The National Football League (NFL) is the premier professional football league in the United States and boasts some of the world's highest-paid athletes. In this article, we will take a closer look at the richest NFL players in the world. These players have not only achieved success on the field but have also built lucrative careers through endorsem*nts and other business ventures.
Even those on the same team, players in the NFL, have varying income potential. However, NFL players are well-known for their hefty salaries, and the opportunities for endorsem*nts and marketing only add to their growing fortunes.
Top 25 richest NFL players of all time
Who are the richest NFL players? This article looks at the top 25 former and currently active world's richest NFL players by net worth as of 2023.
25. Arian Foster - $50 million
- Full name: Arian Isa Foster
- Date of birth: 24 August 1986
- Age: 36 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Arian Foster is one of the richest NFL players, with an estimated net worth of $50 million. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). On October 24, 2016, the player announced his retirement from the NFL.
24. Sam Bradford - $60 million
- Full name: Samuel Jacob Bradford
- Date of birth: 8 November 1987
- Age: 35 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Sam Bradford is a former quarterback for the St. Louis Rams and Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He started his football career as a Putnam City North High School freshman. In 12 games as a senior quarterback in 2005, he passed 2,029 yards and 17 touchdowns. Sam Bradford's net worth is $60 million.
23. Randy Moss - $62 million
- Full name: Randy Gene Moss
- Date of birth: 13 February 1977
- Age: 46 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Rand, West Virginia, United States
Randy Moss is a retired American football player with a net worth of $62 million. He is widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in football history. Moss attended Marshall University and was a two-time All-America selection.
22. Michael Strahan - $65 million
- Full name: Michael T. Strahan
- Date of birth: 21 November 1971
- Age: 51 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Houston, Texas, United States
Michael Strahan is a former NFL defensive lineman who spent his whole career with the New York Giants. In 2001, Strahan set a new record for most sacks in a season, and in 2007, he helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLII. Michael Strahan has a net worth of $65 million.
21. Terrell Suggs - $69 million
- Full name: Terrell Raymonn Suggs
- Date of birth: 11 October 1982
- Age: 40 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Suggs is a former professional football player who played outside linebacker in the NFL. He was drafted with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, making him one of the youngest defensive players ever drafted at the time. His estimated net worth is $69 million.
20. Tony Romo - $70 million
- Full name: Antonio Ramiro Romo
- Date of birth: 21 April 1980
- Age: 42 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: San Diego, California, United States
Tony Romo is an American sportscaster, former quarterback, and television commentator for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played 14 seasons with the Cowboys. Romo was a member of the Eastern Illinois University football team, where he won the Walter Payton Award in 2003. Tony Romo's net worth is estimated to be $70 million.
19. Matt Ryan - $70 million
- Full name: Matthew Thomas Ryan
- Date of birth: 17 May 1985
- Age: 37 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Exton, Pennsylvania, United States
Matt Ryan, sometimes known as "Matty Ice," is an American football quarterback who plays for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was selected by the Falcons as the third overall choice in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft after graduating from college. Between 2005 and 2007, Ryan led the Falcons to three bowl victories. Matt Ryan has a net worth of $70 million, which he has amassed throughout his career.
18. Ben Roethlisberger - $70 million
- Full name: Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger Sr.
- Date of birth: 2 March 1982
- Age: 41 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Lima, Ohio, United States
Big Ben Roethlisberger is a former quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. Roethlisberger attended Miami University and was picked first overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004. In 2004, he was named the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Ben Roethlisberger's net worth as of 2023 is estimated to be $70 million.
17. Joe Montana - $80 million
- Full name: Joseph Clifford Montana Jr.
- Date of birth: 11 June 1956
- Age: 66 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: New Eagle, Pennsylvania, United States
Joe Montana, sometimes known as "Joe Cool" or "The Comeback Kid," is a former American NFL quarterback who spent 16 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. He eventually spent two seasons in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs. Joe Montana has an estimated net worth of $80 million.
16. Ndamukong Suh - $80 million
- Full name: Ndamukong Ngwa Suh
- Date of birth: 6 January 1987
- Age: 36 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Portland, Oregon, United States
During his NFL career, Ndamukong Suh has played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He was named the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Lombardi Award, and the Outland Trophy. His net worth is estimated to be $80 million, and he earns $13.5 million annually.
