Jim Kelly, Buffalo Bills – Net Worth: $20 Million
Born in Pennsylvania on Valentine's Day in 1960, playing football came naturally for Jim Kelly. He played the sport in high school, and after graduating, he was selected for the Big 33 Football Classic. The sportsman attended the University of Miami, where he became instrumental in helping the institution have a solid collegiate football program.
The Buffalo Bills picked Kelly in 1983, and he eventually took the team to four Super Bowls. All these achievements helped him rake in a $20-million fortune. Although fans rarely see him on the field anymore, he did talk about football in ESPN's First Take in 2020.
Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans – Net Worth: $24 Million
Gainesville, Georgia native Deshaun Watson played college football in Clemson, where he was touted ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year in 2015. The following year saw the skilled athlete winning the collegiate playoff national championship and bagging the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Houston Texans picked Watson, whose net worth is pegged at $24 million, as the #12 overall during the 2017 NFL Draft after seeing his potential while in college. With a fortune like his, it wasn't surprising that he could afford to throw a lavish birthday party for his girlfriend in January, although he received flak after guests were spotted mask-less.
Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears – Net Worth: $30 Million
Jay Cutler, retired Chicago Bears quarterback, has a fortune of $30 million, which once was double. However, his worth exponentially decreased after his highly publicized split with star Kristina Cavallari in 2020. His career began in 2006 when he was picked 11th by the Denver Broncos and was dubbed one of the best quarterbacks at the time because of his impressive football stint at Vanderbilt University.
In 2009, Cutler was traded to the Bears and signed a $30-million contract, but he suffered injuries in the next years, resulting in lackluster performances. After signing another multi-million deal with the team in 2014, he was eventually let go in 2017.
Jared Goff, L.A. Rams – Net Worth: $30 Million
At 26, professional footballer Jared Goff is one of the richest players with a $30-million fortune. The athlete was the first selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2016 NFL Draft, signing a sweet $27.9-million contract with the team, and agreed to another $134-million deal in 2019.
Apart from his football playing stint, Goff also rakes in cash from endorsing brands like Pizza Hut, Banana Republic, and Nike. He also launched a clothing line called JG16 in 2019. As for how the guy spends his fortune, he has shelled out significant sums for real estate. In 2020, he also donated $250,000 to food banks during the pandemic.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs – Net Worth: $30 Million
Texas native Patrick Mahomes has been impressively steadily building his football career since he was picked 10th by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2017 NFL Draft class. After seeing him play, analysts predicted he was destined for greater things, and he didn't disappoint because he became the youngest quarterback to be named a Super Bowl MVP.
With all his accomplishments, his wealth stands at a respectable $30 million. However, Mahomes is off the market as he has been engaged to Brittany Matthews since September 2020. Far from the wild image of many athletes, he and his girlfriend have been dating since high school.
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts – Net Worth: $40 Million
Throughout high school and college, Andrew Luck showed that he's got the skills to play football, eventually qualifying for the 2010 draft, but decided to complete his studies at the prestigious Stanford University. Two years later, he was selected by Indianapolis Colts as the first pick, offering a $14.518-million signing bonus.
However, the celebrated quarterback, who has a $40-million fortune, shocked the sports world in 2019 when he announced his retirement after incurring injuries. Nonetheless, he seems to enjoy his time off the field, judging from his awe-inspiring deed in March 2020 when he read books to kids virtually.
Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles – Net Worth: $45 Million
Carson Wentz, a 28-year-old athlete who hails from Raleigh, North Carolina, was selected #2 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2016 NFL Draft, signing a $26-million contract that covered four years. He received an offer of $128 million in 2019 as a four-year extension deal with the team, obviously a huge bump from his first offer.
However, recent rumors have it that he would be traded due to a strained relationship with coach Doug Pederson. With a team or not, Wentz, who has a $45-million fortune, probably will enjoy a brief break from work to be with his child, whom he and his wife welcomed in April 2020.
Drew Bledsoe, New England Patriots – Net Worth: $48 Million
Drew Bledsoe was once known as the man who gave way for Tom Brady to become a football superstar, but more than that, he has an impressive list of achievements, too. He was the top overall pick by the New England Patriots in 1993 and was the team's quarterback for eight years.
