Roger Stabauch – $600 Million

Despite being drafted in 1964, Captain America, as Roger Staubach was nicknamed, didn't begin his professional career until 1969 after completing his military service. He later rose to prominence during his 11-season career with the Dallas Cowboys. As the team's starting quarterback, he quickly made an impact, leading them to their first Super Bowl triumph in the early '70s.

However, concerns over his health led to his early retirement in 1979. But after leaving football, Staubach founded a highly successful commercial real estate company that sold for $613 million in 2008. Today, he is worth a tremendous $600 million and even co-owns a NASCAR team.

Fran Tarkenton – $300 Million

Fran Tarkenton, a retired NFL star and now successful entrepreneur, boasts a remarkable net worth of $300 million. The legendary footballer played for both the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants during his 18-year professional career and was celebrated for holding every major quarterback record upon his retirement.

In the mid-'80s, Tarkenton was deservedly inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And using the money he had raked in from endorsements and his NFL salary, he founded a computer software company that skyrocketed his fortunes when it went public. Today, he has ownership in several thriving businesses and holds significant stock and real estate.

Tom Brady – $250 Million

Tom Brady is a football icon, spokesperson, and entrepreneur whose impact reaches far beyond the field. With nine Super Bowl appearances and an unprecedented six wins with the New England Patriots, the legendary quarterback boasts several awards. In 2020, he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a two-year $50 million contract with incentives of an additional $9 million.

He also signed a lucrative 10-year $375 million broadcasting contract with Fox Sports for NFL games. It's no wonder that his net worth is an astounding $250 million, an amount that solidifies his status as one of the most successful and wealthy athletes in history.

Peyton Manning – $250 Million

Retired quarterback Peyton Manning is known for his successful playing career, which contributed to his impressive net worth of $250 million. This high figure is due in large part to his numerous endorsement deals with major brands such as Buick, Sony, and Gatorade, as well as his ownership of 21 Papa John's pizza franchises in Colorado.

Manning earned a base pay of $18 million annually in the NFL, potentially earning even more through bonuses and incentives. He's earned as much as $600 million throughout his NFL run and has also made several memorable TV appearances, including serving as host of the ESPY Awards and "Saturday Night Live."

Steve Young – $200 Million

Steve Young's success extends beyond his legendary profession as an American football quarterback and seeps into his world of entrepreneurship. Known for his exceptional passing skills, he held the highest passer rating among all NFL quarterbacks upon his retirement. His journey to fortune and fame began in the USFL upon signing a groundbreaking $40 million contract with the Los Angeles Express.

But after the team's eventual failure, Young moved on and became a veteran sports commentator, earning $2 million per year appearing on "Monday Night Football." With a keen interest in finance and law, he co-founded an equity firm called Huntsman Gay Global Capital and is also the managing director.

Aaron Rodgers – $200 Million

Aaron Rodgers is a household name in American football, boasting an account balance of $200 million to match his incredible talent on the field. As quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, he is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world and has earned millions from lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Adidas and State Farm Insurance.

Rodgers made history in 2022 by signing a contract extension with the Packers that pays him a mouth-watering $50 million per year for four years, with $153 million guaranteed. This landmark deal makes him the first NFL player to surpass the $400 million career earnings mark.

Russell Wilson – $165 Million

Former Seattle Seahawks player Russell Wilson is a Super Bowl winner and one of the highest-paid athletes worldwide. According to NBC Sports, he earns an average of $49 million annually. Now playing for the Denver Broncos, he is reportedly the second highest-paid quarterback in the NFL.

Wilson still holds the league record for the quarterback with the most wins through seven seasons. He consistently upped his earnings throughout his time with the Seahawks, including a four-year contract extension worth nearly $90 million. Today, he has a net worth of $165 million and seems to spend it primarily on real estate investing.

Eli Manning – $160 Million

Eli Manning is a retired quarterback who built up an impressive fortune during his time in the league. He spent his entire 16-year career with the New York Giants before retiring in 2020. The football star's earnings from the league amounted to a jaw-dropping $252 million, which made him the NFL's historical highest-earning player as at his retirement.