15. Joe Flacco - $85 million
- Full name: Joseph Vincent Flacco
- Date of birth: 16 January 1985
- Age: 38 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Audubon, New Jersey, United States
Joe is an American football quarterback for the National Football League's New York Jets. At his peak, Flacco won the Super Bowl MVP with the Ravens in 2013 and became a free agent. Flacco has an estimated net worth of $85 million and an annual salary of $20 million, making him one of the highest-paid NFL players in history.
14. Calvin Johnson - $85 million
- Full name: Calvin Johnson Jr.
- Date of birth: 29 September 1985
- Age: 37 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Newnan, Georgia, United States
Calvin Johnson has an estimated net worth of $85 million. Johnson's fortune was amassed during his playing career due to his salary with the Detroit Lions and endorsem*nt deals. He announced his retirement in 2016 after nine seasons with the Detroit Lions.
13. Alex Smith - $95 million
- Full name: Alexander Douglas Smith
- Date of birth: 7 May 1984
- Age: 38 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Bremerton, Washington, United States
Alex Smith is a former quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. Smith was a Utah Utes football team member and was selected Mountain West Conference Player of the Year in 2004. His alleged net worth is around $95 million.
12. Eli Manning - $100 million
- Full name: Elisha Nelson Manning
- Date of birth: 3 January 1981
- Age: 42 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Eli Manning is a former quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. From 2000 to 2003, Manning was a member of his university's football team. The San Diego Chargers selected him first overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. Eli Manning's net worth is estimated to be $100 million.
11. Brett Favre - $100 million
- Full name: Brett Lorenzo Favre
- Date of birth: 10 October 1969
- Age: 53 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Gulfport, Mississippi, United States
Brett Favre is a former NFL quarterback who played for the Green Bay Packers most of his career. Favre was a 20-year NFL veteran who debuted as a quarterback in 1991 with the Atlanta Falcons. Brett Favre's net worth is estimated to be $100 million.
10. Carson Palmer - $100 million
- Full name: Carson Hilton Palmer
- Date of birth: 27 December 1979
- Age: 43 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Fresno, California, United States
Carson Palmer is a former quarterback in the National Football League who spent 15 years. Palmer spent most of his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2002 while playing collegiate football at USC. Carson Palmer is estimated to have a net worth of $100 million.
9. Drew Brees - $130 million
- Full name: Drew Christopher Brees
- Date of birth: 15 January 1979
- Age: 44 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Dallas, Texas, United States
Drew Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. The San Diego Chargers selected him after a successful collegiate football career at his university. Brees was selected first overall in the second round of the NFL Draft in 2001. Drew Brees has a net worth of $130 million.
8. John Elway - $145 million
- Full name: John Albert Elway Jr.
- Date of birth: 28 June 1960
- Age: 62 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Port Angeles, Washington, United States
John Elway is the general manager and executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. During his time at Stanford, Elway was a football player. He set the record for most victories by a starting quarterback and was the NFL's second-most productive passer. John Elway's net worth is $145 million.
7. Tom Brady - $180 million
- Full name: Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr.
- Date of birth: 3 August 1977
- Age: 45 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: San Mateo, California, United States
Tom Brady is a former quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. Brady is the first player in Super Bowl history to win all six games with the same team. The Patriots selected Brady in the sixth round of the NFL Draft in 2000. Tom Brady's net worth is $180 million.
6. Aaron Rodgers - $200 million
- Full name: Aaron Charles Rodgers
- Date of birth: 2 December 1983
- Age: 39 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Chico, California, United States
Aaron is a quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He is one of the world's highest-paid athletes and the highest-paid NFL player. His estimated net worth is $200 million. He is paid a salary of $50 million per year.
5. Steve Young - $200 million
- Full name: Jon Steven Young
- Date of birth: 11 October 1961
- Age: 61 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Steve Young is a former quarterback in the National Football League who spent 15 seasons. Young is known for playing with the San Francisco 49ers for 13 seasons. He also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Express in the National Football League. Steve Young has a net worth of $200 million.
4. Roger Goodell - $200 million
- Full name: Roger Stokoe Goodell
- Date of birth: 19 February 1959
- Age: 64 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Jamestown, New York, United States
Roger Goodell is the Commissioner of the National Football League in the United States. Goodell was picked to succeed Paul Tagliabue, who is retiring. He was picked out of four finalists for the job. Roger Goodell's net worth is estimated to be $200 million.
3. Peyton Manning - $200 million
- Full name: Peyton Williams Manning
- Date of birth: 24 March 1976
- Age: 47 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Peyton Manning is a former American football quarterback who spent 18 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League. Because of his multiple career accomplishments, Manning is considered one of the best quarterbacks. In addition, Peyton Manning's net worth is estimated to be $200 million.
