The richest NFL players aren’t just stars on game day; they’re some of the wealthiest athletes in sports, with fortunes built from massive NFL contracts, endorsement deals, and smart long‑term investments. The modern era of free agency, exploding salary caps, and guaranteed money has created a new class of highest-paid NFL players whose earnings can easily climb into nine figures over the course of a career. This guide breaks down the top 50 richest NFL players, focusing on each player’s estimated net worth, total career NFL earnings, and the most lucrative deals that shaped their financial success.
Quarterbacks still dominate most NFL players’ net worth rankings, but they’re far from alone. Elite wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, and defensive superstars sign record‑setting extensions that redefine what it means to be a highest‑paid NFL player at their positions. Beyond the field, endorsements, media roles, business ventures, and equity deals often rival or even surpass NFL salaries, turning short playing careers into lasting, generational wealth.
Whether you’re curious which NFL positions earn the most, how fully guaranteed contracts are changing the landscape, or how retired legends continue to grow their wealth off the field, this evergreen list shows exactly how NFL players build their net worth contract by contract, brand by brand, and investment by investment.
1. Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow net worth: $50–80 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: ~$140 million through 2024
Notable contract: Five year, $275 million extension with $219 million guaranteed from the Bengals
Endorsements: Nike, Bose and other national brands help push his income well beyond his Bengals salary
2. Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes’ net worth: $70–100 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Well over $150 million so far, with his long-term deal structured to pay him elite money through the 2030s
Notable contract: 10 year extension with the Kansas City Chiefs worth up to about $450+ million, one of the largest contracts in NFL history
Endorsements: Major deals with brands like Adidas, Oakley and other blue chip sponsors make him one of the league’s top off-field earners
3. Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce net worth: $50–90 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $80–100 million from NFL contracts over more than a decade at tight end
Notable contract: Multi-year extension with the Chiefs that has kept him among the highest-paid tight ends in the league
Endorsements: National commercials, brand partnerships and media projects add a strong second income stream beyond his playing salary
4. Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott net worth: $60–90 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Roughly $200+ million from Cowboys contracts, with future years set to push that much higher
Notable contract: Big multi year Dallas deal averaging very high annual money with significant guarantees and a massive signing bonus
Endorsements: A long list of sponsors and national ad campaigns has consistently made him one of the NFL’s best-paid players off the field
5. Aaron Donald
Aaron Donald net worth: $40–70 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $150–180 million from his time with the Los Angeles Rams as a dominant defensive tackle
Notable contract: Record-setting multi-year deal that briefly made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history
Endorsements: Shoe and apparel deals plus other partnerships add notable, though smaller, income compared to his huge Rams contracts
6. Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson net worth: $150–200 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $250+ million from Seahawks, Broncos and Steelers contracts
Notable contract: Five year, $245 million extension with Denver that briefly made him one of the highest-paid QBs in the league
Endorsements: Long-running deals with major brands, plus media and business ventures, significantly boost his income beyond his NFL salary
7. Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson net worth: $40–70 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Roughly $100+ million so far, with a massive new extension driving future totals much higher
Notable contract: Five year deal with the Baltimore Ravens worth around $250+ million, including strong guarantees
Endorsements: National sponsorships and apparel deals add a growing off-field income stream to his MVP level on-field earnings
8. Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts net worth: $20–40 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Dozens of millions already earned, with a big second contract setting him up as one of the top-paid QBs
Notable contract: Multi-year extension with the Philadelphia Eagles averaging elite quarterback money per season
Endorsements: Partnerships with athletic and lifestyle brands have surged as his profile as a franchise quarterback has grown
9. Tyreek Hill
Tyreek Hill net worth: $40–70 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $100+ million from Chiefs and Dolphins contracts
Notable contract: Four-year deal with Miami that pays top-of-the-market wide receiver money and helped reset the position’s market
Endorsements: Speed-focused marketing campaigns and sportswear deals add strong bonus income to his big NFL paychecks
10. Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray net worth: $30–60 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $100+ million already, driven by his early extension with the Cardinals
Notable contract: Five year extension worth over $200 million that locked him in as Arizona’s franchise quarterback
Endorsements: Shoe and gaming partnerships, plus national commercials, supplement his on-field earnings
11. Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger net worth: $70–100 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Roughly $250+ million over his long Pittsburgh Steelers career
Notable contract: Multiple big extensions in Pittsburgh that kept him among the league’s better-paid quarterbacks for years