The Washington State University alum also played for the Buffalo Bills in 2002 and Dallas Cowboys in 2005. Two years later, Bledsoe decided to hang up his cleats and focus on his personal life. Nowadays, the athlete, who boasts a $48-million fortune, enjoys traveling with his family, souvenirs of which were shared on his Instagram.
Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins – Net Worth: $50 Million
Unlike other quarterbacks on this list, Dan Marino never won a Super Bowl in the 17 seasons he played, but he is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes. The legend joined the Miami Dolphins in 1983, accepting a $2.1-million offer after he was picked 27th overall.
Throughout his career, Marino's A-game would prove to be useful to the team. However, he decided to retire in 2000 after winning against the Seattle Seahawks. Even though he left the NFL, he has $50 million in his bank account, and his fans still got to see and hear him in shows like SportsCenter and Golic and Wingo in 2020.
Troy Aikman, Dallas Cowboys – Net Worth: $50 Million
You may recognize Troy Aikman as a Fox sportscaster, but before this stint, he was an NFL player who was chosen #1 overall by the Dallas Cowboys in 1989. Until 2012, the athlete played for more than a decade, and at one point (1993), he became the highest-paid football player after signing an eight-year $50-million contract that when adjusted today, would equal to $90 million, Celebrity Net Worth noted.
When not busy commenting on games, Aikman, who has an estimated $50 million to his name, dotes over his two daughters, Alexa Marie and Jordan Ashley, who casually pop up in his social media feed.
Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals – Net Worth: $90 Million
Even though Carson Palmer left the NFL in January 2018, he has an impressive worth of $90 million. The former quarterback enjoyed 15 years in his football career, playing mostly for the Cincinnati Bengals, which picked him first overall. He was signed to a six-year, $43-million contract and waited until 2004 before becoming a starting quarterback.
Although some may argue that Palmer's performance was inconsistent during his heyday, he did lead the group to success in 2005. The athlete's playing days may be long gone, but he has never been quiet about his frustrations with the Bengals, recently saying that the team didn't do much to build around him.
Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings – Net Worth: $70 Million
Quarterback Kirk Cousins played for Washington Redskins after he was picked #102 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft class, the same year he was named NFL Pepsi Rookie of the Week. However, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 to a lucrative deal of $84 million.
Vikings extended his contract for two years in 2020 for a whopping $66 million. With all these sweet deals, Cousins' estimated net worth of $70 million is not surprising at all. When not busy with football, he spends time with his kids, whom he solved a huge Santa puzzle with in December 2020.
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons – Net Worth: $70 Million
Like other football players on this list, Matt Ryan displayed excellence in the sport from high school to college, so being picked by the Atlanta Falcons in 2008 was a no-brainer. He signed a whopping $150-million contract extension of five years in 2018, unseating Kirk Cousins as the highest-paid NFL player at the time.
When not busy on the field, Ryan, whose fortune sits at $70 million, seems to be a full-time father to his adorable twins, who take a huge part of his Instagram feed. In September 2020, his wife Sarah shared a short clip of the athlete coaching his sons.
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys – Net Worth: $70 Million
Before becoming an amazing commentator, Tony Romo first got his hands dirty on the field as the Dallas Cowboys' quarterback. But did you know that before he signed with the team, he was undrafted in 2003?
Despite joining the Cowboys, Romo started as a holder until he proved his skills and became the starting quarterback in 2007, signing a $67.5-million contract extension. The athlete, who retired in 2017 and has a $70-million fortune, is now a CBS lead analyst, but recent news revealed that he would be missing work due to COVID-19, although it wasn't specified if he contracted the coronavirus.
Cam Newton, New England Patriots – Net Worth: $75 Million
Tom Brady shocked football aficionados when he announced his departure from New England Patriots in March 2020 after two decades with the franchise. He was replaced by Cam Newton as a starting quarterback, signing a one-year contract with the team.
Newton, who played for the Carolina Panthers for eight years until 2019, has an estimated wealth of $75 million. Although the athlete has a tough shell, he seems to have a sweet spot for his son, who celebrated his fifth birthday in December 2020. His latest Instagram post showed him and the little boy in matching red tops.
