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Jordan Burroughs: A Legacy in Freestyle Wrestling
Jordan Ernest Burroughs, born on July 8, 1988, has solidified his place as one of the greatest American freestyle wrestlers of all time. Competing at 74 kilograms, Burroughs’ illustrious career has seen him achieve success at the highest levels of both freestyle and folkstyle wrestling.1
His impressive resume includes an Olympic gold medal and six world championship titles, making him a dominant force in the sport for over a decade.
Early Life and Wrestling Beginnings
- Born and raised in Camden, New Jersey, Burroughs’ journey into wrestling began at a young age. He grew up in a family that valued sports and competition, and wrestling quickly became his passion.
- His athletic prowess was evident early on, as he showed exceptional talent in high school, earning multiple state titles. These early successes laid the foundation for his future as a world-class wrestler.
- Burroughs attended Winslow Township High School, where his wrestling career took off. He won the New Jersey state championship during his senior year in 2006, showcasing his potential as a top-tier wrestler.
- Following high school, Burroughs committed to wrestle at the University of Nebraska, where his legacy in college wrestling would further develop.
Collegiate Wrestling Success
Burroughs continued his wrestling journey at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he wrestled in the folkstyle discipline. During his time in college, Burroughs became a two-time NCAA Division I Champion, winning titles in 2009 and 2011.
He also earned All-American honors three times, further establishing himself as one of the best collegiate wrestlers in the country.
Olympic Glory and Freestyle Dominance
Jordan Burroughs transitioned to freestyle wrestling after college and quickly rose to prominence on the international stage. His breakout year came in 2011, when he won his first World Championship in Istanbul, Turkey, at just 23 years old.2
This victory not only cemented his status as a rising star in freestyle wrestling but also set the stage for his legendary career.
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Jordan Burroughs: Career and Professional Life
Jordan Burroughs’ professional wrestling career is marked by remarkable achievements and consistent success. He transitioned from a stellar collegiate career into becoming one of the most dominant forces in freestyle wrestling.
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Burroughs made his senior-level debut in April 2007 at the US University Nationals, where he finished second, falling short to Teyon Ware, a two-time NCAA Champion. This early experience laid the groundwork for what would be a historic career on the international stage.
Senior-Level Breakthrough and Immediate Success
After completing his final season in NCAA Division I wrestling, Burroughs made his full commitment to the senior freestyle wrestling circuit. In 2011, he made history by winning a gold medal at the World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, in the 74 kg division.3
This victory came immediately after he had completed his collegiate career, where he won his second NCAA Division I title while competing for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This achievement made Burroughs only the fourth wrestler in history to win an NCAA Division I title and a World Championship in the same year.
Olympic Gold in 2012: The Pinnacle of Wrestling
- Jordan Burroughs’ defining moment came in 2012 when he represented the United States at the London Olympic Games. Competing in the 74 kg category, Burroughs captured the Olympic gold medal, defeating Sadegh Goudarzi of Iran in the finals.
- His victory was dominant, and Burroughs established himself as a global icon in the sport of wrestling. This gold medal was the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and dedication to the sport.
- Winning an Olympic gold medal immediately elevated Burroughs’ status in the wrestling world and made him a national hero.
- His combination of power and quickness set him apart from his competitors, and his triumph on the Olympic stage earned him a place among the sport’s legends.
Sustained Excellence: World Championships and More
Following his Olympic victory, Burroughs maintained his dominance in freestyle wrestling, collecting World Championship titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2021, and 2022. This sustained level of excellence over more than a decade is a testament to Burroughs’ work ethic, discipline, and elite-level talent.
Jordan Burroughs’ Net Worth Details
Jordan Burroughs, one of the most accomplished and celebrated wrestlers in the history of the sport, has not only made his mark through athletic achievements but also through significant financial gains.
With a career spanning over a decade, Burroughs’ success both on the mat and in various endorsements has propelled him into the upper echelon of professional athletes in terms of wealth. As of 2024, Jordan Burroughs’ net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
Early Career and Initial Earnings
- Burroughs’ journey toward financial success began with his collegiate wrestling career at the University of Nebraska. As a two-time NCAA champion, Burroughs garnered attention from wrestling enthusiasts and sports organizations.
- However, his financial breakthrough came after transitioning from collegiate wrestling to freestyle wrestling on the world stage.
— Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold) June 16, 2019
- In 2011, Burroughs won his first World Championship in freestyle wrestling, a victory that not only established him as one of the best in the world but also came with a significant financial reward.
- He earned $250,000 from the Living the Dream Medal Fund for his world title win.
- This fund, created to incentivize American wrestlers to excel internationally, played a crucial role in boosting Burroughs’ early career earnings.
Olympic Gold and Financial Windfall
The highlight of Jordan Burroughs’ career came in 2012 when he won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the London Olympic Games. His performance at the Olympics earned him widespread fame, further solidifying his status as an elite athlete.