2. Fran Tarkenton - $300 million
- Full name: Francis Asbury Tarkenton
- Date of birth: 3 February 1940
- Age: 83 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Richmond, Virginia, United States
Fran Tarkenton is a former NFL quarterback who has worked as a computer software executive and television personality. Tarkenton played 18 seasons in the league, most of which he spent with the Minnesota Vikings. Fran Tarkenton's net worth is $300 million.
1. Roger Staubach - $600 million
- Full name: Roger Thomas Staubach
- Date of birth: 5 February 1942
- Age: 81 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Roger Staubach, also known as "Roger the Dodger" or "Captain America", is a former player from the United States. Staubach joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1969 and spent his 11-year career with the team. Five times, Staubach guided his team to the Super Bowl. He also led the Cowboys to Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII victories.
Is Staubach the richest American football player ever? Staubach was voted Super Bowl VI's Most Valuable Player. Roger Staubach's net worth of $600 million as of 2023 makes him the wealthiest NFL player on the planet. Staubach is also the richest NFL player after retirement.
Summary of the top 25 richest NFL players in the world
Rank | Name | Net worth |
1 | Roger Staubach | $600 million |
2 | Fran Tarkenton | $300 million |
3 | Peyton Manning | $200 million |
4 | Roger Goodell | $200 million |
5 | Steve Young | $200 million |
6 | Aaron Rodgers | $200 million |
7 | Tom Brady | $180 million |
8 | John Elway | $145 million |
9 | Drew Brees | $130 million |
10 | Carson Palmer | $100 million |
11 | Brett Favre | $100 million |
12 | Eli Manning | $100 million |
13 | Alex Smith | $95 million |
14 | Calvin Johnson | $85 million |
15 | Joe Flacco | $85 million |
16 | Ndamukong Suh | $80 million |
17 | Joe Montana | $80 million |
18 | Ben Roethlisberger | $70 million |
19 | Matt Ryan | $70 million |
20 | Tony Romo | $70 million |
21 | Terrell Suggs | $69 million |
22 | Michael Strahan | $65 million |
23 | Randy Moss | $62 million |
24 | Sam Bradford | $60 million |
25 | Arian Foster | $50 million |
Who are the top 10 richest NFL players?
The top 10 wealthiest NFL players include:
Rank | Name | Net worth |
1 | Roger Staubach | $600 million |
2 | Fran Tarkenton | $300 million |
3 | Peyton Manning | $200 million |
4 | Roger Goodell | $200 million |
5 | Steve Young | $200 million |
6 | Aaron Rodgers | $200 million |
7 | Tom Brady | $180 million |
8 | John Elway | $145 million |
9 | Drew Brees | $130 million |
10 | Carson Palmer | $100 million |
Who are the 10 richest active NFL players?
Below are the top 10 active richest NFL players according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Rank | Name | Net worth |
1 | Aaron Rodgers | $200 million |
2 | Joe Flacco | $85 million |
3 | Ndamukong Suh | $80 million |
4 | Matt Ryan | $70 million |
5 | Deshaun Watson | $50 million |
6 | Aaron Donald | $60 million |
7 | Ezekiel Elliott | $25 million |
8 | David Bakhtiari | $18 million |
9 | Cooper Kupp | $18 million |
10 | Josh Allen | $14 million |
Who are the richest former NFL players?
Some of the top ten richest retired NFL players include:
Rank | Name | Networth |
1 | Roger Staubach | $600 million |
2 | Fran Tarkenton | $300 million |
3 | Peyton Manning | $200 million |
4 | Roger Goodell | $200 million |
5 | Steve Young | $200 million |
6 | Tom Brady | $180 million |
7 | John Elway | $145 million |
8 | Drew Brees | $130 million |
9 | Carson Palmer | $100 million |
10 | Brett Favre | $100 million |
Who are the top five richest NFL players in the world?
Some of the top five wealthiest NFL players are Roger Staubach ($600 million), Fran Tarkenton ($300 million), Peyton Manning ($200 million), Roger Goodell ($200 million) and Steve Young ($200 million).
The National Football League (NFL) is not only a platform for football players to showcase their skills but also a lucrative business that attracts some of the wealthiest athletes in the world. The richest NFL players we have explored in this article have not only achieved success on the field but have also leveraged their fame and fortune to build successful businesses and land endorsem*nt deals.
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