Mahomes Reigns Supreme in NFL Payday Rankings
Patrick Mahomes is the undisputed king of NFL earnings in 2025. His $50 million salary on the field isn’t the absolute highest, but when endorsements are added, he blasts past the competition with a staggering $80 million total. Mahomes turns his fame into fortune like no other, proving he’s more than just a quarterback—he’s a financial powerhouse.
Quarterbacks Dominate the Cash Game
The NFL money list is stacked with quarterbacks. Josh Allen claims second place with $73 million, including $15 million from endorsements with Snickers, New Era, and Corona. Justin Herbert isn’t far behind at $71 million, powered by deals with Nike, Verizon, and more. Dak Prescott brings in $57.8 million, while Tua Tagovailoa rounds out the top five at $54.5 million. The message is clear: if you throw touchdowns, the dollars follow.
Kelce Cashes Big Off the Field
Not all money comes from throwing passes. Travis Kelce proves that with $32 million in endorsements, fueled by his hit podcast “New Heights” and a high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift. Kelce and his brother Jason signed a three-year, $100 million deal with Wondery for their podcast. His $17.25 million field salary is modest compared to top QBs, but off-field ventures push him to seventh place with $49.3 million total.
The Other Big Earners
Brock Purdy pulls in $50.1 million, ranking sixth. Micah Parsons earns $48.7 million, Jalen Hurts $48.5 million, and Matthew Stafford and Trevor Lawrence tie at $48 million. Deshaun Watson lands in 12th with $46.8 million, while two-time MVP Lamar Jackson grabs $46.3 million. Linebacker T.J. Watt collects $46 million, and wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson make $44.7 million and $39.4 million, respectively. Geno Smith, Joe Burrow, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield round out the list from 16th to 20th.
Mahomes Plays the Investment Game
Mahomes doesn’t just rely on his salary. He owns stakes in the Kansas City Royals, Sporting KC, KC Current, and the F1 team Alpine. These investments multiply his wealth and prove he’s as smart off the field as he is on it.
Endorsements Fuel the Fortunes
Off-field deals can make or break total earnings. Herbert earns $11 million in endorsements alone, placing him fourth overall. Kelce dominates with his podcast and celebrity connections, while Allen’s deals with Snickers, New Era, and Corona give him a serious boost.
Salary vs. Total Pay
Even with massive endorsements, Mahomes’ average annual salary isn’t the league’s top. At $45 million per year, he ties with Kirk Cousins for 15th in the NFL. Dak Prescott leads with \$60 million yearly, followed by thirteen other quarterbacks and Micah Parsons. Big contracts don’t always translate to the highest total pay.
Quarterbacks Rule the Money Rankings
The 2025 earnings list proves quarterbacks dominate the league’s paychecks. Non-QBs appear only occasionally, like Kelce and Parsons. Top QBs earn massive salaries and turn endorsements into life-changing fortunes. Meanwhile, savvy moves off the field can propel other players into the top ranks. Talent, fame, and business sense combine to make the NFL a goldmine.
Top 20 NFL Earners of 2025
- Patrick Mahomes – $80M
- Josh Allen – $73M
- Justin Herbert – $71M
- Dak Prescott – $57.8M
- Tua Tagovailoa – $54.5M
- Brock Purdy – $50.1M
- Travis Kelce – $49.3M
- Micah Parsons – $48.7M
- Jalen Hurts – $48.5M
- Matthew Stafford – $48M
- Trevor Lawrence – $48M
- Deshaun Watson – $46.8M
- Lamar Jackson – $46.3M
- T.J. Watt – $46M
- Ja’Marr Chase – $44.7M
- Geno Smith – $41.5M
- Joe Burrow – $40.3M
- Justin Jefferson – $39.4M
- Sam Darnold – $38.5M
- Baker Mayfield – $38.3M
