There aren’t many jobs where your exact salary is available for the entire world to see, but that is the case with NFL players. Their contracts and career earnings are public knowledge – known by their colleagues and curious strangers alike.
In recent years, NFL salaries have skyrocketed to the point that some quarterbacks are earning $55 million annually. Which NFL players have the highest career earnings? Which active players have earned the most money? Let’s take a look at the top 10.
Top 10 Highest Career Earnings in NFL History
Here’s a look at the top 10 players in highest career earnings through 2023:
- Aaron Rodgers, $342,496,898
- Tom Brady, $332,962,392
- Matthew Stafford, $328,306,037
- Matt Ryan, $303,713,631
- Drew Brees $269,710,422
- Ben Roethlisberger, $267,286,864
- Russell Wilson, $266,362,520
- Eli Manning, $252,280,004
- Peyton Manning, $248,732,000
- Philip Rivers, $243,944,322
As of last year, Tom Brady was the NFL’s leader in career earnings, but he has since dropped to No. 2.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the new No. 1, having racked up $380,658,010 in career earnings.
The only other active players among the all-time earnings leaders are Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford ($359,306,037) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson ($266,362,520).
Brady is doing just fine, especially when factoring in his many endorsement deals and the 10-year, $375 million contract he signed with Fox to join their broadcast team. But when focusing on NFL contracts alone, he’s no longer the top earner in league history.
Top 10 Highest Earnings Among Active NFL Players
Who are the highest earners if we filter out the retirees and just focus on active players?
- Aaron Rodgers, $342,496,898
- Matthew Stafford, $328,306,037
- Russell Wilson, $266,362,520
- Kirk Cousins, $231,669,486
- Von Miller, $179,295,534
- Joe Flacco, $175,675,063
- Trent Williams, $168,658,608
- Derek Carr, $165,666,395
- Dak Prescott, $162,317,825
- Jared Goff, $161,016,068
These 🔟 active players have made the most money since entering the #NFL. 💰 pic.twitter.com/iPV4KGKEkS
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365)
Rodgers and Stafford are by far the top earners, and then there’s a big gap.
There are quite a few veteran quarterbacks on the list, but perhaps the biggest surprise is that a pair of linemen cracked the top 10: Buffalo Bills EDGE Von Miller ($168,658,608) and San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams ($168,658,608).
You might be wondering why Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes isn’t in the top 10. Well, he ranks No. 15 with $136,254,472 in career earnings.
KEEP READING: Who Are the NFL’s Highest Paid Quarterbacks in 2024?
Mahomes projects to finally crack the top 10 in 2025 thanks to his 10-year, $450 million contract. In fact, he’s on pace to become the NFL’s highest career earner by 2030.
Want to know how the NFL’s richest players compare to the richest owners? Be sure to check out our ranking of the NFL’s wealthiest owners.