Endorsements: National ads during his playing peak and regional deals helped add millions to his lifetime income
12. Drew Brees
Drew Brees’ net worth: $100–160 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $270+ million from Chargers and Saints contracts
Notable contract: Several high-value deals in New Orleans that reflected his status as a perennial Pro Bowler and Super Bowl MVP
Endorsements: Major national brands and later TV broadcasting work have kept his income strong in retirement
13. Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott net worth: $20–40 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Roughly $70+ million, driven by his big second contract with the Cowboys
Notable contract: Six-year extension in Dallas that briefly made him one of the highest-paid running backs in NFL history
Endorsements: Apparel, beverage and gaming deals boosted his income at his star peak with the Cowboys
14. Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley net worth: $20–40 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Tens of millions from Giants and subsequent contracts as a featured running back
Notable contract: Multi deal following his rookie contract that kept him among the better paid backs in the league
Endorsements: Big-name shoe and sports drink partnerships have been key parts of his total earnings from early in his career
15. Khalil Mack
Khalil Mack net worth: $40–70 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $120+ million across stints with the Raiders, Bears and Chargers
Notable contract: Six-year deal with Chicago that made him one of the highest-paid defensive players ever at the time
Endorsements: Defensive star recognition has brought him steady endorsement income, though contracts remain his primary wealth driver
16. Odell Beckham Jr
Odell Beckham Jr net worth: $40–50 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $100+ million from Giants, Browns, Rams, Ravens and Dolphins contracts
Notable contract: Five year, $95 million extension with the New York Giants in 2018 that briefly made him the highest-paid wide receiver in the league
Endorsements: High-profile deals with brands like Nike, Head & Shoulders, Foot Locker, Lenovo and others have been a major part of his income
17. Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy Garoppolo net worth: $30–50 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $150+ million across stints with the Patriots, 49ers, Raiders and Rams
Notable contract: Five year, $137.5 million deal with San Francisco in 2018 that made him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks at the time
Endorsements: Has boosted his wealth with endorsements from major brands such as Jordan Brand, Nike, Bose, Levi’s and New Era
18. Davante Adams
Davante Adams’ net worth: $25–45 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $90+ million from his time with the Packers and Raiders
Notable contract: Five year, $141.25 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders averaging about $28–28.5 million per season, briefly topping the wide receiver market
Endorsements: As a top receiver, he has attracted apparel and equipment partnerships that add to his big contract income
19. Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins’ net worth: $70–100 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Roughly $330–340 million in salary, with an NFL record share of that fully guaranteed
Notable contract: A series of fully guaranteed deals with Washington and Minnesota, plus his latest multi-year contract, have made him a pioneer in guaranteed money
Endorsements: Regional and national sponsorships contribute additional millions on top of his unusually secure NFL contracts
20. Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney net worth: $20–35 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $75+ million from multiple short-term deals with several teams
Notable contract: Former No. 1 overall pick has signed a string of high-value one-year and short-term contracts that kept his annual pay among the better defensive ends when healthy
Endorsements: Shoe and equipment deals plus appearances add a modest but meaningful off-field income stream
21. Dalvin Cook
Dalvin Cook net worth: $15–30 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $40+ million, largely from his time with the Minnesota Vikings
Notable contract: Five year extension in Minnesota worth more than $60 million that placed him among the best-paid running backs in the NFL at the time
Endorsements: Has picked up apparel and supplement deals that capitalize on his status as a former Pro Bowl running back
22. Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner net worth: $20–40 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $110–120+ million across long stints with the Seahawks and a stop with the Rams
Notable contract: Multiple big extensions in Seattle, including a deal that briefly made him the highest-paid inside linebacker in the league
Endorsements: Leadership reputation and Super Bowl success have helped him land equipment and regional sponsorship deals in addition to his contracts
23. Adam Thielen
Adam Thielen net worth: $15–30 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $50+ million from his time with the Vikings and later the Panthers
Notable contract: Multi-year extension in Minnesota that rewarded his rise from undrafted free agent to Pro Bowl wide receiver
Endorsements: Hometown hero status in Minnesota and later Carolina has translated into local and national endorsement opportunities
24. Todd Gurley
Todd Gurley net worth: $15–30 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $50+ million during his time with the Rams and Falcons
Notable contract: Four year extension with the Rams that briefly made him the highest-paid running back in NFL history before injuries cut his career short
Endorsements: Early career star power brought him notable shoe and sports drink deals that added to his Rams money
25. DeForest Buckner
DeForest Buckner net worth: $15–30 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $70+ million between the 49ers and Colts
