7 of the highest-paid NFL players in 2023: from Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes to Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson and Nick Bosa, who made headlines for modelling for Kim Kardashian’s Skims

Dec 22 , 2023

Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson and Nick Bosa are some of the highest-paid NFL players in 2023. Photos: @joeyb_9/Instagram, Getty Images

Superbowl may be a few months away, but 2023 saw a string of record contracts for NFL players – Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s extension included a five-year, US$275 million deal

Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes takes the lead in off-field revenue, endorsing Hugo Boss, T-Mobile and Walmart, while Lamar Jackson famously does not use an agent

They’re known on the field for their impeccable passes, confidence under pressure and supreme fitness. That’s what gets them those record contract deals from their teams.

But NFL players are also powerhouses off the field, with their star status coming in handy when they link up with big brands to endorse their products. As for investing their money, NFL players are also seizing opportunities to extend their wealth lifeline through big deal business agreements.

Here seven of the top earners for 2023 and how they make bank outside professional football, according to Forbes.

7. Joe Burrow: US$45 million

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has multiple investments off the field. Photo: @joeyb_9/Instagram

The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback has only been pro for three years, but he’s already earned himself a strong fan following resulting in multiple nicknames. From Joe Cool to Joe Shiesty, the 26-year-old’s contract extension included a five-year, US$275 million deal.

Burrow is not only known for his golden arm, but also his bold fashion off-field, often resulting in him making best dressed lists. He has invested in Kodiak, a breakfast food brand, and fantasy sports website Fantasy Life. He was also part of a group that bought a farm in Iowa, with plans to buy more land through athlete-focused investment firm Patricof Co.

6. Deshaun Watson: US$46.5 million

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has faced lots of blows to his career in the last few years. Photo: @deshaunwatson/Instagram

Watson’s wealth and reputation took major damage after more than 20 women accused him of sexual harassment in 2021. Still, on-field alone this year, he’s made US$46 million. Off the field, he was making US$8 million, but lost most of those endorsements. In 2023, that figure is now down to an estimated half a million. The NFL fined him US$5 million and suspended him for 11 games last season. Per The New York Times, Watson denied the allegations and did not face criminal charges.

In November, the Cleveland Browns confirmed Watson, 28, would undergo a season-ending shoulder operation and he would hopefully be ready for the 2024 season, which is another blow to his career.

5. Daniel Jones: US$47.5 million

Daniel Jones plays for the New York Giants. Photo: @danieljones3/Instagram

The New York Giants quarterback got a four-year, US$160 million contract in March after having the best year of his career in 2022. Nicknamed Danny Dimes for his perfect passes, Jones, 26, is known to be quiet. But his off-field earnings are starting to grow, with 2023 bringing in around US$1.5 million. He has deals with Hugo Boss and Poland Spring, with his teammates reportedly saying he is slowly starting to establish himself outside professional football.