NFL salaries have skyrocketed over the past two decades. Huge TV deals, merchandise sales, and sponsorships have made football one of the most lucrative sports on the planet. This has allowed star athletes to sign massive contracts, making fans curious: who is the highest-paid NFL player of all time?

In this article, we’ll break down the highest-paid NFL players of all time, look at their NFL career earnings, and see what makes them the richest NFL player ever candidates. You’ll learn how each player built their fortune, how much they earned from salaries versus endorsements, and why quarterbacks often dominate these lists.

How NFL Salaries Have Grown

Not long ago, an NFL player making $10 million per year was big news. Today, some stars earn over $50 million annually, with even more from endorsements. This rapid growth in earnings isn’t unique to football. It’s similar to how popular casino online brands attract attention with massive game libraries, generous bonuses for both loyal players and newcomers, and fast payouts — especially offers like the Slotozen no deposit bonus codes that draw in thousands of users.

• Multi-billion-dollar broadcasting agreements with major networks.
• Global brand sponsorships tied to star athletes.
• Record-breaking attendance and merchandise sales.
• Salary cap increases driven by league revenue growth.

Let’s take a closer look at the players who’ve cashed in the most.

Top 10 Highest-Paid NFL Players of All Time

1) Tom Brady — Estimated $450 Million

Tom Brady holds the crown as the highest-paid NFL player of all time. His NFL career earnings include huge salaries and stacked bonuses. Postseason success kept his market value sky-high for two decades. Endorsements and smart ventures lifted his total far beyond contracts. Many still call him the richest NFL player ever.

• Contracts: Over $330M across Patriots and Buccaneers deals.
• Endorsements: Under Armour, UGG, Aston Martin, Hertz.
• Businesses: TB12, Brady Brand, production and media projects.
• Assets: Luxury homes, premium cars, vacation properties.
• Philanthropy: Children’s health and education causes.

2) Aaron Rodgers — Estimated $430 Million

Aaron Rodgers turned elite play into record-setting paydays. He signed several market-topping extensions with the Packers. A later move to the Jets brought fresh guarantees and attention. His brand blends elite skill, durability, and smart off-field moves. Fans still ask who is the highest-paid NFL player of all time and often list Rodgers next.

• Contracts: Peak annual value above $50M during Green Bay years.
• Endorsements: State Farm, Adidas, Bose, Panini.
• Investments: Minority stake in the Milwaukee Bucks.
• Assets: Properties in California, Wisconsin, and New Jersey.
• Philanthropy: Education, medical, and wildfire relief support.

3) Matthew Stafford — Estimated $320 Million

Matthew Stafford entered the league on a massive rookie deal. He then signed multiple extensions as Detroit’s franchise arm. A blockbuster trade to the Rams refreshed his market power. A Lombardi Trophy raised his profile and sponsorship pull. His career earnings reflect long-term production and steady leadership.

• Contracts: Early rookie megadeal, then Lions and Rams extensions.
• Endorsements: Nike, Pepsi, Ford partnerships.
• Investments: Real estate in Southern California.
• Assets: High-end home, family-focused spending.
• Philanthropy: Pediatric cancer and Detroit community programs.

4) Matt Ryan — Estimated $310 Million

Matt Ryan built wealth through consistency and longevity. He set records in Atlanta and earned a 2016 MVP. A giant 2018 extension pushed him near the highest paid NFL player ever tier. A later stint with the Colts added more guaranteed money. His brand centers on stability and professionalism.

• Contracts: 2018 $150M deal set a new bar at the time.
• Endorsements: Nike, Gatorade, Banana Republic.
• Investments: Real estate and training facilities.
• Assets: Multiple properties and family-focused spending.
• Philanthropy: Youth sports and literacy programs.

5) Drew Brees — Estimated $300 Million

Drew Brees turned New Orleans into a perennial contender. He signed top-of-market deals throughout his prime. Accurate passing and records kept bonuses flowing. Off the field, he built a strong franchise portfolio. His NFL career earnings mirror his elite production.

• Contracts: Multiple big Saints deals, including a $100M pact.
• Endorsements: Nike, PepsiCo, Wrangler.
• Businesses: Jimmy John’s and Dunkin’ franchises.
• Assets: Properties in Louisiana and California.
• Philanthropy: Brees Dream Foundation and Katrina relief.

6) Ben Roethlisberger — Estimated $270 Million

Ben Roethlisberger stayed a Steeler for his entire career. Two rings and constant playoff runs drove his value. He signed several long extensions with heavy guarantees. His paychecks reflected toughness and longevity. His totals place him among the highest paid NFL player names.

• Contracts: 2008, 2015, and 2019 extensions with large bonuses.
• Endorsements: Fanatics, Panini, local deals.
• Investments: Real estate across Pennsylvania and Florida.
• Assets: Multi-home footprint and classic cars.
• Philanthropy: K-9 grants for police departments nationwide.