Notable contract: Four-year extension with Indianapolis worth around $84 million, making him one of the league’s best-paid defensive tackles
Endorsements: Recognition as a top interior defender has led to equipment and regional sponsorships that supplement his NFL pay
26. Mike Evans
Mike Evans’ net worth: $50–80 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $150–170+ million from his Buccaneers contracts
Notable contract: Two year, $52 million deal signed in 2024 with Tampa Bay, plus an earlier five-year, $82.5 million extension that kept him among the best-paid receivers
Endorsements: A handful of apparel and equipment deals supplement his income, but the bulk of his wealth comes from his long run as a top-tier wideout
27. Laremy Tunsil
Laremy Tunsil net worth: $80–120 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $160+ million as one of the highest-paid offensive tackles in the league
Notable contract: Record-setting three-year extension with the Houston Texans worth around $75 million, giving him the highest average annual value for a left tackle
Endorsements: Modest but growing endorsement portfolio; his wealth is driven mainly by massive, self-negotiated contracts as his own agent
28. Harrison Smith
Harrison Smith net worth: $40–60 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $100–110+ million over more than a decade with the Minnesota Vikings
Notable contract: Multiple extensions with Minnesota, including deals that placed him among the best-paid safeties in NFL history
Endorsements: Steady but relatively low-key endorsements and investments complement his sizable on-field earnings
29. Tom Brady
Tom Brady net worth: $300–530 million approx. (depending on source and whether you include recent business deals)
Total career NFL earnings: Roughly $330–450+ million from playing contracts across the Patriots and Buccaneers
Notable contract: Multiple high-value deals during his 23 year career, plus a 10 year, $375 million broadcasting agreement with Fox Sports signed after retirement
Endorsements: Earned around $200+ million from endorsements and off-field ventures, including TB12, clothing and wellness brands, and stakes in various sports and entertainment businesses
30. Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning net worth: $250–300+ million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $250+ million from Colts and Broncos contracts over 18 seasons
Notable contract: Several huge extensions in Indianapolis and Denver that consistently placed him among the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks
Endorsements: Longtime face of brands like Nationwide, Papa John’s (past) and others; his commercial work and media projects rivaled his playing income
31. Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers net worth: $200–250+ million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $350+ million in salary from the Packers, Jets and later Steelers timeline
Notable contract: Multiple record-setting extensions with Green Bay, including deals that briefly made him the highest-paid player in the league by annual average value
Endorsements: Major partnerships, including long-running insurance commercials and various investments, have significantly boosted his overall fortune
32. Eli Manning
Eli Manning net worth: $150–200 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: About $250+ million from his long New York Giants career, making him one of the highest career earners among QBs
Notable contract: Multiple large extensions with the Giants that reflected his status as a two-time Super Bowl–winning quarterback
Endorsements: National ad campaigns and media work in retirement help keep his income strong after football
33. Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford net worth: $80–120 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $300+ million from Lions and Rams contracts, including his Super Bowl era deals
Notable contract: Long-term Detroit deals plus his extension with the Rams have kept him among the highest career earners at quarterback
Endorsements: Deals with major brands and his boosted profile after winning a Super Bowl add solid off-field income
34. John Elway
John Elway net worth: $120–180 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Tens of millions as a player in a lower-salary era, later overshadowed by executive and business income
Notable contract: Several strong quarterback deals with the Denver Broncos during his Hall of Fame playing career
Endorsements: Post’s playing wealth grew through car dealerships, real estate, and his long tenure as a Broncos executive, rather than endorsements alone
35. Joe Montana
Joe Montana net worth: $100–150 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Millions as a star quarterback for the 49ers and Chiefs in a much smaller salary cap era
Notable contract: Several top-of-the-market deals for his time, reflecting his status as a multi-time Super Bowl champion and league MVP
Endorsements: High-profile endorsements during and after his playing career, plus smart investments, have helped build his long-term wealth
36. Steve Young
Steve Young net worth: Around $200 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Just under $50 million in salary during his 15 season career, mainly with the 49ers
Notable contract: Top-of-the-market quarterback deals for his era with San Francisco during his MVP and Super Bowl years
Endorsements: Post-playing wealth has come largely from private equity and business investments, TV work and speaking rather than endorsements alone
37. Fran Tarkenton
Fran Tarkenton net worth: $250–300+ million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Strong QB money for the 1960s–70s but far below modern salaries
Notable contract: Multiple solid quarterback contracts with the Vikings and Giants, though the real fortune came later
Endorsements: Built most of his wealth after football through software, financial services and other businesses, plus speaking and media work
38. Roger Staubach
