Richest Quarterbacks in NFL History
The National Football League (NFL) has produced some of the finest athletes in the world, transforming the sport into an entertainment giant with millions of fans. The appeal of NFL matches is so vast that the league generates billions of dollars in revenue each year.
For many of the players, their careers in professional football have been quite rewarding. Undeniably, several quarterbacks have earned vast fortunes throughout their careers.
Roger Staubach: $600 million
Roger Staubach, with a net worth of $600 million, is one of the wealthiest NFL quarterbacks of all time. He played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1969-1979, and winning two Super Bowl titles.
One significant factor that contributed to his immense wealth was his real estate company, The Staubach Company, which he founded in 1980. The company was later acquired by Jones Lang LaSalle, where he served as the Executive Chairman.
Fran Tarkenton: $300 million
Fran Tarkenton is another former NFL quarterback to have an impressive net worth. He made $300 million through his business ventures after he left the NFL.
The legendary quarterback played for the Minnesota Vikings for over ten years, leading them to three Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s. After Tarkenton retired from football, he went on to establish several successful businesses, including Tarkenton Software, which developed a popular computer-program generator.
Peyton Manning: $250 million
Peyton Manning built his net worth of $250 million through his long and fruitful career in the NFL. He played for over 18 seasons, earning a total of $248 million in salary alone.
His talent on the field led to various endorsements with popular brands such as Papa John’s and DirecTV. Manning is also an NFL analyst for the ESPN network.
Tom Brady: $250 million
Tom Brady, widely regarded as the best quarterback of all time, has accumulated a net worth of $250 million, mostly through his football career and a number of endorsements. He played for the New England Patriots for 20 seasons, winning six Super Bowls.
In 2020, Brady moved to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and agreed to a two-year contract worth $50 million. Besides his football career, Brady also owns TB12 Sports, a performance lifestyle business.
Steve Young: $200 million
Steve Young played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1987 to 1999, winning three Super Bowls. Besides his football career, Young was a managing director for Huntsman Gay Global Capital, a private equity firm.
The High Net Worth website estimates his net worth at $200 million. These days, he works as an NFL analyst for ESPN, giving his insights to the millions of fans of the sport.
Aaron Rodgers: $200 million
Aaron Rodgers has spent his entire career playing for the Green Bay Packers and, as of 2021, is entering his 17th season with the team. His net worth is estimated to be around $200 million, with a significant portion coming from his endorsement deals with companies such as State Farm and Adidas.
Rodgers also invested in the Milwaukee Bucks, a professional basketball team, after the team’s ownership group invited him to become a limited partner. Russell Wilson: $165 million
Russell Wilson is one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, with a net worth of $165 million.
His contract with the Seattle Seahawks is worth $140 million for four years, making it the richest contract in the league’s history. Furthermore, Wilson has several endorsement deals with companies like Amazon, Bose, and Nike, helping him to increase his net worth.
In conclusion, the net worth of successful NFL quarterbacks remains a topic of interest to most fans. From successful NFL careers to business ventures, these quarterbacks earned their wealth through various channels.
Nevertheless, their fortunes have been increasing, and they have continued to build successful business empires even in retirement.
Drew Brees
Drew Brees, former quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers and the New Orleans Saints, has an estimated net worth of $160 million. The quarterback earned his fortune through his football career, endorsements, and broadcasting gigs.
During his 20-year career, Brees earned over $269 million in salary earnings, making him one of the highest-earning NFL players of all time. Brees played five seasons for the Chargers before joining the Saints, where he led the team to their first Super Bowl championship in 2009.
He was named the MVP of Super Bowl XLIV and was also a 13-time Pro Bowl selection. After retiring from the NFL, Brees joined the NBC broadcast team as an analyst for Notre Dame Football and as a studio analyst for Football Night in America.
In 2021, Brees signed a contract to become a color commentator for NBC’s coverage of Sunday Night Football. In addition to his football career, Brees has also been successful with his endorsements.
He has worked with several top-tier brands, such as Pepsi, Nike, and Wrangler. Brees was also part-owner of the sandwich chain Jimmy John’s, which he sold in 2019.
Brees is also known for his philanthropic work. In 2003, he launched the Brees Dream Foundation, which aims to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and provide assistance for children in need.
The foundation has raised over $45 million to date.
Eli Manning
Eli Manning, former quarterback for the New York Giants, is another NFL legend with an estimated net worth of $160 million. Manning played his entire career for the Giants, leading the team to two Super Bowl championships.
Manning’s success on the field has resulted in significant endorsements, including partnerships with Toyota, DirecTV, and Citizen Watches. In 2021, Manning launched a new venture, ManningCast, alongside his brother, Peyton.
