This is the annual “Fortunate 50,” a listing of the highest compensated american athletes based on salary plus endorsements (there’s a separate international list).
Look who ranks at #11. Matthew Stafford. He of one year of production in the NFL, leading his team to a 2-14 record. $26 MILLION DOLLARS in bonuses this year, mostly due to his #1 overall selection.
And people were losing their minds because Strasburg signed for 4yrs $15M guaranteed??
Other things to note on this list:
- #20 overall; i;m obviously not a football fan, certainly not a redskins fan, but i read enough coverage to know that Haynesworth certainly isn’t worth the $24.6M in bonus money he’s collecting this year. I’d say “boo hoo” for little Danny boy except that Karma is a bitch and he gets everything his little napoleonic meddling egotistical body deserves.
- #28: Darrius Heyward-Bey. Who?? $21M for some 2nd year no name nfl player?
- The general lack of endoresement money for some people. I love it when guys make millions of dollars in salary but have zero endorsements. You might as well put a sign on their head that says, “I’m an arrogant pr*ck and everyone knows it, so I have zero endorsement deals beyond appearance fees for mandatory press shows.” Terrell Suggs best example; $24M in salary, $75K in endorsements. Probably from an Eastern Motors ad.
Take a look at the international version too. Lots of soccer players.