Who are the top 25 richest NFL players in the world as of 2023?

Who are the top 25 richest NFL players in the world as of 2023?

Kevin Omuya, Adrianna Simwa
updated at May 6, 2023 at 10:27 AM

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 endorsements and other business ventures.

Who are the top 25 richest NFL players in the world?
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

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 endorsements 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

richest nfl players
Arian Foster #34 of the Miami Dolphins stretches during the team's training camp at the Miami Dolphins training facility in Davie, Florida. Photo: Joel Auerbach
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

ben roethlisberger net worth 2023
Sam Bradford #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during warmups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo: Joe Sargent
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

25 richest nfl players
Randy Moss speaks during the 2018 NFL Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Photo: Joe Robbins
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

who are the 10 richest active nfl players
Michael Strahan is honoured with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California. Photo: JC Olivera
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

who are the 10 richest active nfl players
Terrell Suggs in between drills during the Kansas City Chiefs practice prior to Super Bowl LIV at Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southern University in Davie, Florida. Photo: Mark Brown
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

who are the richest former nfl players
Tony Romo recognizes the crowd after sinking a long putt on the 17th hole green during the final round of the ClubCorp Classic at Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, Texas. Photo: Alex Bierens de Haan
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

who are the top five richest nfl players in the world
Matt Ryan #2 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before kickoff against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo: Cooper Neill
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

who are the top 10 richest nfl players
Ben Roethlisberger looks on during Day Two of the ICON Series at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey. Photo: Mike Stobe
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

who are the richest nfl players
Joe Montana attends SiriusXM At Super Bowl LVII in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Cindy Ord
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

richest retired nfl players
Ndamukong Suh #74 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo: Sam Hodde
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

25 richest nfl players
Quarterback Joe Flacco #19 of the New York Jets warms up prior to their game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Photo: Cliff Hawkins
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

ben roethlisberger net worth 2023
Calvin Johnson is honoured with a Hall of Fame ring during a ceremony at halftime between the Baltimore Ravens and the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Nic Antay
Source: Getty Images
  • 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 endorsement deals. He announced his retirement in 2016 after nine seasons with the Detroit Lions.

13. Alex Smith - $95 million

richest nfl players
Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Football Team warms up before playing against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. Photo: Patrick McDermott
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

richest nfl players of all time
Eli Manning attends the BBQGuys Design Center grand opening at BBQGuys Design Center in Alpharetta, Georgia. Photo: Marcus Ingram
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

who are the top five richest nfl players in the world
Brett Favre stands on the 14th green during the Celebrity Foursome at the second round of the American Family Insurance Championship in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo: Patrick McDermott
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

who are the richest former nfl players
Carson Palmer talks to the fans after being inducted into the Cardinals Ring of Honor at halftime of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo: Norm Hall
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

who are the 10 richest active nfl players
NFL legend Drew Brees gives back to the New Orleans hospitality and military community at the Crown Royal #GenerosityHour in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo: Josh Brasted
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

who are the top 10 richest nfl players
John Elway stands on the sideline in the fourth quarter of a game between the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo: Dustin Bradford
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

who are the richest nfl players
Tom Brady at the premiere of "80 For Brady" held at Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Gilbert Flores
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

richest NFL players
Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers along the sidelines before a game between England and USWNT at Wembley Stadium on October 7, 2022, in London, England. Photo: Erin Chang
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

richest retired nfl players
Steve Young throws a football before the start of a game between the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Photo: Patrick McDermott
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

25 richest nfl players
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during the Super Bowl LVII Host Committee Handoff Press Conference at Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Carmen Mandato
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

ben roethlisberger net worth 2023
Peyton Manning looks on prior to the Capital One Orange Bowl between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Clemson Tigers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Photo: Megan Briggs
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

richest nfl players
Former NFL Quarterback Fran Tarkenton delivers a speech on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo: Chip Somodevilla
Source: Getty Images
  • 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

richest nfl players of all time
Former NFL quarterback Roger Staubach speaks onstage during Spirit of the Dream Gala at Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York City. Photo: Cindy Ord
Source: Getty Images
  • 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 endorsement deals.

READ ALSO: Top 20 highest-paid players in the Premier League as of 2023

Sportsbrief.com revealed some of the highest-paid players in the Premier League. There is no doubt that the English Premier League produces most of the world's wealthiest footballers.

It ranks first among the world's top ten best football leagues because it is highly entertaining, competitive, and financially rewarding. There have been debates about the highest-paid player. Read on to find out who he is.

Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.
Adrianna Simwa photo
Adrianna Simwa
Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Sports Brief, where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years.