Salaries released which reveal just how much the top players have earned throughout their playing career.
Sportrac.com have released figures of the total salary NFL players have earned throughout their career, and listed the top 20 at each position.
This list compiles the the most expensive offence in the league currently, and it potentially is also the best – as might be expected given that the cream of the crop tends to be rewarded more than adequately financially.
Quarterback:
Peyton Manning, Denver Boncos. Career Earnings: $212,020,668m
Arguably the best Quarterback of the last 15 years, it is no wonder Manning has earned such a high total. The QB position is the best paid and most glamourous position, and given the records and achievements Manning has set during his career, he is certainly deserving of this high total.
Running Back:
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings. Career Earnings: $58,375,000
The best running back since Ladanian Tomlinson, AP has set records and lit up the league with his power running game. It will be a long time before another back like him comes around, and earning $58m during his career is a reflection of his legacy.
Full Back:
Vonta Leach, Baltimore Ravens. Career Earnings: $16,900,000
With the full back position near extinction, it is no wonder that this is the lowest paid position. For Leach to earn this amount of money is still superb, and he really has been the best FB of the last five years.
Wide Receivers:
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals. Career Earnings: $85,532,500
Fitzgerald is one of the elite receivers in this league, and has earned every penny that he has received in Arizona – especially since he has had to toil with some awful Quarterback play over the last three seasons.
Andre Johnson, Houston Texans. Career Earnings: $77,349,174
The Texans receiver may be moving towards the back end of his career, but his is still one of the best in the league. A ten year career that has seen him dominate corner backs from day one has showed his ability as one of the best.
Tight End:
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons. Career Earnings: $76,341,935
Entering his 16th season now, Gonzalez has already proven himself to be the greatest tight end ever, and his career pay packet certainly reflects that. He will be in the Hall of Fame at the first time of asking, and deserves every cent he has earned.
Center:
Nick Mangold, New York Jets. Career Earnings: $62,955,000
Mangold may just be the best player on the offensive unit for the Jets, but when it’s your Center, that’s a concern. The former Buckeye has been a great anchor to the offensive line unit, and has a lot more years left in him, meaning he should easily surpass $100m by the end of his career.
Guards:
Leonard Davis, San Francisco 49ers. Career Earnings: $62,860,000
Part of the best offensive line in the league right now, Leonard Davis is the best run blocker in the league. He is a big part to the offensive success that the 49ers have in the running game year in, year out.
Chris Snee, New York Giants. Career Earnings: $45,875,000
Snee is very much in the same vein as Davis – both are integral parts to their offensive line and teams success in general. As well as earning $45m throughout his career, Snee also has two Super Bowl rings – the most of any player on this list.
Tackles:
Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns. Career Earnings: $78,950,000
Thomas has only been in the league six years, but has already earned almost $79 million, with plenty more to come before he retires. He is the best offensive lineman in the league, and is already set on a path to the hall of fame, despite being only 28 years of age.
Jordan Gross, Carolina Panthers. Career Earnings: $62,209,000
Gross has played for some poor Panthers teams in his time there, but one thing that has been a constant is his reliable pass blocking play, and his wage. Gross may not be a hall of fame player, but he has certainly been one of the best and most consistent of the last decade.
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