Tuesday, October 6, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Brady No. 1 on List of Highest-Paid NFL Players of All-Time

  • Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is second at $269.7 million.
  • Ben Roethlisberger, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, made $267.3 million.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady calls play on field 
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Tom Brady is No. 1 in the NFL once again. 

The six-time Super Bowl champion has taken over the top spot on the list of highest-paid NFL players of all time with earnings of $303 million through 22 seasons. 

The 45-year-old quarterback — who led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 19-16 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals on Christmas Day — could have earned $60 million more if he had not signed discounted contracts with his previous team, the New England Patriots.

Brady’s highest single-season earnings came in 2021 at $39.4 million.

  • Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is second at $269.7 million. 
  • Ben Roethlisberger, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, made $267.3 million.
  • Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan rounds out the top four with $267 million.
  • Fifty-three players have made at least $100 million in their careers. 

Being a top earner isn’t new for Brady. 

In August, the 15-time Pro Bowler became the NFL’s highest-paid active player. Brady is set to earn $75 million this year, including $45 million from off-field endeavors, per Forbes. 

Crypto Controversy

A consortium of investors sued FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried in November, along with several high-profile athletes including Brady, after the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady exits field after game against the Atlanta Falcons

Brady, Curry, FTX Founder Named in $11B Class-Action Suit

A consortium of investors has sued the founder of FTX.
November 16, 2022

The investors alleged that Brady and all of those who promoted FTX “took advantage of unsophisticated investors from across the country,” following the exchange’s bankruptcy. 

The suit claims U.S. consumers collectively sustained more than $11 billion in damages.

Brady was named in a second suit that claims paid endorsers should be held accountable for FTX’s downfall.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Opinion

Tony Romo Had an Enormous Impact on NFL TV

The “Romo Effect” will be felt for years to come.

Rams Avoid Calamity But Look Far From Juggernaut One Month In

They’re 2-2 after rallying to beat the Eagles.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Gronk about Sports Betting, Tom Brady & More

0:00

Featured Today

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.

LeBron’s Fanatics Deal Includes Helicopter Use

The helicopter has repeatedly gone between NYC and Philly.
Tom Brady Raiders
September 30, 2026

Tom Brady Biographer Still Not Ruling Out NFL Comeback

Brady’s last NFL season was in 2022.
October 5, 2026

Alex Ovechkin Announces Retirement After 22 Seasons

The Capitals superstar said this season will be his last.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
September 27, 2026

U.S. Avoids Disaster With Biggest Presidents Cup Comeback Ever

Donald Trump was on hand a day after attending Texas-Tennessee.
September 27, 2026

Some NFL Players Tone Down Celebrations After Surprise Fines

Star wide receivers decided to keep their money.
First at FOS
September 24, 2026

Albert Pujols Says He Pursued MLB Ownership

The three-time MVP said his group was outbid for multiple franchises.