Despite retiring over four years ago, Peyton Manning continues to cash in on a successful 18 year career in the National Football League. According to the NFLPA’s annual report filed with the Department of Labor and as reported by The Athletic, Manning pocketed $3.4 million last year from marketing and royalties, besting Super Bowl MVPs Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, who placed second and third on the list earning $3 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
Represented by Excel Sports Management’s Alan Zucker, Manning’s marketing and royalties income, like a majority of players, was generated largely from video games, apparel, and trading card group licensing deals with companies like Electronic Arts, Nike, Fanatics, and Panini through the NFLPA.
Manning’s marketing and royalties earnings skyrocketed this past year in comparison to the year prior, in which he netted just $902,000 from NFLPA group licensing deals.
Rounding out the top five highest paid players from marketing and royalties include Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott, who earned $2.5 million, Cardinals’ rookie quarterback Kyler Murray with $1.8 million, and $2.4 million for Giants’ running back Saquan Barkley.