Top 10 Wealthiest NFL Players of All Time
Introduction: NFL Money and Mega Fortunes
The National Football League is known for its astronomical contracts, headline-grabbing salaries, and big endorsement deals. While today’s contract values are at an all-time high—Patrick Mahomes famously secured a $450 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs—it’s not only salaries that shape fortunes. Many players expand their wealth through businesses, sponsorships, and investments, making some former NFL stars even richer after retiring from the game.
In this article, we reveal the ten richest NFL players in history, exploring how their on-field accomplishments and off-field ventures have contributed to their incredible net worth.
10. Russell Wilson – Estimated Wealth: $165 Million
Russell Wilson, now with the Denver Broncos after a celebrated run with the Seattle Seahawks, rounds out the list. Making a name for himself quickly after being drafted in 2012, Wilson led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title just two years later. His transfer to Denver saw him sign a hefty 5-year contract worth approximately $242.6 million—around $49 million annually.
Beyond his impressive NFL earnings, Wilson’s financial portfolio benefits from sponsorship deals with brands like Nike and Amazon, justifying his spot among the game’s wealthiest.
9. Eli Manning – Estimated Wealth: $170 Million
Though not the Manning brother with the highest net worth, Eli has amassed a sizable fortune of approximately $170 million. Playing his entire career with the New York Giants, Eli was instrumental in delivering two Super Bowl titles and was named MVP in both.
His salary earnings surpassed $252 million during his career, a record at the time. Since retiring, Eli has kept his income strong with high-profile broadcasting roles, including work with ESPN.
8. Aaron Rodgers – Estimated Wealth: $200 Million
After being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2005, Aaron Rodgers stepped up as starting quarterback in 2008 and led the team to a Super Bowl win within three seasons. With career NFL earnings exceeding $260 million, Rodgers set an NFL record with a current annual salary exceeding $50 million.
His wealth is further boosted by marketing partnerships with State Farm and Adidas, as well as a minority stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.
7. Steve Young – Estimated Wealth: $200 Million
Steve Young, a legendary San Francisco 49ers quarterback, won three Super Bowls and was known for both his agility and passing skill. Though he earned handsomely during his football days, most of Young’s wealth originated after football through private equity. As co-founder of Huntsman Gay Global Capital, Young helped steer the firm to nearly $7 billion in commitments, overseeing deals valued at more than $68 billion.
6. John Madden – Estimated Wealth: $200 Million
While most fans remember John Madden as an iconic coach and broadcaster, few recall his brief playing stint with the Eagles before injury cut it short. Madden’s primary fortune didn’t come from football, but from lending his name to EA Sports’ ultra-popular “Madden NFL” video game series, reportedly earning $14 million annually from the franchise. Coupled with longstanding broadcasting and commercial work, Madden stands as one of the wealthiest figures in NFL history.
5. Peyton Manning – Estimated Wealth: $250 Million
Peyton Manning carved out a legendary career with the Indianapolis Colts before ending with the Denver Broncos, winning two Super Bowls and appearing in 14 Pro Bowls. Not only did Manning excel on the field, but he also thrived off it with endorsement deals for brands like MasterCard and ESPN.
A savvy investor, Manning once owned 31 Papa John’s franchises and has recently expanded his business interests to modern trends, including NFTs.
4. Tom Brady – Estimated Wealth: $250 Million
Regarded by many as the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady has won seven Super Bowls—six with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady’s 23-season career has seen remarkable paydays, with Forbes estimating he earned $75 million in 2022 through both salary and endorsement deals (including Under Armour and Tag Heuer).
Notably, Brady deliberately accepted lower salaries with the Patriots, reportedly sacrificing $60 million to help build championship teams around him.
3. Fran Tarkenton – Estimated Wealth: $300 Million
Eighteen seasons in the NFL mainly with the Minnesota Vikings saw Fran Tarkenton become one of the league’s early superstar quarterbacks. After retiring with relatively modest football earnings, Tarkenton’s financial legacy grew dramatically thanks to his software business, Tarkenton Ware, and investments in other sectors, including publishing and financial planning.
He remains a significant Apple shareholder and successful entrepreneur, exemplifying wealth built beyond the field.
2. Roger Staubach – Estimated Wealth: $600 Million
Dallas Cowboys legend Roger Staubach’s fortune soared after his football days. Though he won two Super Bowls during his decade-long career, Staubach struck gold with real estate. He co-owned The Staubach Company, which was sold in 2008 for $613 million.
His diverse income streams also include advertising and broadcast commentary.
1. Jerry Richardson – Estimated Wealth: $2 Billion
Topping the list is Jerry Richardson, whose NFL wealth came not from the game itself, but from his business prowess. After a short career as a player—highlighted by a 1959 NFL Championship win with the Baltimore Colts—Richardson built an empire out of Hardee’s fast food franchises, eventually owning half the company.
Richardson later established the Carolina Panthers in 1993, joining a rare club of former players who owned NFL franchises. He sold the Panthers in 2018 for $2.3 billion, securing his place as the league’s richest former player.
Typical NFL Salaries: What Do Players Actually Earn?
The average NFL salary currently stands at about $2.7 million per year. Quarterbacks naturally lead the pay scale, averaging over $7 million, while rookies often start with the league minimum—$750,000 in the 2022/23 season. Wide receivers and edge rushers also command large contracts, with elite talents earning salaries well into eight figures.
Recently, defensive tackle Aaron Donald inked a deal paying him $31.7 million annually, underscoring the lucrative nature of specific positions.
NFL Star Salaries vs. Other Major Sports
Despite the massive figures, NFL athletes don’t have the highest average salaries among U.S. sports pros. NBA players, for instance, bring in an average of $8 million per year. However, the top NFL contracts rival the world’s best-compensated stars in international soccer, heavyweight boxing, and Formula 1.
With the rise in media deals, performance incentives, and commercial endorsements, NFL icons continue to grow their wealth both on and off the field, cementing their legacy among the world’s sporting elite.
Lead image: Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons
