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One sports professional is wealthier than James Harden, Conor McGregor, and Steph Curry...combined.
Yet he never played in a game, owned a team, or ever displayed any athletic ability.
Here is his mind-blowing story...
Time for a thread
Yet he never played in a game, owned a team, or ever displayed any athletic ability.
Here is his mind-blowing story...
Time for a thread
1) Michael Buffer, born in Philadelphia, was raised by a foster family after his parents divorced when he was a child.
As a 20 year old, Buffer enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam War — serving 3 years in total.
Buffer would go on to pursue a career in modeling & acting.
As a 20 year old, Buffer enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam War — serving 3 years in total.
Buffer would go on to pursue a career in modeling & acting.
2) From age 23, Michael Buffer spent the next 15 years selling cars, acting, and modeling — never finding his true passion.
That all changed in the early 1980s when Buffer was watching a boxing match with his 14-year old son.
This is where it gets interesting…
That all changed in the early 1980s when Buffer was watching a boxing match with his 14-year old son.
This is where it gets interesting…
3) While Michael Buffer was watching a boxing match, the ring announcer fumbled his words multiple times — killing the crowd's excitement.
"I found out later that that was pretty standard."
Disturbed by the lack of enthusiasm, Buffer thought he could do better.
"I found out later that that was pretty standard."
Disturbed by the lack of enthusiasm, Buffer thought he could do better.
4) Knowing his personality could bring excitement to the ring, the 38 yr old Michael Buffer sent headshots to local casinos that were scheduled to host boxing matches.
The only hotel to give him a chance?
The Playboy Hotel & Casino, in 1982.
The only hotel to give him a chance?
The Playboy Hotel & Casino, in 1982.
5) Almost immediately, Michael Buffer started gaining a reputation as an exciting & entertaining presence.
His legendary saying, "Lets get ready to rumble", became his calling card.
As his saying became more popular, Buffer made a decision that changed his life forever.
His legendary saying, "Lets get ready to rumble", became his calling card.
As his saying became more popular, Buffer made a decision that changed his life forever.
6) In 1992, Michael Buffer trademarked his legendary phrase "Let's get ready to rumble."
In the 30 years since, Buffer has announced thousands of sporting events all over the world.
Buffer is routinely paid between $25k-$100k per ring intro and has made $1M on rare occasions.
In the 30 years since, Buffer has announced thousands of sporting events all over the world.
Buffer is routinely paid between $25k-$100k per ring intro and has made $1M on rare occasions.
7) In addition to announcing the 5 legendary words himself, video game maker "Midway" paid Michael Buffer $100 million to license his phrase in perpetuity.
In total, Buffer has built up a $400M net worth by licensing the phrase to be used in songs, video games, movies, and more.
In total, Buffer has built up a $400M net worth by licensing the phrase to be used in songs, video games, movies, and more.
8) Michael Buffer isn't the only Buffer to make a name for himself inside the ring.
His half-brother, Bruce Buffer, has established himself as Michael's equivalent inside the UFC ring.
His catch phrase?
"It's time!", which he announces before each UFC main event.
His half-brother, Bruce Buffer, has established himself as Michael's equivalent inside the UFC ring.
His catch phrase?
"It's time!", which he announces before each UFC main event.
9) I love the the story of Michael Buffer for one simple reason.
Buffer saw a need in the market, was confident his skills could help, and chased his dream with relentless passion.
The most successful people in the world see money as a scoreboard, not the reason to start.
Buffer saw a need in the market, was confident his skills could help, and chased his dream with relentless passion.
The most successful people in the world see money as a scoreboard, not the reason to start.
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1. Follow me, I tweet cool sports stories everyday.
2. Subscribe to my free daily newsletter where I give detailed analysis on topics involving the money and business behind sports. https://huddleup.substack.com
Sources:
https://www.sportbible.com/boxing/news-take-a-bow-the-staggering-amount-michael-buffer-earns-per-fight-20170303
https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/richest-boxers/michael-buffer-net-worth/
https://www.espn.com/mma/ufc/story/_/id/29008629/the-incredible-mostly-true-story-bruce-michael-buffer
https://www.sportbible.com/boxing/news-take-a-bow-the-staggering-amount-michael-buffer-earns-per-fight-20170303
https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/richest-boxers/michael-buffer-net-worth/
https://www.espn.com/mma/ufc/story/_/id/29008629/the-incredible-mostly-true-story-bruce-michael-buffer