Manning was a highly sought-after player in the 2004 Draft, with the San Diego Chargers selecting him, despite his open reluctance to play for them. However, he was later traded to the Giants, where he signed a lucrative six-year $45 million contract that contributed to his $160 million wealth today.

Drew Brees – $160 Million

When Drew Brees played in the NFL, he was known for his legendary passing skills and ability to set field records. Despite initially being overlooked by teams, the former quarterback went on to build a fortune worth $160 million during his two-decade-long career before retiring in 2021.

After signing with the New Orleans Saints, Brees had his breakthrough season, throwing over 5,000 yards and leading the league in passing yards. Throughout his career, he earned up to $250 million in annual pay and still makes $15 million yearly from endorsements. With his wealth, Brees invests in real estate, most recently owning a family entertainment and sports facility in Lafayette.

Joe Montana – $150 Million

Joe Montana is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in professional sports history. Despite earning relatively modestly during his playing career, with a total of $25.5 million in league earnings (equivalent to $53 million today), Montana has amassed a net worth of $150 million in retirement through his ventures and endorsements.

Famous for his exceptional decision-making abilities in high-pressure situations, the quarterback led the 49ers to four Super Bowl triumphs. Living up to his billing as one of the best players in the game, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 and ranked as the fourth greatest NFL player of all time.

John Elway – $145 Million

John Elway, a former NFL quarterback, has been successful in both sports and business, acquiring a fortune of $145 million as a result. He spent his entire career with the Denver Broncos and set numerous records, retiring at the end of the '90s. From salary alone, Elway earned $47 million in total, but it was significantly supplemented with money from endorsements.

Apart from those earnings, Elway also cashed out on a car dealership he founded when it sold for $82.5 million. Despite making some unsuccessful investments, he remains one of the wealthiest people in his industry. Currently, he serves as the general manager and president of the Broncos.

Ben Roethlisberger – $100 Million

Big Ben, officially known as Ben Roethlisberger, has played for the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2004. He's a two-time Super Bowl champion who became the youngest quarterback to win the big game in 2006 at just 23. After being picked 11th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, he signed a lucrative $22.26 million contract and has amassed nearly two decades' worth of wealth.

Over the years, Roethlisberger cemented his status as one of the best quarterbacks in the league and is worth a whopping $100 million today. He extended his contract with the Steelers in 2019 for $68 million and has earned up to $230 million throughout his career.

Brett Favre – $100 Million

Legendary quarterback Brett Favre is widely recognized for his two-decade career in the NFL, most notably with the Green Bay Packers. He has an impressive record of accomplishments, including 11 Pro Bowl appearances, three First-Team All-Pro nods, and a Super Bowl victory. His on-field success made him an attractive endorsement partner for many brands, earning him up to $9 million annually.

Favre's charisma and talent made him a fan favorite and the celebrity face of many ad campaigns. Even after retiring, he continues to be a prominent figure in the football world, often providing insights and analysis on the sport.

Philip Rivers – $100 Million

Philip Rivers earned a fortune during his 17-year run in the NFL. After being drafted by the New York Giants, he was traded to the San Diego Chargers, where he spent the majority of his career. He initially signed a $92 million six-year deal with them, which he extended to a decade for $84 million in 2015.

Despite never making any Super Bowl appearance, he set many records and is dubbed the best quarterback in history to have never played in the big game. He retired in 2020, having earned a total of $243 million in his career, and boasts an impressive $100 million net worth.

Alex Smith – $95 Million

Alex Smith is retired but once enjoyed successful stints with the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Redskins. He played a pivotal role in guiding the 49ers to an NFC Championship Game in 2011 and contributed to the Chiefs' four playoff appearances from 2013 to 2017.

Overcoming various obstacles throughout his career, he was able to make an impact and accumulate significant wealth, making him worth $95 million today. Smith earned a total of $210 million in club remuneration and has earned a spot among the top 10 highest-earning NFL players of all time. He retired in 2021 after 16 seasons.

