Top Richest NFL Players

The NFL isn't just about thrilling games and Super Bowl victories. It's also home to some of the richest athletes in sports history. While their time on the field played a big role in building their fortunes, many of them expanded their wealth through smart business ventures, endorsements, and off-the-field opportunities.

10. Drew Brees - $160 Million

Former American NFL quarterback Drew Brees commands a net worth of $160 million as of 2024. During his 20 years in the league, he earned over $270 million in salary, with his biggest contracts coming from the New Orleans Saints, including a six-year, $60-million deal in 2006 and a five-year, $100-million contract later on. Brees also pulled in $15 million annually from endorsements with top brands. In 2020, Brees signed a $6 million-a-year contract with NBC for television commentary, though the deal ended after just one season. Off the field, Brees made smart real estate investments, including a $2.2 million property near Carmel Valley, California, and a luxury unit at the Four Seasons in New Orleans, purchased for several million dollars. He also listed a custom-built Montana estate for $7.95 million in 2024. Additionally, he founded Surge Entertainment, a massive family entertainment center in Lafayette, LA, which boosted his wealth further.

9. Eli Manning - $160 Million

Eli Manning, with a net worth of $160 million, stands out as a legendary quarterback whose career with the New York Giants made a significant mark in NFL history. Retired in 2020, he ended his 16-year run as the highest-earning player ever, with $252 million in career earnings. Eli signed a six-year, $45 million contract with the Giants early in his career. Off the field, Manning was one of the highest-paid celebrity endorsers globally, regularly earning $8-10 million annually through deals with Gatorade, DirecTV, Toyota, Reebok, and more. He also co-starred in campaigns with his brother Peyton for NFLShop.com and Oreo.

8. Russell Wilson - $165 Million

Russell Wilson is an American football quarterback with a net worth of $165 million. He has earned over $238 million in the NFL, with an impressive average annual salary of $48.5 million, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. Russell has signed some of the biggest contracts in NFL history, including a record $140 million extension with the Seahawks and a huge $242.5 million deal with the Broncos.
Beyond football, Russell's financial savvy extends into real estate. He and his wife, Ciara, sold their Seattle mansion for $21.15 million and bought a record-breaking $25 million mansion in Denver. 

7. Aaron Rodgers - $200 Million

Aaron Rodgers, the NFL superstar, has a net worth of $200 million and earns an average salary of $37.5 million. Between June 2018 and June 2019, he made $90 million from his salary and endorsements. In March 2022, he signed a big four-year contract extension with the Green Bay Packers worth $200 million, with $153 million guaranteed. By the time he retires, his career earnings from salaries could reach $463 million, making him the first NFL player to earn over $400 million just from salary. With endorsements, his total career earnings could hit $600 million. Off the field, Rodgers has made smart investments in real estate, including a $28 million mansion in Malibu and a $9.5 million home in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. He also owns a stake in the Milwaukee Bucks and has endorsement deals with big brands like State Farm and Adidas.

6. Steve Young - $200 Million

Steve Young, a retired American NFL quarterback and sports commentator, has a net worth of $200 million as of 2024. His wealth comes from a stellar football career, including a $40 million contract with the Los Angeles Express in the USFL and significant earnings with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL. Young's financial acumen extends beyond football. After retiring, he co-founded Huntsman Gay Global Capital, where he serves as managing director. This venture has further bolstered his wealth. His media roles, including a $2 million annual salary for his analysis work, and his real estate investments, such as properties in affluent areas like Old Palo Alto, add to his impressive financial portfolio.

5. Peyton Manning - $250 Million

Peyton Manning, the legendary NFL quarterback, commands a net worth of $250 million. Known for his exceptional football IQ and leadership, Manning's career spanned 18 seasons, mostly with the Indianapolis Colts and later the Denver Broncos. His financial success comes from both his football career and smart business moves. Manning made a lot of money from his NFL contracts, including a record $18 million annual salary. He also earned around $40 million from endorsements while playing. His deals with top brands like Bud Light, Buick, and Gatorade still bring in significant income. Additionally, Manning owns 21 Papa John's Pizza franchises and has a stake in Kitchen United, a ghost kitchen company. His endorsements and investments have made him one of the highest-paid athletes, with total earnings exceeding $600 million throughout his career.

4. Fran Tarkenton - $300 Million

Fran Tarkenton, the legendary former NFL quarterback, boasts a net worth of $300 million. Throughout his NFL career, he earned a total of $1.2 million from salaries, which is roughly equivalent to $8 million today. His peak single-season salary was an impressive $250,000, a significant amount at the time. Tarkenton’s financial success extends far beyond football. He founded Tarkenton Software, which later merged with KnowledgeWare. When KnowledgeWare went public, Tarkenton's shares were valued at $50 million. He sold shares worth $4 million and earned $6 million from the company's sale to Sterling Software. Today, his wealth is bolstered by ownership in Tarkenton Financial, GoSmallBiz, and Tarkenton Teleconferencing, along with substantial investments in Apple stock and real estate valued at $15 million.

3. Tom Brady - $300 Million

Tom Brady, a retired American football quarterback, spokesman, and entrepreneur, has a net worth of $300 million. Over his 23-year NFL career, he earned more than $473 million from salaries and endorsements. At his peak, Brady signed a two-year, $50 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with bonuses bringing it up to $60 million. He also made over $150 million from endorsements with brands like Under Armour and UGG. Despite losing an estimated $50-100 million in the FTX collapse, Brady’s investments and business ventures keep growing his wealth. His impressive real estate portfolio includes a $17 million Miami estate, a $25.5 million condo in New York City, and a property in Montana.

2. Roger Staubach - $600 Million

Roger Staubach, with a net worth of $600 million, is a prime example of a successful athlete turned business mogul. Known for his stellar NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, Staubach led his team to two Super Bowl victories. His football success set the stage for his impressive wealth. After retiring from football, Staubach started a new chapter by diving into real estate and founded The Staubach Company. His real estate firm thrived, working with big names like AT&T and McDonald's. When the company was sold in 2008 for $613 million, it significantly boosted Staubach's fortune. In addition to real estate, Staubach is the co-owner of Hall of Fame Racing, adding another stream to his wealth. 

1. Jerry Richardson - $2 Billion

American businessman and NFL team owner Jerry Richardson has an impressive net worth of $2 billion. Richardson's wealth comes from a remarkable journey that began with a football bonus. In 1959, he used a $4,744 bonus check from the Baltimore Colts to invest in the first Hardee's franchise. This initial investment grew into a massive fast-food empire with Flagstar Foods, which eventually ran 2,500 restaurants and employed 100,000 people. As the founder and majority owner of the Carolina Panthers, Richardson invested $206 million to secure the NFL franchise. Today, the Panthers are valued between $1.6 and $2 billion, bringing in $325 million in annual revenue and $80 million in profit. Despite stepping down in 2017 amid allegations, Richardson’s financial legacy is significant. The Panthers are now projected to sell for up to $3 billion.

Honourable mention

John Madden - $200 Million

John Madden, the iconic NFL coach and broadcaster, boasted a net worth of $200 million at the time of his death in 2021. Though celebrated for his coaching career, Madden’s lasting impact came through his post-football endeavors. Madden's most significant financial asset was the “Madden NFL” video game franchise, which earned him an estimated $150 million from a 2005 deal that secured his name and likeness in perpetuity. Madden's broadcasting career was equally lucrative. He commanded annual salaries of up to $8 million, which is equivalent to around $14 million today, making him one of the highest-paid sports commentators. His endorsement deals, including a $2 million annual contract with Tinactin, added even more to his substantial wealth.