Top Earning Stars in the NFL- How Much Does the Best NFL Player Get Paid

A Thrilling Start: Records and Big Money

2024 has been a game-changing year for the NFL, with player salaries reaching record-breaking heights, and American football stars cementing their place among the highest-paid athletes in the world. Leading the pack is Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who made history as the first player in the league to earn a jaw-dropping $65 million per year. His four-year, $260 million contract with a guaranteed $231 million is not just a sensation but a clear example of how sports economics are entering a whole new era.

But Prescott is just one of many superstars in the NFL’s top-10 highest earners list. It’s dominated by quarterbacks who are cashing in not only on the field but off it as well. However, this year’s list also includes a unique player who’s not a quarterback—Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. How did this talented tight end break into the elite ranks, becoming the only non-QB among the top earners?

Even more fascinating is how the “Taylor Swift effect” has played a huge role in Kelce’s career. The global pop star’s attention on the NFL has not only boosted Kelce’s profile but has also brought a whole new audience to the sport. Let’s dive into how NFL stars became symbols of success, and what secrets lie behind their incredible earnings.

Top 5 Richest NFL Stars: Who Are They?

When we talk about the richest players in the NFL, it's no surprise that quarterbacks dominate the list. These guys are the heart and soul of their teams, and their paychecks reflect that. But one player has managed to break the mold and make it into the top ranks without playing the quarterback position. Let’s take a closer look at the top earners in 2024!

1. Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)

At the very top of the list is Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback who just made history. With a salary of $65 million a year, Dak is the highest-paid player in the NFL. His new contract isn’t just impressive for its size; it’s a game-changer.
Prescott is the face of the Cowboys and has secured some big endorsement deals with brands like AT&T, Nike, and PepsiCo. All these factors combined make him the top dog in terms of earnings.

2. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)

Next up is Joe Burrow, the cool-headed star of the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s not just leading his team to victories but also raking in serious cash. With a massive $275 million deal over five years, including $219 million in guarantees, Burrow’s earnings reflect his talent and popularity.

Plus, he’s making moves off the field too, teaming up with big-name brands like Cash App, Buffalo Wild Wings, and BodyArmor to increase his income.

3. Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Trevor Lawrence is another quarterback making big waves in the NFL and in the bank. The Jacksonville Jaguars star secured a $275 million contract with $200 million guaranteed, bringing his average salary to $55 million per year. 

Not only does he have a promising career on the field, but Trevor is also cashing in with endorsement deals from Gatorade, Ritz Crackers, Adidas, and Breitling. He’s truly set up for success on and off the field.

4. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)

Tua Tagovailoa rounds out our top quarterbacks with a $53 million salary. Despite battling injuries, the Miami Dolphins quarterback signed a four-year, $212.4 million deal, with $167.1 million guaranteed. Tua has a growing presence in the endorsement world too, with deals from Adidas, Muscle Milk, and Wingstop, helping boost his earnings and brand.

5. Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs)

Here’s the twist: Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end, has shattered the quarterback dominance by landing himself in the top 10 highest-paid players in the NFL. Kelce signed a two-year, $34.25 million contract, making him the highest-paid tight end in the league. 

Travis Kelce

But that’s not all—Kelce pulls in an additional $35 million from his off-field activities, including his hit podcast New Heights, co-hosted with his brother Jason, and brand deals that have turned him into a media personality. He’s even acting in TV shows and movies now, making him one of the most versatile stars in the league.

To make it easier, here’s a quick rundown of the top earners in the NFL:

These players aren’t just earning on the field; they’re building empires off it too. Whether through endorsements, business ventures, or even acting careers, they’ve become household names, showing just how much influence a player can have in the modern NFL. And for someone like Travis Kelce, you don’t even have to be a quarterback to land among the richest stars of the game.

Why Quarterbacks Dominate

Quarterbacks dominate the highest-paid player rankings for one key reason: they’re the face of the team. As the leaders on the field, they control the game’s flow, make crucial decisions, and often carry the weight of a win or loss. This visibility naturally positions them as the stars of the NFL, and their influence extends far beyond the field.

