Patrick Mahomes leads the NFL in millions, Kelce follows close and others aim high

The NFL plays out on the field—but also in the financial sheets. And if there are two athletes who know how to turn talent into capital, it’s Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. The Kansas City Chiefs duo shine on the gridiron, but they also top the earnings chart for 2025, according to a report by Sportico cited by Marca.

Patrick Mahomes leads the list with $80 million in annual income, including $50 million from salary and bonuses. Add another $30 million from global endorsement deals, and you get the most profitable face in the NFL. Even though he doesn’t hold the highest base salary, Mahomes’s business instincts have elevated him beyond the game. He’s invested in franchises like the Kansas City Royals (MLB), Sporting KC (MLS), KC Current (NWSL), and even Alpine’s Formula 1 team. His profile goes beyond football—he’s an athlete, entrepreneur, and a symbol of modern leadership.

 

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Leaders on and off the NFL field

Travis Kelce, meanwhile, has turned charisma into a revenue engine. The tight end brings in $32 million from sponsorships, boosted by his podcast “New Heights,” which he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce. His relationship with Taylor Swift has also pushed him into the spotlight of audiences far beyond football. Though his salary stands at $17.25 million, Kelce’s total earnings place him seventh on the list with $49.3 million. His podcast deal with Wondery is reportedly worth $100 million over three years, making him one of the NFL’s most powerful media assets.

 

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According to Marca, the top five earners in the NFL also include Josh Allen ($73 million), Justin Herbert ($71 million), Dak Prescott ($57.8 million), and Tua Tagovailoa ($54.5 million).

Influence beyond the NFL

The list of the 20 highest-paid NFL players confirms what many already suspected: quarterbacks dominate the business. With few exceptions like Kelce, Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt, and Justin Jefferson, the top tier is filled with signal-callers. But what sets Patrick Mahomes and Kelce apart isn’t just their position—it’s how they’ve expanded their influence beyond the sport.

 

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Alongside Mahomes, other well-positioned quarterbacks in terms of earnings include Deshaun Watson ($46.8 million), Lamar Jackson ($46.3 million), Geno Smith ($41.5 million), Joe Burrow ($40.3 million), Sam Darnold ($38.5 million), and Baker Mayfield ($38.3 million).

Success is more than rings

Analysts point out that while Dak Prescott leads in average annual value ($60 million), Mahomes ranks just 15th in that category. Still, the Chiefs quarterback remains the NFL’s most marketable figure.

In Kansas City—and across the NFL—success isn’t measured only in rings. It’s measured in contracts, audiences, and vision. And in that game, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are winning by a landslide.