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
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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Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Matthew Stafford –  $101,670,000

Stafford is the first quarterback to make the list, but as you’ll soon see, he is far from the last. The former No. 1 overall pick out of Georgia in the 2009 draft has Johnson to thank for some of the dough he’s making. Stafford is a fine individual talent, but I’m skeptical he gets $41.5 million guaranteed if he didn’t have Megatron to help him look better.

As a former No. 1 overall pick before the rookie wage scale limited contracts, Stafford was one of the last first round picks to cash in before ever playing a down in the NFL. He turned his rookie contract in to the $100 million extension he is currently playing on and likely plays his entire career with Johnson at his side, so he’s got that goin’ for him.

Considering Stafford has yet to make a Pro Bowl team or win a single playoff game, he may retire as one of the more overpaid players in NFL history, albeit one with impressive regular season passing statistics courtesy of Johnson.

Next: Ben Roethlisberger