Tom Brady retires to earn more than almost all NFL players

Tom Brady has retired, once again.

But this time, the 45-year-old quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers said “it’s for good,” as he posted a video on social media on Wednesday talking to fans, friends, and family.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion isn’t only leaving the NFL with countless records including most wins of all time, most Super Bowl titles, passing yards, and touchdowns, but he’s also just become the highest-earning NFL player in history.

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How much has Tom Brady made in his NFL career?

Throughout 23 seasons in the NFL, Brady accumulated $292.9 million in playing salary and bonuses, despite repeatedly signing below-market deals with the New England Patriots to help their roster-building under the cap.

After winning six Super Bowls with New England and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021, Brady’s final season ended in Tampa Bay’s 31-14 playoff loss last month.

Retired QBs Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger rank second and third with $270 million and $263 million, respectively.

Brady retires... to earn more than almost all NFL players

Heralded as the NFL’s GOAT (greatest of all time) Brady led his team to the playoffs in 20 of his 21 seasons as a starter. Now, he is set to become Fox Sports’ lead NFL analyst after signing a 10-year contract last March worth a reported $375 million. That means he’ll be earning around $37.5 million a season - incredibly more than almost all players in the NFL.

Let’s take a look at the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, who is set to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, as an example.

Jalen Hurts, in his third year in the NFL, is on a $4.8 million contract this season, and is a finalist along with Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes for AP NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. While this amount is nowhere near what Brady makes, Hurts is going after the Vince Lombardi Trophy to become the fourth Black quarterback with a Super Bowl win, joining Doug Williams, Mahomes, and Russell Wilson.

Related: Super Bowl 2023: Chiefs vs Eagles: QB matchup | Mahomes vs Hurts

2023 NFL players’ salaries vs Brady’s retired TV football salary

Below Brady’s NFL salary:

And given the average salary in the NFL is actually just $2.7 million, the stark truth is that Brady’s salary as a commentator will be far in excess of many still playing the sport.