7) Russell Wilson — Estimated $265 Million

Russell Wilson monetized wins and a clean brand. He signed two massive Seahawks deals before the Broncos trade. Another extension followed, with big guarantees and incentives. Corporate partners value his leadership image. His career earnings show the payoff of prime-time performance.

• Contracts: 2019 $140M Seahawks deal, then a Denver megadeal.
• Endorsements: Nike, Bose, Microsoft, Alaska Airlines.
• Businesses: Good Man Brand, production ventures, tech stakes.
• Assets: Luxury homes in Colorado and Washington.
• Philanthropy: Why Not You Foundation initiatives.

8) Eli Manning — Estimated $252 Million

Eli Manning’s playoff magic shaped two dynasties’ outcomes. Two Super Bowl wins fueled huge Giants extensions. He kept a calm profile and steady endorsements. Long tenure and durability kept cash rolling. His NFL career earnings reflect clutch moments and loyalty.

• Contracts: 2009 and 2015 Giants extensions with big guarantees.
• Endorsements: Toyota, DirecTV, Gatorade, Citizen Watch.
• Investments: Real estate in New York and New Jersey.
• Assets: Family estates and collectibles.
• Philanthropy: Children’s hospitals and Mississippi community causes.

9) Philip Rivers — Estimated $243 Million

Philip Rivers stacked cash through stability and stats. He led the Chargers for more than a decade. Two major extensions locked in long-term money. He kept endorsements lighter than many peers. After football, he shifted focus to coaching and family.

• Contracts: 2009 and 2015 Chargers extensions with strong guarantees.
• Endorsements: Nike and regional partners.
• Investments: Property holdings and municipal bonds.
• Assets: Family compound and classic vehicles.
• Philanthropy: Rivers of Hope Foundation efforts.

10) Joe Flacco — Estimated $175 Million

Joe Flacco timed the market perfectly after a title run. His 2013 deal became the league’s biggest at signing. Later extensions protected more guaranteed cash. He kept a modest national endorsement slate. His total still ranks well thanks to timing and leverage.

• Contracts: 2013 $120.6M deal, then a 2016 extension.
• Endorsements: Nike, Pizza Hut, local campaigns.
• Investments: Real estate across Maryland and New Jersey.
• Assets: Family residences and coastal property.
• Philanthropy: Team-aligned charity work and youth programs.

Why Quarterbacks Dominate the Rich List

You may notice every player here is a quarterback. That’s not a coincidence.

Reasons quarterbacks earn the most:

• They’re the face of the franchise, drawing media attention and fan loyalty.
• They have longer careers compared to most positions.
• They attract the biggest endorsement deals.
• They play a central role in every game’s outcome.

It’s rare for other positions to match a quarterback’s long-term NFL career earnings.

Biggest Single Contracts in NFL History

While this list focuses on total earnings, some contracts made headlines for their size alone:

1. Patrick Mahomes – 10 years, $503 million (Kansas City Chiefs).
2. Josh Allen – 6 years, $258 million (Buffalo Bills).
3. Dak Prescott – 4 years, $160 million (Dallas Cowboys).

These deals may reshape the list of the highest paid NFL player ever in the coming years.

Smart vs. Risky Spending

Some of the highest-paid NFL players of all time invest wisely, while others face financial trouble after retirement.

Common smart moves:

• Real estate investments.
• Business ownership.
• Stock market portfolios.
• Endorsements tied to personal brand values.

Risky choices:

• Overspending on luxury items without long-term income.
• Investing in unproven business ventures.
• Poor financial management.

The difference between staying wealthy and going broke often comes down to planning.

Final Thoughts

The highest-paid NFL players of all time have earned fortunes through talent, timing, and smart career moves. From Tom Brady’s unmatched consistency to Aaron Rodgers’ record-breaking deals, their career earnings reflect both their skill and marketability.

While they live in luxury, most also invest in businesses, real estate, and charitable causes. As new contracts get bigger, the title of richest NFL player ever will continue to change hands. But for now, these players represent the pinnacle of financial success in football.

FAQs

1. Who is the highest-paid NFL player of all time?

Tom Brady, with an estimated $450 million in total earnings.

2. Which NFL player has earned the most from endorsements?

Peyton Manning has earned huge sums from endorsements, but Brady and Rodgers also lead in this area.

3. Who is the richest NFL player ever after retirement?

Tom Brady, thanks to his businesses and media work.

4. Why do quarterbacks make the most money?

They’re the most marketable and vital to team success, attracting top contracts and sponsorships.

5. Could a non-quarterback become the highest paid NFL player ever?

Possible, but unlikely, given the position’s shorter career span and fewer endorsements.