Christopher Lee Canty is a former professional American football defensive end who played in the National Football League for 11 seasons. He is widely recognized as a Super Bowl XLVI champion with the New York Giants and currently works as a co-host of ESPN Radio’s signature morning show. Canty’s remarkable journey from the Bronx to NFL stardom and his transition into sports broadcasting has made him a respected voice in sports media.
Chris Canty Wikipedia
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Christopher Lee Canty |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | November 10, 1982 |
| Age | 43 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of birth | The Bronx, New York, United States |
| Current residence | New York City, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Zodiac sign | Scorpio |
| Religion | Christian (Methodist) |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) |
| Weight | 317 lbs (144 kg) |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Melanie Richards Canty |
| Children | Expecting first child (baby boy, due 2026) |
| Alma mater | University of Virginia, Charlotte Latin School |
| Profession | Sports broadcaster, former NFL player, ESPN Radio host |
| Net worth | $15 million (estimated) |
Who is Chris Canty?
Chris Canty is a former NFL defensive end who achieved championship glory during his 11-year professional football career. He currently serves as co-host of ESPN Radio’s morning show, bringing his championship experience and insightful commentary to millions of listeners nationwide.
The Bronx native rose from humble beginnings to become one of the NFL’s most respected defensive linemen. His career spanned stints with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens, with his pinnacle achievement being the Super Bowl XLVI championship victory over the New England Patriots in 2012.
How old is Chris Canty? Age and birthday
Chris Canty is 43 years old as of December 2025. He was born on November 10, 1982, in The Bronx, New York. His zodiac sign is Scorpio.
What is Chris Canty’s net worth and salary?
As of 2025, Chris Canty’s net worth is estimated at $15 million. He earned an estimated $39.8 million during his NFL career through various contracts with three different teams.
NFL career earnings
His largest contract came with the New York Giants, where he signed a six-year deal worth approximately $42 million. Canty’s highest single-season earnings reached $12.25 million in 2009.
Broadcasting income
Since transitioning to sports media, Canty has added to his wealth through his ESPN Radio hosting duties and various television appearances. While his exact ESPN salary is not publicly disclosed, top-tier ESPN Radio personalities typically earn between $500,000 and $2 million annually.
Career
College career at University of Virginia
Chris Canty attended the University of Virginia from 2000 to 2004, where he established himself as one of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s premier defensive linemen. He earned two-time second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors and led all conference defensive linemen in tackles as both a sophomore and junior.
Canty demonstrated exceptional academic achievement alongside his athletic prowess. He graduated in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in African American Studies and was named to the Academic All-ACC team.
NFL career beginnings with Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys selected Canty in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft with the 132nd overall pick. However, his rookie season was delayed after suffering a devastating eye injury in January 2005 when he was struck with a beer bottle at a Scottsdale nightclub, causing a detached retina that required emergency surgery.
Despite this setback, Canty recovered and played four seasons with Dallas from 2005 to 2008, recording consistent production and proving his resilience.
Super Bowl champion with New York Giants
Canty’s career reached its zenith when he signed with the New York Giants in 2009. During his four seasons with the Giants, he became a cornerstone of their defensive line. His most memorable achievement came in the 2011 season when the Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI.
During that championship season, Canty recorded career-high statistics with 47 tackles and 4 sacks. His physical presence and leadership were instrumental in the Giants’ defensive success.
Final years with Baltimore Ravens
Canty concluded his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens from 2013 to 2015. Although his production decreased during these final seasons, he provided valuable veteran leadership to the Ravens’ defensive unit.
Broadcasting career at ESPN
After retiring from professional football in 2016, Canty transitioned seamlessly into sports media. He began his broadcasting career locally in New York City on ESPN New York 98.7 FM, co-hosting the “DiPietro, Canty, & Rothenberg” program alongside former NHL goaltender Rick DiPietro.
In 2021, ESPN promoted Canty to national programming, where he initially co-hosted “Canty & Carlin” with Chris Carlin during the afternoon drive time. As of 2025, Canty serves as co-host of ESPN Radio’s signature morning show “Unsportsmanlike” alongside Evan Cohen and Michelle Smallmon.
Is Chris Canty married? Wife and relationship status
Chris Canty is married to Melanie Richards Canty. The couple exchanged vows at the Chicago Cultural Center in an elegant ceremony on February 27, 2023.