Roger Staubach net worth: About $600 million approx. (one of the richest former NFL players ever)
Total career NFL earnings: Relatively modest compared with today’s stars after 11 years with the Dallas Cowboys
Notable contract: Solid quarterback pay for his era, overshadowed by his later business success
Endorsements: Made his massive fortune by founding and eventually selling The Staubach Company, a commercial real estate firm, plus other investments
39. Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald net worth: $50–100 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $180–190+ million from long-term deals with the Arizona Cardinals
Notable contract: Multiple extensions that kept him among the league’s highest-paid wide receivers for much of his career
Endorsements: Significant endorsement history with major brands, plus business and real estate investments, add to his post-playing wealth
40. Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh net worth: $70–90+ million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $170–200+ million from contracts with the Lions, Dolphins, Rams, Buccaneers and Eagles
Notable contract: Six year, $114 million deal with the Miami Dolphins that made him one of the highest-paid defensive players ever at the time
Endorsements: Multiple sponsorships plus an active investing approach, including business and real estate plays, have helped grow his fortune
41. Tony Romo
Tony Romo net worth: $70–100+ million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $127 million from his Dallas Cowboys contracts
Notable contract: Six year, $108 million extension in 2013 that cemented him as one of the better-paid quarterbacks of his era
Endorsements: Lucrative CBS broadcasting deal and endorsements have turned him into one of the highest-earning ex-QBs in media
42. Michael Strahan
Michael Strahan net worth: $60–100+ million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Tens of millions as a star defensive end with the New York Giants
Notable contract: Several strong veteran deals with the Giants before retiring a Super Bowl champion
Endorsements: Major TV roles (Good Morning America, NFL studio work), books and brand partnerships are the main drivers of his current wealth
43. Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders’ net worth: $50–80+ million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Tens of millions across multiple teams in the NFL, plus MLB income
Notable contract: High-profile free agent deals with teams like the Cowboys and 49ers in the 1990s, reflecting his superstar status
Endorsements: Big-name endorsements in his playing days, media work, coaching and business ventures all contribute to his long-term wealth
44. Troy Aikman
Troy Aikman net worth: $60–80+ million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Tens of millions as the longtime Cowboys franchise quarterback
Notable contract: One of the richer QB extensions of the 1990s with Dallas, in line with his three-time Super Bowl champion status
Endorsements: Long TV broadcasting career and endorsements have been key in building his net worth after retirement
45. J. J. Watt
J. J. Watt net worth: $50–80+ million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Around $120+ million from Texans and Cardinals contracts
Notable contract: Six year, $100+ million extension with Houston that made him one of the league’s best-paid defensive players
Endorsements: High-profile endorsement deals with major athletic and lifestyle brands, plus media work and investments, help sustain his wealth post retirement
46. Von Miller
Von Miller net worth: $50–70 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: About $190–200+ million from Broncos, Rams, Bills and later Commanders contracts
Notable contract: Six-year, $120 million deal with the Buffalo Bills that kept him among the league’s highest-paid defensive players
Endorsements: At his peak, he pulled in tens of millions more from endorsements, once earning around $35 million in a single year from salary and sponsorships combined
47. Jason Kelce
Jason Kelce net worth: Around $60 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Roughly $80+ million from long-term deals with the Philadelphia Eagles
Notable contract: A series of extensions in Philadelphia, including multiple one-year deals worth up to $14 million each late in his career, made him one of the best-paid centers ever
Endorsements: Major endorsement deals (Old Spice, Nike, Bose), a high-value podcast deal for “New Heights,” and an ESPN broadcasting contract are now key drivers of his income
48. Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson net worth: $40–70 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Already around $230+ million from Texans and Browns contracts, with potential to approach $280+ million if he plays out his current deal
Notable contract: Fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, one of the most player-friendly deals in NFL history
Endorsements: Early-career endorsements were substantial, though some were paused amid off-field controversies; his primary wealth driver remains his unprecedented guaranteed contract
49. Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers’ net worth: Around $100 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: About $240+ million over 17 seasons with the Chargers and Colts
Notable contract: Multiple high-value extensions with San Diego/Los Angeles, including deals that paid him well into eight figures annually near his peak
Endorsements: Regional and national endorsements plus post-playing coaching and media work complement his long NFL career income
50. Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan net worth: Around $70 million approx
Total career NFL earnings: Over $300 million in salary, primarily with the Atlanta Falcons, making him one of the highest all-time earners at QB
Notable contract: Five year, $150 million extension in 2018 that briefly made him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time
Endorsements: National ad campaigns and a well-paid broadcasting role after retirement add steady income to his already massive contract earnings