Joe Flacco, New York Jets – Net Worth: $75 Million
Audubon, New Jersey native Joe Flacco was drafted in 2008 by the Baltimore Ravens, immediately making his name known by the audience when he bagged the NFL Rookie of the Year award in the following year. Despite playing 11 seasons with the team, he was traded to Denver Broncos in 2019.
After suffering from a neck injury, Flacco, who has an accumulated wealth of $75 million, signed with the New York Jets for a one-year contract. Regarding his personal life, he praised his wife Dana Grady for handling their kids amid the pandemic, although his patience was tested when he had to be a teacher for them.
Fran Tarkenton, Minnesota Vikings – Net Worth: $100 Million
During NFL star Fran Tarkenton's 18 seasons, he was primarily Minnesota Vikings' quarterback. He retired at the age of 38 in 1978, and at the time, he made history for breaking many quarterback records.
When he turned his back on playing, Tarkenton found himself talking about the sport as a commentator on Monday Night Football. Many fans can also remember him for hosting the ABC '80s show The Incredible! alongside John Davidson and Cathy Lee Crosby. The athlete, who has an estimated fortune of $100 million, impressively also founded Tarkenton Software.
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers – Net Worth: $100 Million
Known as Big Ben Roethlisberger, this Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback boasts two Super Bowl Championships under his leadership. Since 2004, he has been taking the team to greater heights, and he was even named the youngest QB to have won the Super Bowl at 23.
Although Roethlisberger's career was marred with issues that resulted in injuries and missed games, he still has an impressive net worth of $100 million. With a vast fortune like this, the 38-year-old wisely decided to invest in several properties. There's not much news about this athlete nowadays, but with three kids in the house, he probably has his hands full with the little ones.
Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers – Net Worth: $100 Million
Although he also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Joe Montana, known as Cool Joe, was a quarterback primarily for the San Francisco 49ers. Apart from taking his team to four Super Bowl wins, he is notable for being cool-headed and calm even when faced with a tough situation.
Montana, who received Super Bowl MVP Award thrice in his NFL career, has an estimated $100 million fortune. Unlike other stars on this list who have retired from the game, the 64-year-old doesn't want to be involved with football anymore, and he now spends his time advertising for an alcohol brand that he stumbled upon during a family trip to Ireland.
Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers – Net Worth: $100 Million
Widely considered as having one of the most successful NFL careers, Brett Favre boasts a fortune of $100 million. Despite only winning one Super Bowl, he earned tons from lucrative endorsement deals with big brands like Nike, Foot Locker, MasterCard, and Wrangler Jeans.
Interestingly, Favre retired thrice: in 2008, 2009, and 2011. After being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1991, he was traded to the Green Bay Packers, for which he played 16 seasons. The 51-year-old, along with NBA superstar Robert Horry and commentator Eric Bolling, will launch a podcast with LiveXLive.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers – Net Worth: $120 Million
Aaron Rodgers grew up supporting the San Francisco 49ers, so he wanted to be picked by the team during the 2005 NFL Draft. However, it chose Alex Smith of Utah, and he was eventually picked by the Green Bay Packers, where he has been playing for his entire career.
When Favre left the NFL in 2008, Rodgers became a starting quarterback and was instrumental in taking the team and eventually winning the Super Bowl in 2011. The 37-year-old California native, with an estimated fortune of $120 million, had teamed up with Postmates in November 2020 to bring food to frontline workers and patients.
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks – Net Worth: $135 Million
Russell Wilson started playing football even before he entered kindergarten, so it wasn't surprising that he excelled in the sport in high school and college. He was drafted to the Seattle Seahawks in 2012 and has since earned numerous titles, including PFF Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year.
Impressively, Wilson, who already has $135 million to his name, also excels in baseball. He was picked in the 2010 MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies. Outside football, he is a loving husband to singer Ciara, for whom he posted a touching birthday message in October 2020.
John Elway, Denver Broncos – Net Worth: $145 Million
Retired NFL superstar John Elway grew up watching his dad, a football coach in universities, play the sport. Apart from this, he also became skilled in baseball. He was drafted in 1983 by the Baltimore Colts, but he controversially asked to be traded immediately or else he would join the New York Yankees.
