Shawn Oakman Net Worth Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Profession | Professional Football Player (CFL) |
| Known For | Baylor star, viral meme, CFL success |
| Career Start | Penn State → Baylor (2012–2015) |
| NFL Career | Undrafted, no NFL games |
| CFL Team | Toronto Argonauts (2021–present) |
| Salary Range (CFL) | $80,000 – $150,000 per year |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1–1.5 million |
| Height & Weight | 6’9”, 287 lbs |
| Reputation | Mix of controversy and redemption |
Introduction
Shawn Oakman is one of the most recognizable names in American football—not only for his towering height and viral meme status but also for his rollercoaster journey through college stardom, legal battles, and eventual redemption in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Once projected as a potential first-round NFL draft pick, Oakman’s career took unexpected turns that shaped both his reputation and his finances.
In this article, we’ll dive into Shawn Oakman’s net worth, his Baylor highlights, legal struggles, meme fame, CFL salary, and future possibilities.
1. Who Is Shawn Oakman?
Shawn Michael Oakman, born April 7, 1992, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a professional gridiron football player. Best known as “Baylor Shawn Oakman”, he stands out for his intimidating size and unique career path. Despite setbacks, he remains a symbol of resilience, having transitioned from college star to CFL champion with the Toronto Argonauts.
2. Early Life and High School Journey in Philadelphia
Oakman grew up in a tough environment in Philadelphia. He attended Penn Wood High School, excelling in both football and basketball. His rare combination of size (6’9”) and athleticism caught the attention of college recruiters nationwide.
3. Why Was Shawn Oakman Dismissed from Penn State?
Shawn Oakman originally enrolled at Penn State University. However, his time there was short-lived. In 2012, he was dismissed from the football program after a disciplinary issue involving a minor altercation at a campus store. This setback led him to transfer to Baylor University, where his career truly took off.
4. Baylor Shawn Oakman: Rise to College Football Stardom
At Baylor, Oakman blossomed into a star defensive end. His 2013 and 2014 seasons were especially dominant, with highlights including:
- 2013: 12.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.
- 2014: 11 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, earning All-Big 12 honors.
Oakman’s size, power, and unique presence made him one of the most feared defenders in college football. He quickly became a household name among fans.
5. Shawn Oakman Stats: Dominance in the Big 12
Oakman finished his Baylor career with:
- 128 tackles
- 46.5 tackles for loss
- 17.5 sacks
These numbers positioned him as a potential first or second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
6. The NFL Dream That Never Happened – Why Didn’t Shawn Oakman Go to the NFL?
Despite his college success, Oakman went undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft. This was primarily due to an ongoing sexual assault allegation that cast a shadow over his future. NFL teams backed away, concerned about legal risks and public image.
7. The Sexual Assault Case and Legal Battles – What Happened to Shawn Oakman?
In April 2016, Oakman was accused of sexual assault by a woman after a party. The case derailed his NFL hopes and significantly impacted his public image.
Who Accused Shawn Oakman?
A female acquaintance filed the charges, leading to a lengthy legal process that kept him away from professional football.
The Trial Outcome
In February 2019, after years of uncertainty, a jury found Oakman “not guilty” due to lack of evidence. Despite the acquittal, the damage to his NFL opportunities was already done.
8. Shawn Oakman Meme: How One Photo Went Viral Worldwide
During the 2015 Cotton Bowl, a photo of Shawn Oakman walking onto the field in his oversized Baylor uniform went viral. His intimidating look spawned the legendary “Shawn Oakman meme”, with captions like “When Shawn Oakman says trick-or-treat, you give him all the candy.”
This internet fame added to his notoriety and made him a cultural icon, though it often overshadowed his actual football achievements.
9. CFL Career: Is Shawn Oakman Good in the CFL?
After his acquittal, Oakman revived his career outside the NFL. He signed with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2021.
- 2021 Season: 6 sacks and a Grey Cup championship.
- 2022 Season: Improved consistency and leadership on defense.
Yes—Shawn Oakman is good in the CFL. His performance proved that his skills still had value in professional football.
10. Shawn Oakman CFL Salary and Contract Details
While CFL salaries are significantly lower than the NFL, Oakman still earns a respectable income.
- Average CFL player salary: $60,000–$100,000 per season
- Star defensive linemen can earn up to $150,000 annually
- Oakman’s estimated CFL earnings (2021–2025): $400,000–$600,000 total
11. Shawn Oakman Height and Weight – Breaking Down the Numbers
- Height: 6’9” (206 cm)
- Weight: 287 lbs (130 kg)
- Wingspan: Over 7 feet
Oakman’s physical attributes remain unmatched, making him one of the tallest and most intimidating football players in history.
12. Financial Journey: Building Shawn Oakman Net Worth in 2025
Despite missing out on the NFL’s multimillion-dollar contracts, Shawn Oakman has built steady wealth through:
- CFL contracts
- Appearance fees & speaking engagements
- Merchandise/meme royalties
- Local endorsements
Shawn Oakman Net Worth in 2025: $1 million – $1.5 million
13. Shawn Oakman Story: Lessons in Resilience and Redemption
The Shawn Oakman story is one of resilience. From being projected as a first-round NFL pick to facing legal turmoil, public scrutiny, and a stalled career, he fought back and found redemption in the CFL.
14. Future Outlook – Could Shawn Oakman Still Play in the NFL?
At 33 years old, Oakman’s NFL window is slim but not impossible. If he continues to dominate in the CFL, he could earn a tryout. However, most analysts agree that he’ll likely finish his career in the CFL.
15. Comparing Net Worth: Shawn Oakman vs Other Players
- Shawn Oakman Net Worth (2025): $1–1.5 million
- Myles Garrett (NFL DE): $30 million
- Khalil Mack (NFL LB): $70 million
- Average CFL Player: $80,000/year
Oakman’s net worth reflects his missed NFL opportunity, but also his determination to keep playing professionally.
Conclusion
Shawn Oakman’s journey is a cautionary yet inspiring tale. From Baylor stardom and NFL dreams to legal battles and a viral meme, his career path reflects the highs and lows of modern sports. While he never reached NFL glory, his net worth of around $1–1.5 million proves that resilience, perseverance, and passion for the game can still lead to success.