Top 10 Richest American Football Players in 2025
The NFL has produced some of the wealthiest athletes in the world, with top players raking in millions through contracts, endorsements, and business ventures. Many former players have also leveraged their fame to build empires that extend well beyond the football field. As of 2025, here’s a look at the top 10 richest American football players, detailing their net worth, careers, and the sources behind their impressive fortunes.
1. Tom Brady
- Age: 47
- Net Worth: $600 million
- Career Overview:
Tom Brady, widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time, played 23 seasons in the NFL, winning seven Super Bowls. His career earnings from contracts exceeded $300 million, and his endorsements with brands like Under Armour, UGG, and Hertz added hundreds of millions more.
Since retiring, Brady’s wealth has skyrocketed thanks to his ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders and the success of his wellness brand TB12 Sports. He also signed a $375 million broadcasting deal with FOX Sports, making him the highest-paid sports analyst.
2. Peyton Manning
- Age: 49
- Net Worth: $350 million
- Career Overview:
Peyton Manning, the two-time Super Bowl champion and five-time MVP, built his fortune through NFL earnings and lucrative endorsement deals with companies like Nationwide and Papa John’s.
Manning has remained relevant in the sports world post-retirement with his popular show "ManningCast" on ESPN, and his investments in media and sports-related ventures have further boosted his net worth.
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3. Patrick Mahomes
- Age: 29
- Net Worth: $300 million
- Career Overview:
Patrick Mahomes signed a historic 10-year, $503 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, the largest in NFL history. Mahomes has been a dominant force on the field, winning multiple MVPs and Super Bowls.
Off the field, Mahomes’ investments in real estate, ownership stakes in the Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC, and endorsements with Adidas and State Farm have significantly contributed to his growing wealth.
4. Russell Wilson
- Age: 36
- Net Worth: $270 million
- Career Overview:
Russell Wilson earned over $250 million in career earnings after his successful stints with the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos. His high-profile marriage to singer Ciara has made the couple a power duo in entertainment and business.
Wilson’s business ventures include a clothing line, investments in tech startups, and ownership in the Seattle Sounders MLS team. He also inked a lucrative deal with Amazon as a sports analyst.
5. Aaron Rodgers
- Age: 41
- Net Worth: $250 million
- Career Overview:
Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion, built a fortune through his long career with the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets.
Rodgers’ endorsements, including State Farm’s famous “Discount Double Check” commercials, and his investments in renewable energy and tech companies continue to grow his wealth post-retirement.
6. John Elway
- Age: 64
- Net Worth: $230 million
- Career Overview:
John Elway, the legendary Denver Broncos quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion, transitioned seamlessly into a successful post-playing career as an executive.
Elway’s tenure as the Broncos’ General Manager and his business ventures, including car dealerships and restaurants, have kept his net worth high. His endorsements and speaking engagements also add to his fortune.
7. Eli Manning
- Age: 44
- Net Worth: $200 million
- Career Overview:
Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, earned over $250 million from his career with the New York Giants. Known for his calm demeanor and clutch performances, Manning has stayed active in media and business post-retirement.
He co-hosts "ManningCast" with his brother Peyton and has investments in real estate, tech startups, and media companies.
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8. Drew Brees
- Age: 46
- Net Worth: $180 million
- Career Overview:
Drew Brees, the former New Orleans Saints quarterback, retired with numerous NFL records and a Super Bowl MVP. Brees’ career earnings exceeded $270 million, and his endorsements with brands like Wrangler and Procter & Gamble were equally lucrative.
Brees has since invested in multiple restaurant franchises, including Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, and remains a sought-after sports analyst.
9. Steve Young
- Age: 63
- Net Worth: $160 million
- Career Overview:
Steve Young, the Hall of Fame quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, won three Super Bowls and made a seamless transition into business after retiring.
Young became a managing director at HGGC, a private equity firm, and has built a substantial fortune through smart investments in tech and finance.
10. Ben Roethlisberger
- Age: 43
- Net Worth: $150 million
- Career Overview:
Ben Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, earned over $250 million during his 18-season career.
Post-retirement, Roethlisberger has invested in real estate and tech startups, ensuring his wealth continues to grow even after leaving the field
