NFL's 20 richest players of all-time

NFL’s 20 richest players of all-time

Oct 7, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) shakes hands with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) following the game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) meets with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the 2013 AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Top 20 richest NFL players of all-time

Being a high NFL draft pick does not guarantee success in the NFL, but it does go a long way in guaranteeing a loaded bank account.

Of the 20 players who have earned the most playing in the NFL, six were the No. 1 overall pick, seven more were taken between picks No. 2-4 and a total of 14 were first round picks. Those who were the exceptions to the rule earned their millions by earning a lucrative second contract and sometimes a third contract after they outplayed their initial rookie deal.

Quarterbacks command the biggest dollars with 11 of the top 13 richest players in NFL history, so parents have your kids grow up to signal-callers. The players who chase after them, defensive ends/3-4 outside linebackers were second with five, wide receivers took three spots and one offensive lineman rounded out the list.

After reading through the list of players, please leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below and let us know which player you were most surprised to see on the list and who you would have guessed cracked the top-20.

Without further ado, here are the 20 players who have earned the most money during their playing careers.

Contract information courtesy of spotrac.com.

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