The richest athlete in 2020, according to Forbes, made a majority of his millions off the court. The four Atlanta Falcons on the list are largely paid by their work on the field.
Forbes' annual list of wealthiest stars is topped by tennis star Roger Federer, whose recorded tournament winnings of $6.3 million are a fraction of the $100 million he earned in endorsement deals.
Soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo ($105 million), Lionel Messi ($104 million) and Neymar ($95.5 million) along with NBA and Nike endorsed star LeBron James ($88.2 million) round out the Top 5.
Coming in at No. 26 on the list is Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones.
Jones, 31, made $40.5 million over the last year.
Jones signed a three-year deal last season with Atlanta worth $66 million, $64 million of which is guaranteed.
Forbes lists $3 million of Jones' worth in endorsement deals. He also owns a pair of car dealerships in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Jones is a principal backer for a 16-acre, mixed-use development near the Mall of Georgia.
Grady Jarrett inked a $68 million deal — with an $18 million signing bonus — last July. His $33.1 million in earnings place him at No. 37 on the Forbes list.
The Jones and Jarrett deals were part of owner Arthur Blank's commitment they remain "Falcons for life." Last year, financial analysts estimated Blank's team to be worth $2.755 billion.
Matt Ryan, with $29.5 million in earnings, is listed at No. 47. Ryan's five-year, $150 million contract extension — reached in 2018 — guaranteed the quarterback $100 million.
Dante Fowler Jr., who signed a three-year deal worth $48 to join the Falcons in March, makes the list at No. 81 with $24.2 million earned.
According to Forbes, football salaries — so far — have been the least affected of all sports, by the coronavirus pandemic.
About the Author
