The National Football League (NFL) is a powerhouse of professional sports, known for its incredible athleticism and unmatched drama. But for a select group of athletes, the victories didn’t stop at the Super Bowl. These gridiron legends have leveraged their fame to build financial empires that rival the biggest CEOs in business.

As we step into 2026, the financial landscape of football has evolved. While huge contracts are common, the true titans of wealth have ventured into real estate, technology, and media. Let’s explore the lives and bank accounts of the Top 5 Richest NFL Players in the world, who have successfully transformed their gridiron glory into lasting fortunes.

1. Roger Staubach

• Estimated Net Worth: $600 Million – $900 Million

Roger Staubach is a legendary figure, but his bank account owes more to the boardroom than the locker room. Known as “Captain America” during his time as the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, he won two Super Bowls and established himself as an icon.

However, Staubach’s massive wealth comes from his post-NFL career. He founded The Staubach Company, a commercial real estate firm that he eventually sold to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) for hundreds of millions of dollars. His unique combination of leadership and business savvy has secured his spot as the undisputed richest NFL player of all time.

2. Tom Brady

• Estimated Net Worth: $450 Million

Tom Brady is widely considered the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) on the field, but he is rapidly climbing the ranks of the financial world as well. With seven Super Bowl rings, his playing career was legendary, but his business moves are just as aggressive.

Brady’s wealth is fueled by his massive 10-year, $375 million broadcasting deal with Fox Sports, which kicked in after his retirement. Additionally, he runs TB12 (his health and wellness brand), owns a stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, and has major endorsement deals with brands like Hertz and Under Armour. Brady proves that life after football can be even more lucrative than the game itself.

3. Fran Tarkenton

• Estimated Net Worth: $350 Million

A new entry for many modern fans, Fran Tarkenton is a Hall of Fame quarterback who played for the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants. While he retired decades ago, he is one of the smartest investors in athlete history.

Tarkenton founded Tarkenton Software, a computer program generator company, which he later merged and sold for a significant profit. He also owns a portfolio of small businesses and financial planning firms. His early entry into the technology and service sectors allowed him to amass a fortune that far exceeds the salaries of most modern players.

4. Peyton Manning

• Estimated Net Worth: $300 Million

Peyton Manning remains one of the most marketable faces in sports history. A two-time Super Bowl champion with the Colts and Broncos, Manning transitioned seamlessly from quarterback to media mogul.

His wealth is driven by Omaha Productions, his production company responsible for the hit “ManningCast” and various other media projects. Combined with his long-standing endorsements with Papa John’s, Nationwide, and DirecTV, Manning has turned his humorous personality into a nine-figure brand.

5. Aaron Rodgers

• Estimated Net Worth: $200 – $250 Million

Aaron Rodgers, one of the most talented throwers of the football the league has ever seen, rounds out our list. Unlike the others who rely heavily on post-retirement businesses, a massive portion of Rodgers’ wealth comes from his record-breaking NFL contracts.

Rodgers consistently reset the market for quarterback pay during his time with the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets. Outside of his salary, he has lucrative earnings from endorsements with State Farm and astute investments in venture capital funds. His longevity in the league has allowed him to accumulate a fortune that few active players can match.

Conclusion

The Top 5 Richest NFL Players have proven that their talents extend far beyond throwing touchdowns. Whether through real estate, media production, or groundbreaking software ventures, these athletes used their NFL platform to launch billion-dollar ideas. As the league continues to grow, we can expect the next generation of stars to follow in the footsteps of business giants like Staubach and Brady, redefining what it means to be a wealthy athlete.