WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ANNUAL INCOME OF NFL PLAYERS?
Playing in the NFL is a dream come true for a lot of aspiring athletes. It brings fame, excitement, and the possibility of big financial rewards. However, the reality of NFL earnings is more complicated than the eye-catching multimillion-dollar contracts would lead you to believe. While star players earn huge amounts, most athletes make considerably less, facing short careers that are fraught with physical risks and financial uncertainty.
Why the average NFL salary is rising but most players earn far less
The average is computed by adding all the salaries and then dividing them by the number of players but is highly influenced by a few mega players or stars who have salaries of tens of millions. The median however is that middle number when all the salaries are put in order of largest to smallest - it is closer to what an average player earns.For the 2024 season, the average salary for an NFL player is approximately $3.2 million annually, which is an increase from $2.8 million in 2023.
The increase is largely attributed to the fact that in 2024, NFL now has a salary cap of $255.4 million per club, an increase of approximately 30 million compared to the preceding year. This happens when a League limit is established on how much each club is supposed to spend in order to pay players as provided in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between NFL and the Players Association.
On the other hand, the median base salary paints a different picture, it's around $860,000 annually. Imagine a team where one quarterback rakes in $50 million, while the backups and linemen are making less than $1 million. The average shoots up, but half of the players are earning less than that median. As noted in a 2018 career guide, "The averages get distorted by the incredibly high salaries earned by the big-name quarterbacks and other star players.".
In the NFL, there are 32 teams, and each team has a roster of 53 active players, which adds up to roughly 1,696 players. A lot more players come and go on practice squads or get released, making even less money.
The average career length is pretty short, around 3 to 7 years based on the position, because of injuries and fierce competition. A 2023 article from the Guardian quoted sports agent Leigh Steinberg saying, "The average NFL career is about three years, and most players are out by age 30." Steinberg, who has represented stars like Patrick Mahomes, spoke in an interview about contract brutalities, emphasizing how players must maximize earnings quickly.
NFL Rookie Minimum Salaries
For those just starting out, the pay is pretty basic. In the 2025 season, a rookie in the NFL will earn a minimum of $840,000, which is a small bump from $795,000 in 2024. This amount is established by the CBA to safeguard players, but it’s not a sure thing—players need to be on the active roster to receive the full salary. If they get cut or are shifted to the practice squad, their pay can drop drastically, sometimes down to just $11,500 a week for players who aren’t eligible.The draft position is super important. First-round selections in the 2025 NFL Draft are likely to land four-year contracts worth millions. For instance, the top pick could sign for roughly $43-48.8 million overall, with an average annual value (AAV) of about $12 million. Cam Ward, who is expected to be a top pick, might rake in $12.2 million just in his first year.
The "rookie wage scale" came into play with the 2011 CBA to help control the skyrocketing first-year contracts, especially after huge deals like Sam Bradford's $78 million in 2010. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell advocated for this change, mentioning it during a press conference in 2011, "We need to control rookie salaries to keep the game affordable for fans and teams.".
How much does one earn based on the position you are playing in the NFL?
Earnings can fluctuate significantly based on the position, shaped by factors like demand, injury risks, and their overall impact. Quarterbacks often secure the largest contracts, yet the averages can be quite unexpected. According to Spotrac's 2024 figures, left tackles have the highest average salary at $8.95 million, with right tackles at $5.13 million and quarterbacks at $4.86 million. Why is that? Exceptional offensive linemen safeguard QBs and are rarer, which increases the salaries for starters while backups earn less.- Long Snapper: $1,069,016
- Fullback: $1,724,440
- Punter: $1,520,940
- Running Back: $1,789,687
- Cornerback: $1,999,348
- Wide Receiver: $2,277,703
- Tight End: $2,055,238
- Safety: $2,196,749
- Kicker: $2,228,472
- Defensive Tackle: $2,496,660
- Center: $2,394,058
- Defensive End: $2,996,247
- Guard: $2,500,421
- Edge Rusher: $3,234,289
- Outside Linebacker: $3,703,880
- Inside Linebacker: $3,856,602
- Quarterback: $4,855,892
- Right Tackle: $5,128,198
- Left Tackle: $8,952,680
Playing in the NFL seems all glitz and glam, but the truth is way more complicated. Beneath the flashy contracts and highlight videos, many players deal with brief careers, money worries, and the ongoing stress to show their worth in a league where nothing is assured.
