Highest Paid NFL Player in 2025: Dak Prescott Rakes in $137 Million

The news has been buzzing with the release of Forbes’ rankings for the highest-paid athletes in 2025, and the spotlight has been firmly placed on Dak Prescott, the 31-year-old quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Not only has he topped the NFL earnings, but he has also emerged as one of the highest-paid athletes globally, pulling in a staggering $137 million in total earnings this year.

Breaking Through the Earnings Ceiling

Residing at the pinnacle of financial success, Dak Prescott’s earnings outshine those of some of the world’s greatest athletes, including iconic figures such as Lionel Messi and LeBron James. Forbes has classified Prescott as the fourth-highest-paid athlete this year, further solidifying the astronomical financial landscape of professional sports.

Contract Overview

Prescott’s impressive earnings can be attributed to several key aspects of his contract with the Cowboys. In September of the previous year, he signed a four-year, $240 million extension, which averages out to an astonishing $60 million annually. Moreover, Prescott has a staggering $231 million in guaranteed money, paired with a lucrative signing bonus that amounted to $80 million.

Annual earnings: $60 million
Guaranteed money: $231 million
Signing bonus: $80 million

In March, Prescott further capitalized on the NFL salary system by restructuring his contract. This savvy move allowed him to convert $45.75 million of his base salary into a signing bonus for 2025, allowing him to receive substantial funds more quickly—effectively doubling his paychecks within a single year.

Off-Field Success

It’s not just Prescott’s on-field performance that has garnered him this fortune. His off-field ventures significantly contribute to his substantial income as well. Collaborations with major brands have been key to bolstering his earnings:

Nike’s Jordan Brand
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Lowe’s
Franchise expansion with Crunch Fitness in Texas

These partnerships not only reflect Prescott’s brand appeal but also illustrate his business acumen as a professional athlete aiming to generate revenue outside of his playing contract.

Comparison with Other NFL Stars

While many fans may have speculated that quarterbacks like Joe Burrow or Josh Allen would take the spotlight in the earnings department, neither has reached Prescott’s remarkable financial heights. This raises interesting discussions regarding player salaries and return on investment among NFL teams.

Comparative Earnings in Sports

Prescott’s presence among the world’s highest-paid athletes is not a solitary case. In fact, the 2025 World’s 50 Highest-Paid Athletes list featured a total of 13 NFL players—tying it for the second-highest number across all sports after the NBA, which boasts 16 players. In comparison, soccer has eight, golf has five, while baseball and boxing follow closely behind.

Who Holds the Title of Highest-Paid Athlete?

It’s notable to mention that while Prescott is atop the NFL charts, the title of highest-paid athlete in 2025 goes to Cristiano Ronaldo. The football legend reported earnings of $275 million, an astonishing feat that underscores the premium placed on star players across professional sports.

As we dive deeper into the financial revelations of sports contracts and sponsorships, it’s fascinating to observe how individual athletes, much like Dak Prescott, use their platforms and talents for tremendous financial gain.

Tags:

Dak Prescott, NFL, highest paid player, Dallas Cowboys, sports contracts, Forbes, athlete earnings, 2025, NFL salaries, off-field income
“`