The financial benefits of this achievement were equally significant. Burroughs received a $250,000 bonus from the Living the Dream Medal Fund for his gold medal victory.
Continued Success and Earnings from the Living the Dream Fund
Burroughs’ dominance in the world of freestyle wrestling did not end with his Olympic victory. He continued to compete at the highest level, winning multiple World Championships and competing in subsequent Olympic Games. Each victory in international competitions brought additional financial rewards from the Living the Dream Medal Fund.
For instance, his performance at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro earned him another $250,000 from the fund. In total, as of 2023, Burroughs has accumulated $595,000 in bonuses from the Living the Dream Medal Fund, a significant portion of his overall earnings.
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Jordan Burroughs: Awards and Honors
Throughout his illustrious career, Jordan Burroughs has not only amassed numerous titles and victories but has also received a wide array of prestigious awards and honors.
His contributions to wrestling have been recognized by various sports organizations, cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Below is an overview of the major accolades Burroughs has received over the years.
United States Olympic Committee Male Olympic Athlete of the Year (2015)
One of the most significant honors of Burroughs’ career came in 2015 when he was named the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Male Olympic Athlete of the Year. This award is given annually to a top-performing American athlete who has demonstrated excellence in their sport.
Burroughs earned this award thanks to his continuous success in international freestyle wrestling, highlighted by his gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and multiple world titles.
Being named the USOC Male Olympic Athlete of the Year placed Burroughs among a select group of American sports icons and further solidified his place in Olympic history.
Dan Hodge Trophy for College Wrestler of the Year (2011)
In 2011, Jordan Burroughs was awarded the Dan Hodge Trophy, often referred to as the “Heisman Trophy” of collegiate wrestling. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding college wrestler in the United States.
During his time at the University of Nebraska, Burroughs dominated the NCAA wrestling scene, earning two national titles and finishing his collegiate career with an impressive record of 128 wins and only 20 losses.
InterMat Wrestler of the Year (2011)
In 2011, in addition to the Dan Hodge Trophy, Burroughs was also named InterMat Wrestler of the Year, another prestigious recognition for the top college wrestler in the United States.
This award is determined by InterMat, one of the leading wrestling news and information sources, and is given to the wrestler who demonstrates excellence and dominance throughout the collegiate season.
Jordan Burroughs: Personal Life and Faith
Jordan Burroughs, in addition to being a legendary figure in the world of wrestling, is a man grounded in his personal values and faith. His Christian beliefs play a central role in shaping his outlook on life, success, and the challenges he faces, both on and off the mat.
Burroughs has often spoken about his relationship with God and how it has influenced his perspective on his career, achievements, and overall purpose in life.
A Deep Commitment to His Christian Faith
Burroughs is a devout Christian and has been open about how his faith guides him through the highs and lows of his career. Despite his numerous accolades, including Olympic gold medals and world championships, Burroughs maintains that these material successes do not define his ultimate sense of fulfillment.
In a powerful statement about his faith, Burroughs said, “A gold medal is always going to leave you empty. … There’s no other thing in life that’s more fulfilling than a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
Family Life
Burroughs is a family-oriented individual who places a high value on his role as a husband and father. He is married to Lauren Burroughs, and together they have built a strong and supportive family unit.
The couple has three children, who are often featured on Burroughs’ social media accounts, showing his deep love and commitment to his family.
Staying Humble Despite Success
One of the defining characteristics of Jordan Burroughs is his humility, despite his towering achievements in the sport of wrestling. His faith plays a crucial role in keeping him grounded.
Rather than allowing his successes to inflate his ego, Burroughs credits God for his talents and opportunities, always maintaining that his abilities are a blessing rather than a personal accomplishment.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Jordan Burroughs?
Ans: Jordan Burroughs is an American freestyle wrestler who is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. He is a multiple-time world champion and an Olympic gold medalist, known for his explosive double-leg takedowns and dominance in international wrestling competitions.
2. How old is Jordan Burroughs?
Ans: Jordan Burroughs was born on July 8, 1988, making him 36 years old as of 2024.
3. What are Jordan Burroughs’ major career achievements?
Ans: Jordan Burroughs’ career highlights include winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics in freestyle wrestling, as well as multiple World Wrestling Championship titles (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2021). He is also a four-time Pan American Games champion and an NCAA Division I national champion while wrestling for the University of Nebraska.
4. What is Jordan Burroughs’ net worth?
Ans: Jordan Burroughs’ estimated net worth is around $4-6 million. His wealth comes from his successful wrestling career, sponsorships, endorsements, and various business ventures, as well as coaching and wrestling clinics.
5. What is Jordan Burroughs’ personal life like?
Ans: Jordan Burroughs is married to Lauren Burroughs, and the couple has children together. He is known for being a family man and often speaks about the importance of balancing his personal life with his wrestling career. Jordan is also active in his faith and has been vocal about how it shapes his life and career.
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