The show features the Manning brothers providing their analysis and commentary on Monday Night Football games. During his career, Manning earned over $252 million in salary earnings, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.
Manning retired in 2020 after playing 16 seasons in the NFL. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was awarded the Super Bowl MVP twice.
In addition to his football success, Manning has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He and his wife, Abby, launched the Eli and Abby Manning Children’s Clinics in 2007.
The clinics are a partnership with the University of Mississippi Medical Center and serve as a healthcare resource for children and families facing life-threatening conditions. Overall,
Drew Brees and
Eli Manning have left an indelible mark on the NFL with their impressive football careers and their contributions off the field.
Their net worths serve as a testament to their success and hard work throughout their careers.
Joe Montana
Joe Montana is a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs who is widely known as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. With four Super Bowl wins and three Super Bowl MVP awards under his belt, Montana left an indelible mark on the NFL.
Montana’s net worth stands at an estimated $150 million, which he earned through his successful career in football and his post-football ventures. In his 16 seasons as a professional football player, Montana earned over $25 million in salary earnings.
Montana was known for his clutch performances, particularly in high-pressure situations. He led his team to come-from-behind victories in the Super Bowl on numerous occasions, earning him the nickname “The Comeback Kid.”
After retiring from the NFL, Montana pursued a career in the finance world.
He co-founded a venture capital firm, Liquid 2 Ventures, which invests in start-ups and early-stage companies. Montana has also invested in a variety of projects, including developing luxury resorts, restaurants, and more.
Montana’s success in post-retirement ventures is not surprising. He was known for his business acumen even in his playing days, having invested in the ownership of several businesses, including a chain of noodle shops, before entering the NFL.
John Elway
John Elway is a former quarterback for the Denver Broncos and is considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Elway’s net worth is currently estimated at $145 million, which he earned through his successful football career and post-retirement ventures.
Over the course of his career, Elway earned over $66 million in salary earnings. He also had several lucrative endorsements, including deals with Nike, Reebok, and Chevrolet.
After retiring from football, Elway became an executive with the Broncos and helped lead the team to three Super Bowl victories as the General Manager and President of Football Operations. Elway stepped down from this role in 2021.
Elway has also been involved in several business ventures outside of football. He is a co-owner of a steakhouse chain and has invested in several car dealerships in the Denver area.
Additionally, Elway has worked as a consultant for various organizations, including the Arena Football League and the NFL. Elway has also been involved in philanthropy throughout his life.
He established the Elway Foundation to support various charitable causes, including education and youth sports programs, in Colorado. Overall,
Joe Montana and
John Elway have earned their place in the NFL pantheon as two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Their net worths reflect the success they have achieved both on and off the field. As they continue to pursue new ventures and philanthropic efforts, they leave behind impressive legacies in the world of sports and beyond.
In conclusion, NFL quarterbacks have earned impressive fortunes throughout their careers. Their net worths reflect not only their success on the field but also their entrepreneurial ventures, endorsements, and philanthropic efforts.
From
Joe Montana and
John Elway to Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, these quarterbacks have left an indelible mark on the NFL and continue to make an impact in their post-playing days. One takeaway is that their career earnings and entrepreneurial ventures demonstrate the potential for financial success in professional football.
Another takeaway is the importance of giving back to the community through philanthropic efforts, such as those made by
Drew Brees and
Eli Manning.
FAQs:
Q: Who is the wealthiest NFL quarterback of all time?
A: According to Forbes, Roger Staubach is the wealthiest NFL quarterback of all time with an estimated net worth of $600 million. Q: How do NFL quarterbacks earn their fortunes?
A: NFL quarterbacks earn their fortunes through salary earnings, endorsements, and other business ventures such as investment, ownership, or real estate. Q: What successful ventures have former quarterbacks pursued after retiring from the NFL?
A: Many former quarterbacks have pursued entrepreneurial ventures, such as Steve Young’s involvement with Huntsman Gay Global Capital and
Joe Montana’s Liquid 2 Ventures, while others have invested in car dealerships, restaurants, and other business ventures. Q: What are some examples of philanthropic efforts made by NFL quarterbacks?
A:
Drew Brees and
Eli Manning have both established charitable foundations to support causes such as cancer research and healthcare for children in need. Other quarterbacks have made significant donations to various charitable causes throughout their careers.
Q: How do NFL quarterbacks compare to other athletes in terms of net worth? A: NFL quarterbacks tend to have some of the highest net worths among professional athletes due to their position’s popularity and cultural significance in America.