The NFL is not only a spectacle on the field, it’s also a billion-dollar business that increases the earnings of its biggest stars every year. A new analysis by Sportico revealed who the 20 highest-paid players of 2025 are, and although Patrick Mahomes doesn’t have the highest salary contract, he tops the list thanks to his off-field income.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback earns $50 million in salary and bonuses, a figure that places him behind other quarterbacks. However, his $30 million in endorsement deals with global brands pushes him to the top with a total of $80 million in earnings for this year.
The top 5 also includes Josh Allen ($73 million), Justin Herbert ($71 million), Dak Prescott ($57.8 million), and Tua Tagovailoa ($54.5 million). Allen, for example, earns $15 million in endorsements with brands like Snickers, New Era, and Corona.
Travis Kelce, the endorsement master
When it comes to marketing, the big winner is Travis Kelce. The Chiefs tight end pockets $32 million in endorsements, driven by his popular podcast New Heights – which he co-hosts with his brother Jason – and, of course, his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift. The podcast deal with Wondery is valued at $100 million over three years, although his $17.25 million salary leaves him with a total of $49.3 million, enough to take seventh place.
Above him is Brock Purdy ($50.1 million), while close behind are Micah Parsons ($48.7 million), Jalen Hurts ($48.5 million), and Matthew Stafford along with Trevor Lawrence, tied at $48 million.
Quarterback dominance in the 2025 ranking
The list confirms what’s already known: quarterbacks are the NFL’s top earners. Except for Kelce, Parsons, T.J. Watt ($46 million in 14th place), Ja’Marr Chase ($44.7 million in 15th), and Justin Jefferson ($39.4 million in 18th), the rest of the list is filled with quarterbacks.
Among them are Deshaun Watson ($46.8 million), Lamar Jackson ($46.3 million), Geno Smith ($41.5 million), Joe Burrow ($40.3 million), Sam Darnold ($38.5 million), and Baker Mayfield ($38.3 million).
Mahomes and the investments that set him apart
Part of Mahomes’ success also lies in his business vision. The Kansas City star has invested in teams like the Kansas City Royals (MLB), Sporting KC (MLS), KC Current (NWSL), and Formula 1’s Alpine. A strategy that solidifies him as the player with the greatest financial projection both inside and outside the league.
In contrast, although Dak Prescott leads in average annual value ($60 million), Mahomes ranks only 15th in that category, tied with Kirk Cousins. Even so, the Chiefs’ number 15 remains the most profitable face of professional football.
Read the full article here
