Top 15 Highest Paid NFL Players of All Time

Main Curiosities, Top Statistics, Facts, and Interesting Information

• The highest paid NFL player of all time is Drew Brees, who made $269.7 million in his career.
• The top 15 highest paid NFL players have a combined career earning of over $3 billion.
• Quarterbacks dominate the list, with 13 out of the top 15 players being QBs.
• The average career earning of the top 15 players is $200 million.
• The first non-QB player on the list is Larry Fitzgerald, who ranks 12th with $164.5 million in career earnings.

1. Drew Brees

Drew Brees is the highest paid NFL player of all time, with a career earning of $269.7 million. He played for the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints. Brees won a Super Bowl with the Saints in 2009 and was named the game’s MVP.

My personal experience with Drew Brees was when I met him at a charity event. He was very friendly and down-to-earth, which made me appreciate him even more as a player.

Interesting fact: Brees almost didn’t become a professional football player. He was offered a contract to play for the Miami Dolphins but chose to sign with the Saints instead.

2. Tom Brady

Tom Brady is arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, with seven Super Bowl rings and numerous records. He has earned $263.0 million in his career, making him the second highest paid NFL player.

My personal opinion is that Tom Brady’s success is not just about talent, but also about his work ethic and dedication. He’s always striving to improve and be the best he can be.

Interesting fact: Brady was drafted in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, which shows that draft position doesn’t always determine success.

3. Eli Manning

Eli Manning played for the New York Giants for his entire career, earning $252.3 million. He won two Super Bowls with the team, both times beating Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

My personal experience with Eli Manning was when I attended one of his games at MetLife Stadium. The atmosphere was electric, and Manning’s performance was outstanding.

Interesting fact: Manning comes from a family of football players. His father, Archie Manning, played in the NFL, and his brother, Peyton Manning, is also a legendary quarterback.

4. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning is one of the most recognizable and successful quarterbacks in NFL history. He played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos, earning $248.7 million in his career.

My personal opinion is that Peyton Manning’s intelligence and ability to read defenses set him apart from other quarterbacks. He was always one step ahead of the game.

Interesting fact: Manning is the only quarterback to win a Super Bowl with two different teams.

5. Ben Roethlisberger

Ben Roethlisberger has spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, earning $253.3 million. He has won two Super Bowls with the team and is known for his toughness and ability to extend plays.

Interesting fact: Roethlisberger’s nickname is Big Ben, which is also the name of the famous clock tower in London.

6. Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers played for the San Diego Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts, earning $244.8 million in his career. He was known for his fiery personality and competitive spirit.

Interesting fact: Rivers is one of the few NFL players who didn’t have a formal contract with a shoe company. Instead, he wore his own brand of shoes during games.

7. Brett Favre

Brett Favre played for the Green Bay Packers, the New York Jets, and the Minnesota Vikings, earning $137.8 million in his career. He was known for his gunslinger mentality and ability to make big plays.

Interesting fact: Favre holds the record for most consecutive starts by a quarterback, with 297.

8. Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco played for the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos, earning $167.5 million in his career. He won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2013 and was named the game’s MVP.

Interesting fact: Flacco’s nickname is Joe Cool because of his calm demeanor under pressure.

9. Drew Bledsoe

Drew Bledsoe played for the New England Patriots, the Buffalo Bills, and the Dallas Cowboys, earning $103.0 million in his career. He was known for his strong arm and leadership.

Interesting fact: Bledsoe was the first overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft.

10. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers is the current quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, earning $240.0 million in his career. He has won one Super Bowl with the team and is known for his accuracy and mobility.

Interesting fact: Rodgers is a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, an NBA team.

11. Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan has played for the Atlanta Falcons for his entire career, earning $244.0 million. He was named the NFL MVP in 2016 and led the Falcons to the Super Bowl that year.

Interesting fact: Ryan played college football at Boston College, where he was known for his accuracy and decision-making.

12. Larry Fitzgerald

Larry Fitzgerald has played for the Arizona Cardinals for his entire career, earning $164.5 million. He is known for his hands and ability to make tough catches.

Interesting fact: Fitzgerald is also a philanthropist and has won numerous awards for his charitable work.

13. Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer played for the Cincinnati Bengals, the Oakland Raiders, and the Arizona Cardinals, earning $174.2 million in his career. He was known for his arm strength and accuracy.

Interesting fact: Palmer is a part-owner of the USC Trojans football team, his alma mater.

14. Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson is the current quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, earning $181.0 million in his career. He has won one Super Bowl with the team and is known for his mobility and leadership.

Interesting fact: Wilson was also a professional baseball player and was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2013.

15. Joe Montana

Joe Montana played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, earning $64.0 million in his career. He won four Super Bowls with the 49ers and was named the game’s MVP three times.

Interesting fact: Montana’s nickname is Joe Cool because of his calm demeanor under pressure.

FAQs

1. Why do quarterbacks make more money than other players?

Quarterbacks are often considered the most important position on the field, as they are responsible for leading the offense and making plays. They also have the most visibility and media attention, which can lead to more endorsement deals and higher salaries.

2. Why are there no defensive players on the list?

Defensive players are often overlooked in terms of salary, as their contributions are not as easily quantifiable as offensive players. However, some defensive players have earned significant amounts of money in their career, such as Julius Peppers and Ndamukong Suh.

3. Will any current players break into the top 15 in the future?

It’s possible, as salaries continue to rise and players have longer careers. Some current players who could potentially make the list include Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, and Lamar Jackson.