How Chris and Melanie met
Chris proposed to Melanie on March 4, 2021, after a beautiful courtship. Their relationship blossomed before Chris transitioned from local to national radio, and Melanie has been supportive throughout his broadcasting career.
About Melanie Richards Canty
Melanie Richards Canty is a accomplished marketing executive who currently serves as Vice President of Marketing for Jo Malone London. She previously worked as a Product Marketing Manager at YouTube (Google) before moving into the beauty and fragrance industry.
Born in December 1987, Melanie is currently 37 years old and stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 9 inches. She brings extensive expertise in marketing strategy, go-to-market planning, and brand building from her background with companies like L’Oreal, Google, and PwC.
Does Chris Canty have children?
Chris Canty and his wife Melanie announced in September 2025 that they are expecting their first child together, a baby boy. During an episode of ESPN Radio’s “Unsportsmanlike,” Canty shared the joyful news with co-hosts Evan Cohen and Michelle Smallmon, expressing both excitement and nervousness about impending fatherhood.
The baby is expected to arrive in early 2026. Canty has spoken about his anticipation of becoming a father and the new responsibilities that await him.
Chris Canty’s height and weight
Chris Canty stands 6 feet 7 inches tall (201 cm) and weighs approximately 317 pounds (144 kg). His imposing physical stature was a significant advantage during his NFL career, allowing him to overpower offensive linemen and disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
At the NFL Combine, Canty measured 6 feet 7¼ inches and weighed 286 pounds, though he added considerable muscle mass during his professional career to reach his playing weight of 317 pounds.
Fast facts about Chris Canty
- Late bloomer: Canty did not play football until his junior year of high school after moving from the Bronx to Charlotte, North Carolina, at age 15.
- High school champion: He helped lead Charlotte Latin School to the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association State Championship in 1999.
- Overcame serious injury: Canty suffered a detached retina requiring emergency surgery in 2005 but returned to play 11 NFL seasons wearing a protective facemask.
- Academic excellence: He earned Academic All-ACC honors and graduated with a 3.0 GPA in African American Studies.
- Fraternity member: Canty is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and actively participates in the organization’s community service initiatives.
- Foundation founder: In 2007, he established The Chris Canty Foundation, dedicated to enhancing youth development through sports and education programs.
- Career statistics: During his 11 NFL seasons, Canty recorded 356 total tackles, 22.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 19 pass deflections.
- Social media presence: He maintains an active presence on Instagram (@chriscanty99) with over 36,000 followers and on Twitter/X (@ChrisCanty99) where he shares sports commentary and personal updates.
- Community involvement: Canty serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of New York City, using his platform to support community development initiatives.
- Methodist upbringing: He grew up in the United Methodist Church and credits his faith as a foundational element of his success both on and off the field.
Read more: Who is Rebeccah Heinrichs? Biography, age, husband, net worth, career, family
Wrapping up
Chris Canty’s journey from the Bronx to Super Bowl champion and respected ESPN broadcaster exemplifies determination and resilience. At 43 years old, the former NFL defensive end continues making his mark in sports media while preparing for fatherhood with his wife Melanie. With an estimated net worth of $15 million and a thriving broadcasting career, Canty remains a prominent voice in American sports commentary.
References
- “Chris Canty – ESPN Press Room U.S.” ESPN Press Room.
- “Chris Canty (defensive lineman).” Wikipedia.
- “Chris Canty Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College.” Pro Football Reference.
- “Chris Canty Net Worth: Biography, Career, and Achievements.” CelebsKeep.
- “Super Bowl XLVI Champion Chris Canty and Melanie Richards Said, ‘I Do,’ at the Chicago Cultural Center.” Over The Moon.
- “Hour 2: UnSportsmanLike Is Having A Baby!” AM1590 WPVL.
- “Hall of Fame – Chris Canty ’00.” Charlotte Latin School.
- “Why the Giants’ Chris Canty Wears the Big Grille.” The New York Times.
Disclaimer: The information shared on AcubiStyles.com is collected from trusted and reputable sources. However, Acubi Styles does not take responsibility for any inaccuracies or missing details. Readers are advised to verify information independently before making any conclusions. For updates, corrections, or inquiries, please contact us at info@acubistyles.com or visit our Contact Us page.