His wish was granted because he signed with the Denver Broncos, the team he stayed with until his retirement in 1999. Elway, who has amassed a $145-million fortune, has many investments, including his 7Cellars wine company. In November, he shocked football fans when he announced that he contracted the coronavirus, but luckily, he tackled the battle unscathed.
Eli Manning, New York Giants – Net Worth: $150 Million
Eli Manning came from a football player family—his dad is quarterback Elisha Archibald Manning III, and his brother is quarterback Peyton. The 40-year-old was drafted in 2004 by the San Diego Chargers, despite his and his father's statement against the team, and was then considered one of the most coveted.
Eli was traded to the New York Giants, which he led to the Super Bowl in 2008, famously beating the then-undefeated New England Patriots. Since his retirement in January 2020, he has been spending time with his family, and just this New Year, he gave his fans a treat when he shared a photo of them in Giants gear.
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints – Net Worth: $160 Million
Unlike other players who had several NFL teams interested in them for their college record, Drew Brees' impressive performance didn't gain much attention. However, he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2001 and became a starting quarterback the following year after Doug Flutie suffered a concussion.
In 2006, Brees signed with New Orleans Saints after incurring a shoulder injury that critics thought would affect his throwing skills. Recently, the football superstar, who has a reported fortune of $160 million, has been busy raising funds for his Brees Dream Foundation that aims to help patients battling cancer.
Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers – Net Worth: $200 Million
With a $200-million worth, Steve Young is best known for being the legendary former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and one of the sportsmen who became a successful entrepreneur. He started his career with the United States Football League, signing with the Los Angeles Express in 1984.
Due to USFL's financial issues, Young was left with no choice but to move to the NFL, first signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then the San Francisco 49ers. He left football in 1999 and focused on his equity firm Huntsman Gay Global Capital. He recently appeared in the 2020 documentary Tua about the life of Tua Tagovailoa.
Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Net Worth: $200 Million
Footballer Tom Brady is one of the most famous and richest NFL players. The New England Patriots signed him in 2000, for which he played for 20 seasons, eventually leading the team to nine Super Bowls with six wins.
Brady announced he was leaving the Patriots in March 2020 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because he wanted new opportunities and challenges. When not busy playing, this superstar can be spotted in red carpet events with his wife, ex-Victoria's Secret star, Gisele Bündchen, who also used to be the highest-paid model. The couple recently sold their NYC apartment for $37 million and reported moving to Miami.
Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos – Net Worth: $250 Million
Football seemed to come naturally for the Manning family as the patriarch and sons excelled in the sport. The Indianapolis Colts drafted Peyton in 1998 before he was released in 2011. He then signed with the Denver Broncos and retired in 2016 shortly after winning the Super Bowl.
Although he turned his back on a lucrative industry, Peyton has an estimated $250-million fortune, thanks to huge endorsement deals. He also helped his dad Archibald pen a book, Manning: A Father, His Sons, and Football Legacy, and has been busy hosting his ESPN show Peyton's Places.
Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys – Net Worth: $600 Million
After he was awarded the Heisman Trophy, then 27-year-old Roger Staubach signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 1969. He led the team to its first Super Bowl win in 1972. He announced his retirement in 1979 after 11 seasons in the NFL because of health reasons.
Staubach is considered the richest NFL player with a $600-million fortune, thanks to his wise moves that started when he was still playing. He now spends his time helping those in need, like in May 2020 when he recreated his Hail Mary Play for the North Texas Food Bank amid the pandemic.
Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Steelers – Net Worth: $25 Million
With an estimated net worth of $25 million, Terry Bradshaw has made a name for himself in football and the entertainment industry. The NFL legend is credited for bringing his team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, to the Super Bowl four times between 1970 and 1983. The sportsman was drafted in 1970 after the NFL franchise was impressed by his college football record.
However, it was a bad elbow injury that had ended the Louisiana native's football streak. Terry then became an analyst before starring in his own reality show, The Bradshaw Bunch, and appearing in sitcoms like Everybody Loves Raymond, Modern Family, and the latest, Last Man Standing.