American football isn’t just a sport—it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry that produces some of the world’s richest football players. In 2025, these athletes dominate headlines not only for game-day heroics but also for staggering earnings that come from massive NFL contracts, global endorsements, media deals, and smart investments. This definitive guide breaks down the net worth of the top 10, identifies the highest-paid football players, and explains how each player’s off-field decisions contribute to their wealth empire.

1. Tom Brady Net Worth $600 Million

Tom Brady is widely regarded as the richest American football player of all time. Over his 23-season career, he secured seven Super Bowl titles and cemented his status as the most iconic quarterback in NFL history. Off the field, Brady built his empire through multifaceted endeavors: the now-sold TB12 wellness brand, star-studded endorsement deals with UGG, Under Armour, and Hertz, and proprietary media ventures like 199 Productions. With his strategic post-retirement pivot, Brady has ensured his net worth remains immense through media royalties and hospitality investments.

• Created sustainable post-career income by selling TB12 brand in 2023.
  
  
• Continues media projects and funding in health, lifestyle, and entertainment.
  

2. Roger Staubach Net Worth $600 Million

Roger Staubach isn’t just one of the richest football players—he’s a prime example of athlete-to-executive transition. After leading the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories, Staubach founded the Staubach Company, a commercial real estate powerhouse worth hundreds of millions. His NFL legacy provided credibility and connections that fueled his real-estate success. Today, long after leaving the field, Staubach's net worth equals or surpasses his former quarterback peers, establishing him as a benchmark for financial longevity among retired athletes.

• Transitioned from sports to business by launching and selling a real estate empire.
  
  
• Serves as a model for NFL retirees aiming for sustained wealth beyond football.
  

3. Peyton Manning Net Worth $350 Million

Peyton Manning is a standout among the highest-paid football players in history who parlayed his athletic fame into successful business ventures. His NFL earnings included heavy guaranteed contracts from the Colts and Broncos, but that was just the beginning. Factor in sponsorship deals with Papa Johns and Nationwide, and hosting gigs like the "ManningCast," and his net worth climbs dramatically. Now engaged in media production and tech founding, Manning has carefully built a diverse portfolio that secures income well into retirement and cements his legacy as one of the game’s most financially astute players.

• Utilized media platforms like "ManningCast" to stay relevant and monetize beyond the field.
  
  
• Invested earnings from football into tech startups and equity-backed ventures.

4. Russell Wilson Net Worth $283 Million

Russell Wilson may not carry the highest NFL salary, but his net worth ranks him among the richest football players thanks to robust multiplier effects from smart marketing and entrepreneurship. After success with the Seahawks, Wilson secured brand deals with Nike, Levi’s, and Microsoft, while his ownership stake in the Seattle Sounders FC and his wellness brand Good Man Brand add long-term investment value. Despite lower cap earnings, Wilson remains one of the highest-paid football players overall when accounting for endorsement and equity income.

• Diversified wealth via ownership in MLS team, branding, and social enterprise.
  
  
• Fitness brand and tech partnerships continue to generate solid returns each year.
  

5. Aaron Rodgers Net Worth $200 Million

Aaron Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, remains a top-tier figure among richest football players thanks largely to his lucrative NFL deals and high-profile advertising campaigns. Known for the iconic “Discount Double Check,” Rodgers’ partnership with State Farm has cultivated tens of millions in off-field earnings. He’s also invested in tech and green-energy startups, and his recent move to the Jets promises even more cap-friendly contracts. Altogether, these combine to make Rodgers one of the highest-paid football players in terms of total wealth and negotiating clout.

• Endorsement deals and ownership stakes have transformed NFL earnings into legacy wealth.
  
  
• Active venture investments position him for continued financial growth post-retirement.
  

6. John Elway Net Worth $230 Million

John Elway’s financial ascent exemplifies successful brand expansion beyond his Hall of Fame quarterback legacy. Elway capitalized on his richest football player status by building a substantial network of auto dealerships and restaurants, while contributing as a Broncos executive. His diversification into speaking engagements, board roles, and real estate has grown his net worth significantly. Elway’s post-career empire is a blueprint for athletes who want to transform on-field success into a Fortune-worthy portfolio.

