Jordan Burroughs is one of the greatest American freestyle wrestlers of all time. With an Olympic gold medal, multiple world championships, and consistent dominance over more than a decade, he has become a symbol of excellence in wrestling.
What makes his story compelling isn’t just the medals. It’s his longevity, consistency, and ability to stay at the top level while younger competitors constantly challenge him.
He represents American wrestling on the world stage and has inspired countless young athletes to pursue the sport. His career shows what dedication and mental toughness can achieve.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jordan Ernest Burroughs |
| Date of Birth | July 8, 1988 |
| Age | 37 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Camden, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Sport | Freestyle Wrestling |
| Weight Class | 74 kg (163 lbs) |
| Olympic Medals | 1 Gold (2012 London) |
| World Championships | 6 Gold Medals |
| College | University of Nebraska |
| Wife | Lauren Burroughs |
| Children | Four |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
Early Life and Background
He was born on July 8, 1988, in Camden, New Jersey. Camden is a tough city with high poverty and crime rates, but it also produces resilient people who know how to fight for what they want.
He grew up in a working-class family where sports were encouraged. His parents valued education and athletics as paths to better opportunities.
He attended Winslow Township High School in New Jersey, where he started wrestling seriously. His high school career showed promise, but he wasn’t considered a future Olympic champion yet.
After high school, he went to the University of Nebraska on a wrestling scholarship. This decision changed his life and set him on the path to becoming a world champion.
Parents and Family Background
His parents are Janice and Leroy Burroughs. They raised him and his siblings in Camden, working hard to provide stability despite the challenging environment.
His mother Janice has been particularly vocal about supporting her son’s career. She’s been interviewed multiple times about Jordan’s journey and the family’s pride in his achievements.
His father Leroy also supported his athletic pursuits. The family environment emphasized hard work, discipline, and education alongside sports.
He often credits his parents for keeping him focused and away from negative influences that were common in his neighborhood. Their guidance was crucial during his formative years.
Wrestling Career Journey
His college career at Nebraska was where he truly emerged as an elite wrestler. He won two NCAA Division I national championships in 2009 and 2011 at 157 pounds.
His college record was impressive: 128 wins and only 3 losses. This dominance caught the attention of USA Wrestling coaches who saw Olympic potential.
After graduating in 2011, he transitioned to freestyle wrestling at the international level. Freestyle wrestling differs from collegiate folkstyle, requiring adjustment in technique and strategy.
He moved up to the 74 kg weight class for international competition. This weight division is extremely competitive, featuring some of the world’s best wrestlers.
Olympic and World Championship Career
His breakthrough came at the 2011 World Championships in Istanbul, where he won his first world title. This victory made him an Olympic favorite heading into 2012.
At the 2012 London Olympics, he dominated the 74 kg division, winning gold without losing a single match. His performance was decisive and established him as America’s top wrestler.
After the Olympic gold, he continued winning at the world level. He won world championship gold medals in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2021.
This consistency over a decade is remarkable in wrestling. Most wrestlers peak for a few years, but he maintained elite performance for over ten years.
He competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics but didn’t medal, a rare setback in his career. He rebounded by continuing to win world titles and remaining competitive into his mid-30s.
According to coverage on Team USA’s official website, his career accomplishments place him among the greatest American wrestlers in history.
Training, Discipline, and Mindset
His training approach combines intense physical conditioning with mental preparation. He trains year-round, even during off-seasons, maintaining readiness for competition.
His workout routine includes wrestling practice, strength training, cardio conditioning, and technical drilling. He’s known for his explosive double-leg takedown, which requires both speed and power.
Mental toughness is a key part of his success. Wrestling is an individual sport where you can’t rely on teammates, so mental strength matters as much as physical ability.
He’s spoken publicly about visualization techniques, goal-setting, and maintaining confidence even after losses. This mindset has helped him bounce back from defeats and stay motivated.
His discipline extends to diet and recovery. As documented in interviews featured on FloWrestling, he follows strict nutrition plans and prioritizes sleep and recovery to maintain peak performance.
Physical Appearance
He stands 5’8″ (173 cm) tall and competes at 74 kg (163 lbs). His build is compact and muscular, typical of elite wrestlers who need strength, speed, and endurance.
His athletic appearance reflects years of intense training. Wrestlers at his level have very low body fat and highly developed functional muscle suited to the sport’s demands.
On the mat, his presence is commanding. He moves with confidence and explosiveness that intimidates opponents before matches even begin.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Financial Disclaimer: Net worth estimates are based on publicly available career information and typical income sources for elite wrestlers. These figures are not officially confirmed and can vary.
His estimated net worth is between $5-8 million. This comes from multiple income sources throughout his career.
Primary Income Sources
Olympic and world championship prize money provides direct earnings. USA Wrestling and the U.S. Olympic Committee offer stipends and bonuses for medal performances.
Sponsorship deals with brands like ASICS, Stance, and other athletic companies generate significant income. Elite Olympic athletes attract sponsors who pay for endorsements and appearances.
He earns from wrestling camps, clinics, and coaching sessions where he teaches techniques to younger wrestlers. These events are popular and command good fees.
Speaking engagements and motivational talks provide additional income. Companies and organizations pay him to speak about discipline, goal-setting, and achieving excellence.
He has some business ventures and investments, though specific details aren’t publicly disclosed. Many athletes diversify income to prepare for life after competition.
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Wife, Marriage, and Personal Life
He is married to Lauren Burroughs. They got married in 2013, shortly after his Olympic gold medal victory.
Lauren is a registered nurse who has supported his career while maintaining her own professional life. She manages much of the family responsibilities while he travels for training and competition.
The couple has four children together. Jordan often posts about his family on social media, showing the balance between elite athletic career and family life.
He’s spoken about how his family motivates him to keep competing at a high level. Having children changed his perspective and gave him additional purpose beyond personal achievement.
What Makes Jordan Burroughs Unique
His longevity sets him apart. Most wrestlers have 4-6 years at the elite level. He’s maintained world-class performance for over 13 years, competing against athletes much younger.
His signature move is the double-leg takedown, which he executes with exceptional speed and precision. This technique has become his trademark and is studied by wrestlers worldwide.
His consistency is remarkable. He’s made nearly every world championship team since 2011, which requires winning the U.S. Olympic Trials—often as difficult as international competition.
His mental approach combines confidence with respect for opponents. He’s competitive and vocal about his abilities but never disrespectful or arrogant.
Awards and Achievements
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2012 London Olympics (74 kg)
- World Championship Gold Medals: 6 (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2021)
- NCAA Championships: 2 (2009, 2011)
- Pan American Games Gold: Multiple titles
- U.S. National Championships: Multiple titles
- Dan Hodge Trophy: 2009 (college wrestling’s highest honor)
- Named to USA Wrestling Hall of Fame
These achievements make him one of the most decorated American wrestlers in history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is he?
He was born on July 8, 1988, making him 37 years old as of 2026. He continues competing despite being older than most elite wrestlers.
Is he still competing in wrestling?
Yes, he continues to compete internationally and remains one of America’s top wrestlers at 74 kg. He’s stated he wants to compete in the 2028 Olympics.
How many world championships has he won?
He has won 6 world championship gold medals (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2021), making him one of the most successful American wrestlers ever.
Who is Jordan Burroughs married to?
He’s married to Lauren Burroughs, a registered nurse. They married in 2013 and have four children together.
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