Carson Palmer – $90 Million

Carson Palmer made a name for himself during his 15-year career in the NFL. He played mainly for the Cincinnati Bengals but also the Oakland Raiders and Arizona Cardinals, accumulating a net worth of $90 million. Palmer's lucrative six-year contract extension with the Bengals in 2005 earned him $118.8 million, and he continued to earn an estimated $29 million annually until his retirement in 2018.

In addition to his impressive NFL earnings, Palmer also made wise investments in real estate. For instance, he sold his Del Mar, California home in 2020 for $18 million, reaping a significant profit from the initial purchase of $4.4 million.

Joe Flacco – $85 Million

Joe Flacco has played for multiple NFL teams throughout his career, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, and New York Jets. His finest hour came in 2013 after signing a record-breaking $120.6 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, seeing as the same year, he won the Super Bowl and was named the MVP.

Flacco earned over $165 million in NFL club pay and had a variety of corporate endorsements, including Reebok, Nike, and Pizza Hut. Currently playing for the Jets, the football star's net worth is around $85 million, making him one of the wealthiest quarterbacks of all time.

Matthew Stafford – $80 Million

Matthew Stafford is a quarterback with a substantial fortune earned through his accomplishments in football. He made a name for himself as the first overall draft pick of the Detroit Lions in 2009 after a successful college career at the University of Georgia.

Stafford set numerous records during his 12 seasons with the Lions, including becoming historically the fourth quarterback to throw for over 5,000 yards in a season. He signed a $78 million six-year contract with the team, and today he's worth an estimated $80 million. Stafford was eventually traded to the Rams in 2021 and led them to win Super Bowl LVI, cementing his NFL legacy.

Cam Newton – $75 Million

Cam Newton had a successful 11-season career in the NFL, earning $121 million in base salary alone throughout. He also made millions through endorsements with major brands such as Beats by Dre, Danon, Gatorade, and Under Armour, contributing to the $75 million he has in the bank.

Newton rose to fame during his college days at Auburn, winning the Heisman Trophy and becoming the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. His impressive first season earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors before injuries threatened his career. He eventually left the Panthers in 2020 and briefly played for the New England Patriots before becoming a free agent.

Kirk Cousins – $70 Million

The talented football star Kirk Cousins was a standout at Michigan State after impressing at Holland Christian High School. The Washington Redskins selected him in the 2012 NFL Draft, where he spent most of his career until joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. Throughout his NFL tenure, he has amassed a considerable fortune worth approximately $70 million.

Cousins signed a lucrative fully-guaranteed $84 million contract with the Vikings when he joined, which made him one of the highest-paid NFL players globally. The team pays him about $27 million annually and extended his deal in 2020 by $66 million, placing him among the top 30 highest-paid entertainers in the world.

Matt Ryan – $70 Million

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has had a successful career since he was drafted in 2008. He won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in his first season and has led the Falcons to the Super Bowl, earning the NFL MVP award as well.

His considerable talent has paid off in more ways than one. Ryan is one of the highest-paid players in the league, receiving a $30 million paycheck annually. He is currently worth $70 million due to his significant earnings over the years. And in 2018, he signed a $150 million contract extension with the Falcons before becoming the Indianapolis Colt's starting quarterback in 2022.

Tony Romo – $70 Million

Tony Romo is best known for his time with the Dallas Cowboys. The former American football quarterback turned television broadcaster has built a $70 million net worth not only from his NFL earnings but from endorsement deals as well. And after retiring from football in 2017, he joined CBS as an NFL analyst, initially earning $4 million annually.

In  2020, however,  Romo's contract extension with CBS brought his annual pay to $17 million, making him one of the highest-paid sportscasters in history. He has been called a genius commentator because of his remarkable talent for anticipating and predicting plays before they happened.

Sam Bradford – $70 Million

Sam Bradford's fortune of $70 million is primarily due to his massive earnings during his career in the NFL. He amassed a whopping $130 million from club paychecks throughout his tenure, securing his place among the highest-earning players in NFL history. But his most lucrative deal was a record-breaking contract in 2010, guaranteeing him $50 million.