• Leveraged football success to attract high-ticket business alliances and brand roles.
  
  
• Built multi-million-dollar legacy through franchises, real estate, and executive positions.
  

7. Eli Manning Net Worth $200 Million

Eli Manning’s wealth reflects a career defined by consistency and strategic partnerships. Two-time Super Bowl MVP, Manning built on his title success with NFL earnings and sponsorships before turning to media with the ManningCast alongside Peyton. Beyond broadcasting, his investments in real estate and technology provide recurring revenue streams. Among the richest football players, Manning remains a testament to leveraging retirement visibility into a sustainable brand.

• ManningCast helps monetize his name through media while sustaining visibility.
  
  
• Thoughtful real estate and startup investments preserve his wealth with minimal effort.
  

8. Patrick Mahomes Net Worth $300 Million

The succession frontrunner among the highest-paid football players, Patrick Mahomes is architecting long-term wealth with an unmatched combination of massive NFL earnings and off-field ventures. His $450 million-plus contract with the Chiefs, paired with endorsement ties to Adidas, State Farm, and Coca-Cola, have transformed Mahomes’ net worth trajectory. He continues to build value through ownership stakes in sports teams, youth training facilities, and brand partnerships. His dynamic wealth model stands as the future blueprint for ultra-rich NFL athletes.

• Among the highest NFL salaries ever, with significant guaranteed money.
  
  
• Emerging as one of the richest football players through revenue-share and equity deals.
  

9. Travis Kelce Net Worth $90 Million

Travis Kelce redefined what an elite receiving tight end can achieve, but it’s his off-field ventures that truly amplify his net worth. Kelce capitalized on his competitive fame by launching the “New Heights” podcast, earning media appearances including SNL, and securing major endorsements with Nike, State Farm, and Bud Light. While his NFL salary is elite, it's his business acumen—restaurant chains, fitness supplements, podcast equity—that qualifies him among the richest football players.

• Media platform and brand deals magnify NFL earnings into diversified wealth.
  
  
• Owns lifestyle-focused businesses that resonate with his fanbase.
  

10. Dak Prescott Net Worth $90 Million

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is a perfect example of a modern athlete turning gridiron success into financial growth. His record-setting 2024 contract made him one of the highest-paid football players in the NFL. Off the field, Prescott has lucrative deals with AT&T, Jordan Brand, and Subway, and invests in fitness startups and hospitality ventures. These moves position his net worth for continued growth and mark him as one of the richest football players emerging right now.

• His landmark contract positioned him among football’s highest-paid players.
  
  
• Continues building equity in lifestyle brands and wellness-focused companies.
  

 How NFL Legends Turned Yards into Billions

These ten athletes—Tom Brady, Roger Staubach, Peyton and Eli Manning, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, John Elway, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Dak Prescott—showcase how to translate football excellence into enduring wealth and influence. As NFL’s highest-paid football players, they capitalized on generational contracts, strategic brand deals, and smart investments to become the richest football players, leaving an inspiring legacy for both future athletes and fans alike.‍

FAQ – Richest Football Players

Who are the 10 richest football players in the NFL?

Top earners include Brady, Staubach, the Mannings, Wilson, Rodgers, Elway, Mahomes, Kelce, and Prescott.

Who is the highest-paid football player in 2025?

Patrick Mahomes holds the title with a record-breaking guaranteed US$210 million contract.

What’s the average net worth of top NFL players?

Elite NFL players often accumulate net worths between US$200–600 million through contracts, endorsements, and investments.

How do NFL players build their net worth?

They combine football earnings with income from endorsements, media roles, equity stakes, and business ventures.

Do retired NFL players stay wealthy?

Yes—Legends like Brady, Staubach, and the Mannings maintain wealth through durable business portfolios and media roles.