Professional football is not just a game; it’s flourishing industry worth billions and has spawned a number of exponents who happen to be among the richest sportsmen in history. A number of NFL stars have capitalized on their field success to accrue substantial wealth through significant contract deals, endorsement partnerships, and smart investments in various media commitments. Below, we look at the top 10 richest American football players in the year 2025, disclosing their Net worth and ways in which they earned their Wealth.
1. Tom Brady – $600 Million
Tom Brady is still called the preeminent NFL millionaire (despite his retirement). The 23-year career and seven Super Bowl wins of Brady added up to more than $300 million in his lifetime. His post-football success added more value to his portfolio than all the money he had ever made playing football. Brady’s TB12 wellness venture, his prolific apparel line, and a notable, $375 million broadcasting contract with FOX Sports helped him amass the fortune. Additionally, Mahomes also has stakes in the Las Vegas Raiders, of all clubs in the world, joining an exclusive club of former players with a franchise stake.
2. Peyton Manning – $350 Million
Because of his brilliant football mind and the comfort in his presence, he effortlessly translated his talents into a career as a media mogul. Manning built a strong brand presence by tapping the success he generated in contracts and sponsorships with Papa John’s, Nationwide, and Gatorade. In co-hosting responsibilities, Peyton Manning’s brother, Eli, conducts the popular “ManningCast” on ESPN, and is interested in investing in production companies and advertising, and sports media startups. His on-field accomplishments, as well as off-field ventures, have survived his playing years.
3. Patrick Mahomes – $300 Million
The 29-year-old Patrick Mahomes already has a fortune that ranks him among the wealthiest NFL players ever. The Kansas City Chiefs have signed an incredible deal of 10 years and $503 million with Mahomes, recording the highest sports deal ever. Mahomes continues to create value for his high-profile endorsements with the likes of Adidas, State Farm, and Oakley. Mahomes, among his investments, is in the Kansas City Royals, sporting KC, and different tech and real estate companies. Mahomes is an excellent example of the fact how athletes are now obtaining rapid, diversified success in business and often using media to grow.
4. Russell Wilson – $270 Million
Following his creation as the star with the Seattle Seahawks, then winning a contract with the mighty Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson has effortlessly combined his ability with influential ways of marketing. He has made more than $250 million in his NFL career, and his union with singer Ciara has increased his visibility in the entertainment and fashion worlds. Wilson has started Good Man Brand, invested in a series of start-ups, and is one of the owners of the Seattle Sounders. Having a chance to commentate on sports events by working with Amazon has become a second source of earnings for him.
5. Aaron Rodgers – $250 Million
A highly talented quarterback of his time, Aaron Rodgers has made a lot of money not only off his football career but also through wise investments. Elway got himself an excellent partnership deal with State Farm, which made him the focal point of their massive marketing campaign. He has dabbled in clean energy projects, invested in biotech, and become part-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks. Rodgers’s wise in-the-field play matches his wise management of investments, which yields continuous financial gratification.
6. John Elway – $230 Million
John Elway has an untold wealth of things to leave behind his retirement, and he is a constant economic power in the world of sports. As a Hall of Fame quarterback, who twice won the Super Bowl, Elway took an executive role with the Denver Broncos and held that position as General Manager for a long while. Besides his playing period, Elway has continually grown his fortune by owning interests in car dealers, restaurants, and real estate with a consistent involvement until his retirement.
7. Eli Manning – $200 Million
Eli Manning may not shout so hard as Peyton, but he has accumulated quite a fortune of his own. His two Super Bowl MVP awards set a threshold for Manning in excess of $250 million across his career with the New York Giants. After retiring his career, Eli co-hosted the popular “ManningCast” and ventured into media, real estate, and technology, pronouncing Jeremy’s name. In the confines of the public space, Eli has remained unobtrusive, but his fortune has risen consistently because of smart investments.
8. Drew Brees – $180 Million
Former New Orleans Saints star Drew Brees was one of the NFL’s most prolific quarterbacks. His career earnings topped $270 million, and his endorsement portfolio included Wrangler, Pepsi, Nike, and Procter & Gamble. Brees is also a smart entrepreneur. He owns dozens of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux franchises, Dunkin’ outlets, and real estate ventures. As a broadcaster for NBC, Brees adds a media presence to his already impressive résumé.
9. Steve Young – $160 Million
A Super Bowl winner and Hall of Famer with the San Francisco 49ers, Steve Young successfully pivoted to finance. As a managing director at HGGC, a private equity firm, Young built significant wealth through high-level investments. He also remains active in broadcasting and technology. Young’s smart post-NFL career makes him a standout example of how athletes can thrive long after their playing days.
10. Ben Roethlisberger – $150 Million
Ben Roethlisberger played 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading them to two Super Bowl titles and earning over $250 million. After retiring, Roethlisberger invested in real estate and tech startups and has remained involved with football through coaching and media work. Known for his durability and competitiveness, Big Ben’s post-retirement moves show a steady shift into long-term wealth management.
A New Era of NFL Wealth
This list shows how the richest American football players have combined on-field excellence with off-field business acumen. They’ve used their fame to build lasting financial legacies—owning companies, signing massive media deals, investing in startups, and even stepping into sports team ownership.
The evolution of athlete wealth is clear: today’s players are more than just athletes—they are brands, investors, and entrepreneurs. And with rising salaries, new media platforms, and an increasingly global NFL audience, the next generation of players could be even richer.
