ability to disrupt both passing and running plays, Wharton thrives in critical moments. In Super Bowl LVIII, he pressured Brock Purdy twice during the game-winning drive, showcasing his clutch playmaking.
Though undersized for a traditional defensive tackle, Wharton compensates with relentless effort and technical skill. His versatility allows defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to deploy him across the line, often matching him against larger guards or centers.
Entering 2025, Wharton faces free agency but remains a priority for Kansas City due to his consistency and leadership. With 114 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles across 65 career games, he’s proven that determination can outweigh draft status.
This version highlights his milestones, playing style, and impact while maintaining a natural flow. Let me know if you need adjustments!
Tershawn Wharton’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Tershawn Wharton’s net worth is estimated to be $7.04 million.
Contract
Tershawn Wharton’s current contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, signed in March 2024, is a one-year, $2.74 million deal fully guaranteed. The agreement includes a $167,500 signing bonus and a $2.575 million base salary, structured to give the team salary cap flexibility while rewarding Wharton for his rising contributions. This marked a significant pay raise from his rookie contract, which paid him $610,000 annually in 2020.
The deal reflects Kansas City’s confidence in his role as a rotational starter and pass-rushing specialist. With the contract set to expire in March 2025, Wharton could enter free agency unless the Chiefs extend his stay. His performance in 2024—career-high 6.5 sacks and 29 tackles—positions him for a multi-year deal worth $7–8 million annually in his next negotiation.
Salary
Tershawn Wharton’s 2024 salary of $2.74 million reflects his elevated role in the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense. This figure includes a $167,500 signing bonus and a base salary of $2.575 million, marking a substantial jump from his rookie earnings of $610,000 in 2020. Over five NFL seasons, his salary trajectory has climbed steadily: $780,000 in 2021, $595,277 in 2022, and $1.01 million in 2023.
Combined with performance incentives and bonuses, Wharton’s career earnings total $7.04 million as of 2025. His current deal, fully guaranteed, positions him for a potential multi-year extension in 2025, with projections suggesting annual earnings could reach $7–8 million if he maintains his 2024 production. Unlike many peers, Wharton’s income remains tied solely to NFL contracts, as no endorsement deals have been publicly disclosed.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Total Earnings |
| 2020 | Kansas City | $610,000 | $902,901 |
| 2021 | Kansas City | $780,000 | $780,000 |
| 2022 | Kansas City | $595,277 | $595,276 |
| 2023 | Kansas City | $1,010,000 | $2,025,000 |
| 2024 | Kansas City | $2,575,000 | $2,742,500 |
Career Stats
| Category | Regular Season (5 years) | Playoffs |
| Games Played | 55 | 10 |
| Tackles | 114 (56 solo) | 15 |
| Sacks | 13.5 | 2.0 |
| Forced Fumbles | 4 | 1 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 2 | 0 |
| Pass Breakups | 3 | 1 |
Wharton’s 6.5 sacks in 2024 ranked second among Chiefs defensive tackles. His durability and situational awareness have made him a reliable contributor in both regular-season and playoff games.
FAQs
1. Where was Tershawn Wharton born and raised?
Tershawn Wharton was born on June 25, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in University City, Missouri, attending Maplewood Richmond Heights High School for three years before transferring to University City High School for his senior year. His parents are Du’Shawn and Terry Wharton.
2. What college did Tershawn Wharton attend?
Wharton played college football at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) from 2016-2019. He set program records for career sacks (35.5) and tackles for loss (58), earning three First-team All-GLVC honors and two All-Super Region 3 selections.
3. How did Tershawn Wharton enter the NFL?
Undrafted in 2020, Wharton signed a three-year $2.29 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent. He made the 53-man roster and became the first Missouri S&T alumnus to play in an NFL game since 1971, debuting in Week 1 against Houston.
4. What position does Tershawn Wharton play?
Wharton plays defensive tackle, standing 6’1″ (1.85 m) and weighing 280 lbs (127 kg). His combination of speed and strength allows him to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt running plays, recording 13.5 career sacks through 2024.
5. How many Super Bowls has Tershawn Wharton won?
Wharton won Super Bowl LVII (2023) and LVIII (2024) with the Chiefs. He appeared in three Super Bowls total, recording 3 solo tackles and 5 assists across those games. His postseason stats include 13 tackles and 3 sacks through 2024.
6. What are Tershawn Wharton’s career NFL statistics?
Through 2024, Wharton has 114 total tackles (56 solo), 13.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception. His best season came in 2024 with 29 tackles and 6.5 sacks. He averages 0.5 sacks per game over 72 career appearances.
7. What is Tershawn Wharton’s current contract?
In 2024, Wharton signed a one-year $2.74 million contract with $2.74 million guaranteed. Previous deals include a 2020 three-year $2.29 million rookie contract and a 2023 one-year $2 million deal. His career earnings exceed $7 million through 2024.
8. Has Tershawn Wharton dealt with significant injuries?
Wharton missed most of the 2022 season with a torn ACL suffered in Week 5. He returned fully in 2023, playing all 17 games. The injury temporarily halted his career progression but didn’t prevent him from winning two Super Bowls post-recovery.
9. What was Tershawn Wharton’s NFL debut performance?
In his September 10, 2020 debut against Houston, Wharton recorded 2 tackles (1 solo) in a 34-20 Chiefs victory. He became the first Missouri S&T player to appear in an NFL game since 1971, beginning his journey as an undrafted success story.
10. What college accolades did Tershawn Wharton earn?
At Missouri S&T, Wharton was a three-time First-team All-GLVC selection (2017-2019) and two-time All-Super Region 3 honoree. He earned 2018 Don Hansen All-America honorable mention after recording 21 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks, ranking third nationally in sacks that season.