Bradford played for various teams in the league, including the Rams and the Cardinals, and earned $65 million from his four-year stint with the Rams alone. During his final season, he raked in $24 million from club pay and endorsements and is one of the NFL's 25 highest-earning players in history.

Troy Aikman – $65 Million

Troy Aikman is renowned for his exceptional 12-season stint with the Dallas Cowboys, where he won three Super Bowl titles. Now retired, the NFL quarterback has transitioned into a highly successful broadcasting career and accumulated a substantial fortune. In 2022, he inked a lucrative $90 million five-year broadcasting contract with ESPN, nearly doubling his entire NFL earnings.

Aikman was once the best-paid NFL player in the '90s because of an eight-year $50 million contract, and he is currently worth up to $65 million.  Alongside his football and broadcasting ventures, he has dabbled in real estate and co-owned a NASCAR racing team and the MLB's San Diego Padres.

Patrick Mahomes – $50 Million

American football player Patrick Mahomes is among the highest-paid athletes globally, with a net worth of $50 million and an annual salary of $40 million. After being picked in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, Mahomes quickly rose to fame.

In 2020, he made history with his 10-year contract extension, which could potentially earn him $503 million, making him the first athlete to earn over half a billion dollars. The Chiefs' decision seems to have paid off, as Mahomes helped lead them to another Super Bowl championship in 2023, solidifying his place as a top-tier quarterback in the league.

Ryan Tannehill – $50 Million

Ryan Tannehill, a Texan professional footballer, made his NFL debut as the eighth pick in the 2012 Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He quickly became their starting quarterback for three consecutive seasons and holds several Miami franchise rookie season records. Tannehill's initial contract with the Dolphins was a four-year $12.7 million deal, but he soon found better.

In 2020, he signed a more lucrative four-year contract with the Tennessee Titans worth $118 million, which put him on Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes. The new deal brought him an annual pay of $29.5 million, including $62 million guaranteed. And currently, Tannehill's net worth is around $50 million.

Dan Marino – $50 Million

Dan Marino may not have won the Super Bowl in his time, but his legacy as an NFL quarterback is undeniable. With a career spanning 17 seasons, Marino made a name for himself with the Miami Dolphins, setting records and earning accolades such as Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player.

Marino's success on the field translated into significant earnings, with his final salary clocking in at $6 million. In total, he earned a significant $51.5 million in club remuneration alone. He is estimated to be worth $50 million today, an amount boosted by endorsements, film projects, and his role as co-host on the show "Inside the NFL."

Terry Bradshaw – $45 Million

Terry Bradshaw is not just a legendary former football player but also a successful TV personality. He made a name for himself by leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl victories in just six years. Bradshaw started his professional career in the '70s and retired the next decade, moving on to become an NFL analyst and sitcom actor.

Bradshaw's ventures have allowed him to accumulate a fortune worth up to $45 million. His current gig as an analyst pays him an impressive $5 million a year, way more than what he made playing professionally. His wealth and fame make him a respected figure in the sports and entertainment industries.

Carson Wentz – $45 Million

Carson Wentz's NFL journey has been marked by highs and lows. He rose to fame playing for the Indianapolis Colts, but his most successful season occurred in 2017 while he was with the Philadelphia Eagles. That year, he led the team to an impressive record before being sidelined by a season-ending injury.

After being selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Eagles, Wentz signed a four-year contract worth $26 million. Despite facing multiple injuries throughout his career, he continued to play for the Washington Commanders before they released him in 2023. He is now a free agent with $45 million in his name.

Drew Bledsoe – $35 Million

Drew Bledsoe's NFL career spanned 14 seasons, eight of which he spent as the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots before Tom Brady. Drafted in the early '90 as the team's top pick, he played a significant role in turning the franchise's fortunes around. Injuries shortened his career, but it was still an impressive run that left him worth $35 million.

After retiring in 2007, Bledsoe co-founded the Doubleback Winery with a friend, which has become a successful champagne business venture. He continues to live comfortably off his earnings from football and the winery and spends his spare time doing philanthropy.