Which NFL player has the biggest Nike contract? Pro football athletes' endorsement deals explored

Russell Wilson is the NFL player with the most significant Nike contract. While the exact details of his contract with Nike remain under lock and key, it is estimated that the Denver Broncos shot caller makes well over $5 million a year with the Swoosh brand.

Wilson signed the contract in 2016 after actively flirting with rivals Under Armour throughout the 2015 campaign. One of the NFL's most famous and divisive players, Wilson has earned nine Pro Bowl nods since he was drafted in 2012, helping his former side, the Seattle Seahawks, capture two NFC championships and a Super Bowl title.

Which NFL player had the biggest Nike contract ever?

That honor belongs to Odell Beckham Jr., who in 2017 signed the wealthiest shoe deal in NFL history. Beckham Jr. inked a five-year contract with Nike worth a minimum of $29 million and potentially $48 million. It came at a time when Odell Beckham Jr. was seen as the face of the NFL.

Beckham Jr.'s deal with Nike has since expired, seemingly ending on a rocky note. The former New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, and now Denver Broncos wideout sued Nike in November 2022. He contended in his suit that the way the contract "was structured made it nearly impossible for him to trigger precious extensions of the deal." He also claimed to have lost out on more than $20 million. It remains to be seen how the suit will be settled.

Who were the NFL players that earned the most through endorsements in 2022?

Here's a list of the NFL players who made the most in endorsements in the past year.

1. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - $45 million
2. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs - $22 million
3. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys - $13 million
4. Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos - $12 million
5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers - $11 million.

QBs are the kings in the NFL, and it is of little wonder why brands, companies, and franchises are willing to splash the cash on premier shot callers.

With Tom Brady retiring, there's room for one of the four below him last year to take his spot as the NFL player with the most lucrative endorsement deal. But then again, the likes of Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Will Levis, and Anthony Richardson may creep into the top five, given the number of endorsement deals new NFL QBs sign every other day.