In the 2023 league year, the top ten earners in the NFL earned a total of $508 million (before taxes and agent fees). According to Forbes, the amount is a 4% increase above previous year’s record of $489 million. However, the top ten’s off-field total earnings dropped to $69 million in 2022, from $120 million.
With an estimated $20 million in off-field earnings, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the NFL’s most marketable athlete, according to Forbes. He is followed by three quarterbacks: Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos, and Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers.
Six black players are among the top ten highest-paid NFL players, with Lamar Jackson being the highest-paid player in the league. Forbes calculated on-field earnings (salaries and incentives) earned in 2023 or in conjunction with the 2023 season for contracts signed on September 9, 2023.
“The off-field earnings estimates are determined through conversations with industry insiders and reflect annual cash from endorsements, licensing, appearances and memorabilia, as well as cash returns from any businesses in which the athlete has a significant interest. Investment income such as interest payments or dividends is not included, but Forbes does account for payouts from equity stakes athletes have sold. Forbes does not deduct for taxes or agents’ fees,” according to Forbes.
Below are the highest-paid Black NFL players:
1. Lamar Jackson
According to Forbes, Lamar Jackson is the highest-paid NFL player. In May, he agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Ravens worth $260 million. With his $72.5 million signing bonus, he also set an NFL record.
The 26-year-old quarterback made history by representing himself. The agreement also includes a $185 million guarantee.
Several contracts, including Deshaun Watson’s $230 million agreement with the Cleveland Browns and Kyler Murray’s $189.5 million contract as part of his $230.5 million with the Cardinals, are said to have affected Jackson’s deal.
Jackson was drafted by the Ravens five years ago with the promise that he would “get a Super Bowl out of him.” Prior to his arrival, the Ravens had missed three straight playoffs. In his first full season as a starter, he is credited with revitalizing the team and receiving the second unanimous NFL MVP selection.
2. Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, who signed a ten-year, $450 million contract with the team in 2020, has endorsement relationships with nearly 20 firms, including Hugo Boss, T-Mobile, and Walmart.
According to Forbes, he recently became the focus of the Netflix docuseries Quarterback, and he has also invested in the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current and a Major League Pickleball franchise. Overall, the 27-year-old Mahomes earned $40.5 million on the field and $20 million off the field, making him the NFL’s second highest-paid player.
3. Deshaun Watson
According to Forbes, Deshaun Watson is the sixth highest-paid NFL player and the third highest-paid Black NFL player. The 27-year-old Quarterback earns $46 million on the field and $0.5 million off the field.
Off the field, he was earned $8 million in 2020, but he lost his endorsements after more than 20 women accused him of s**ual harassment. Despite the fact that he rejected the charges and was never charged, the NFL fined him $5 million and suspended him for 11 games last season.
4. Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott, 30, of the Dallas Cowboys, is the fourth highest-paid Black NFL player, earning $31 million on the field and $13 million off the field.
According to Forbes, the four-year, $160 million contract he signed with the Cowboys in 2021 set a record for an NFL signing bonus of $66 million.
The athlete is sponsored by 15 companies, including Nike’s Jordan Brand, Bud Light, and AT&T. Furthermore, he received the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his charitable efforts.
5. Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray, 26, is a quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals. The quarterback is paid $39 million on the field and $3.5 million off the field. Nike, BodyArmor, and esports powerhouse FaZe Clan are among his corporate partners.
Furthermore, Forbes reported that he is an investor. He invested in Myna Swap, a platform that intends to ease the sale of physical collectibles with equivalent NFTs, in a $6 million seed round last year.
6. Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, as evidenced by his contract extension with the Denver Broncos. Wilson was just traded by the Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos.
Wilson and the Broncos’ newly formed connection was solidified with a five-year contract deal worth $245 million, including $165 million in guaranteed money.
According to Revolt, Wilson is now the third highest-paid NFL player in terms of guaranteed money, trailing only Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson ($230 million) and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray ($189.5 million). He has now fallen to tenth place.
According to Forbes, he makes $28 million on-field and $13 million off-field.