Multi-millionaire NFL players often come from humble beginnings, having worked their way up from college and beyond to become the best in their sport. The National Football League is known for rewarding its highest achievers with lucrative contracts and endorsement deals that can add millions to their already impressive incomes.
The top earners on the professional football field have built legacies on and off the field, establishing themselves as multi-millionaire icons of success. Tom Brady, Russell Wilson and Eli Manning are among some of the most recognizable faces in NFL history.
With years of experience and multiple Super Bowl rings, they have earned immense respect among peers, fans and critics alike.
The Richest NFL Players 2023
10. Drew Brees: Net worth $160 million
Drew Brees, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, has a net worth of $160 million and is one of the wealthiest NFL players. He is currently with the New Orleans Saints and has earned much of his wealth through a successful career in the NFL and endorsement deals. Brees was initially drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2001 and played for them until 2006 before signing with the Saints, where he continued to play and retired in 2021.
9. Russell Wilson: Net Worth $165 Million
Russell Wilson is at the top of the list. The Denver Broncos quarterback has a net worth of $165 million. When it comes to the richest NFL players and counting, his success on and off the field has made him one of the highest-paid players in professional football. Wilson began his NFL career with the Seahawks after being drafted in 2012. During his nine seasons as their starting quarterback, he hauled four Pro Bowl appearances and two Super Bowl championships.
8. Steve Young: Net Worth $200 Million
Steve Young is one of the most successful NFL players of all time, and with a net worth of $200 million, he’s also one of the richest NFL players in history. A former 49ers quarterback, Steve Young, played 15 seasons in the NFL from 1985 to 1999. During his career with the San Francisco 49ers, he won three Super Bowl championships and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005—the most sought-after NFL name for corporate sponsorships and endorsements.
7. Roger Goodell: Net Worth $200 Million
Roger Goodell is one of the wealthiest and most successful NFL players in history. The Commissioner of the National Football League has a net worth of $200 million, making him one of the richest athletes today. With thirteen years at the helm, Goodell has become an influential figure in American football and is responsible for some of its biggest successes in recent times. Goodell began his career with the NFL as an intern before being appointed Executive Vice President & Chief operating officer.
6. John Madden: Net Worth $200 Million
John Madden is among the wealthiest NFL players, with a net worth estimated at a whopping $200 million. A former legendary NFL coach and broadcaster, Madden’s career in football have been nothing short of remarkable. From his Super Bowl-winning days as head coach of the Oakland Raiders to become an iconic video game character with EA Sports’ “Madden NFL,” he has earned every penny of that impressive financial portfolio. The 85-year-old Hall-of-Famer is among the top earners in the league.
5. Aaron Rodgers: Net Worth $200 Million
Aaron Rodgers, the star quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, is widely considered one of the best players in NFL history. His accomplishments on and off the field have earned him a massive net worth of $200 million. That makes Rodgers one of the richest NFL players ever. Rodgers’ success has come from years of hard work and dedication to his craft. He was drafted by the Packers in 2005 and won Super Bowl XLV MVP honours in 2011 after leading his team to victory.
4. Tom Brady: Net Worth $250 Million
Tom Brady is one of the richest NFL players. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has a net worth of $250 million, making him one of the wealthiest athletes in professional sports. Brady has been playing football since 2000 and has built an impressive portfolio during his time with the New England Patriots and now with the Buccaneers. The seven-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Super Bowl MVP has earned millions through endorsements and sponsorships. He also receives an annual salary from the Buccaneers and endorsement deals.
3. Peyton Manning: Net Worth $250 Million
Peyton Manning, one of the most successful players in NFL history and a two-time Super Bowl champion, has an impressive net worth of $250 million. This puts him among the richest NFL players in history, second only to legendary quarterback Tom Brady who is estimated to be worth around $300 million. Manning’s incredible wealth is primarily derived from his playing career earnings and endorsement deals with major brands, such as Nike, Gatorade, and DirecTV, during his 18-year career in the NFL.
2. Fran Tarkenton: Net Worth $300 Million
Fran Tarkenton is one of the richest NFL players in history, with a net worth of $300 million. The Hall of Fame quarterback has made his fortune through a successful career on and off the field. After being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1961, Tarkenton had an impressive 18-year career as a player and three years as a coach. Tarkenton was named to 9 Pro Bowls during his tenure in the NFL and won three passing titles from 1962-1966.
1. Roger Staubach: Net Worth $600 Million
Roger Staubach is one of the richest NFL players in history. His estimated net worth is a staggering $600 million—making him one of the wealthiest athletes ever. Over his career in pro football, he earned numerous accolades, including six Pro Bowls and two Super Bowl championships. He is also the only player to win the Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl MVP award. The Dallas Cowboys drafted him as a 27th-round pick in 1964, but it was only a short time before he proved himself a talented quarterback.