Marketing and media play a huge role in their dominance. Quarterbacks are the most marketable players in the league, frequently featured in commercials, interviews, and social media. This constant visibility boosts their status, which in turn drives up their salary through endorsement deals. The media’s fascination with quarterbacks ensures that their personal brands are as valuable as their on-field performances.

Looking to the future, emerging quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert, and Trevor Lawrence are already making waves. These rising stars are poised to take over the top spots, guaranteeing that quarterbacks will remain the dominant force in the NFL’s highest earnings for years to come.

Travis Kelce's Success Story: Football, Podcasts, and Pop Culture

Travis Kelce is not just an NFL star, but also an example of how an athlete can become a cultural phenomenon. While his career on the field is impressive, with three Super Bowls and a status as one of the greatest tight ends in history, it’s his off-field activities that have taken him to a new level of fame.

What sets Kelce apart from most players? 

His ability to build a personal brand through media and pop culture. Unlike many athletes who focus solely on their sports achievements, Kelce has actively developed careers in various areas. One of the best examples of this is his New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, former NFL player Jason Kelce. This project has become incredibly popular, thanks to their lively and candid discussions that attract millions of listeners.

No less important in Kelce’s rise to fame was his connection with Taylor Swift. Their public appearances, joint photo ops, and frequent media mentions sparked what has now been dubbed the "Taylor Swift effect." This dramatically boosted his recognition, drawing attention not only from football fans but also from pop culture enthusiasts.

Kelce hasn’t limited himself to just football and podcasts. He has ventured into TV shows and films as well. His role as the host of the TV show Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? and his involvement in projects like the series Grotesquerie and the movie Loose Cannons are further steps in cementing his status as a star off the field. Kelce proves that success in the NFL is just the beginning, and his ability to adapt and grow in various fields makes him a unique and vibrant example of the modern athlete.

Money Beyond the Field: What Brings in Extra Millions?

The millions that top NFL players earn aren’t just from their team contracts, but also from a whole network of additional income streams. Sponsorship deals, personal projects, and the opportunities opened up by social media popularity allow players to significantly boost their financial earnings.

Sponsorships with global brands like Nike, Gatorade, and Adidas have become a powerful source of income for players. These brands are eager to work with popular athletes because they come with massive fan bases. This approach allows players like Dak Prescott and Trevor Lawrence to make substantial sums off the field.

But that’s not where the opportunities stop. Many players are actively building their own businesses, launching podcasts, participating in social projects, and even investing in startups. A prime example is Travis Kelce, who, in addition to his successful football career, runs a popular podcast—showing how he leverages his fame to create new income streams and expand into media and entertainment.

Interestingly, today’s business strategies for athletes are beginning to intersect with trends popular in other industries. For example, in the world of video games, there is the d4 boosting service, where players pay to accelerate their progress. This trend also illustrates how fame and recognition can be monetized beyond traditional fields, including the sports industry. Just as gamers capitalize on these new opportunities, athletes are increasingly exploring ways to create stable income sources that will continue to bring in profits even after their active careers end.

Conclusion

How Big Money is Changing the NFL

The rise in salaries in the NFL isn’t just about individual players’ success; it’s a sign of major shifts within the league itself. Record-breaking contracts and skyrocketing endorsement deals are directly tied to the NFL's growing global popularity. Take stars like Dak Prescott and Joe Burrow, who are now raking in over $60 million a year — it's not just about their performance on the field, it's about how the NFL is evolving into a massive business.

As player earnings increase, so does their influence off the field. The league is realizing that attracting fans and creating new revenue streams isn’t just about on-field performance, but also about media strategies that keep viewers engaged worldwide. This is where big brand sponsorships come into play, further boosting players’ earnings and contributing to the NFL’s growing financial power.

The millions earned by the NFL's top players are a clear indicator of the league’s success as a global brand. High salaries attract even more talent, advertisers, and investors, which, in turn, strengthens the NFL’s position as one of the largest and most profitable sports enterprises in the world.