Justin Herbert has solidified his financial status in the NFL despite not yet securing a playoff victory. Since entering the league, the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback has amassed a $40 million net worth, bolstered by a lucrative five-year, $262.5 million contract extension signed before his fourth season began. This deal reflects the Chargers’ long-term confidence in Herbert’s potential.
Herbert’s success goes beyond team loyalty; he is ranked among the highest-paid NFL players and stands out on the global stage as one of the top-earning athletes for 2025. This achievement is significant given the stiff competition from worldwide sports figures.
Comparison with Other Top NFL and Global Athletes
Forbes lists soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo at the pinnacle with $275 million in earnings this year. In the NFL, Dak Prescott leads with $137 million in combined income from his four-year, $240 million contract, placing him fourth worldwide among athletes.
Justin Herbert ranks seventh in NFL earnings with $73.6 million total—$63.6 million from football and an additional $10 million from endorsements. This haul places him 26th globally, ahead of reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen, who earned $66.1 million during the same period and sits at 32nd worldwide and eighth in the NFL.
Other top NFL earners include Deshaun Watson ($91.8 million), Patrick Mahomes ($86.8 million), Jordan Love ($83 million), Jared Goff ($80.8 million), and Trevor Lawrence ($80.5 million).
Career Earnings and Future Expectations for Herbert and Allen
Looking at overall career earnings, Josh Allen maintains a substantial lead with $174.6 million, compared to Herbert’s $96.19 million. Allen’s current net worth of approximately $70 million significantly exceeds Herbert’s $40 million. However, Allen’s recent $330 million contract extension suggests he is poised to maintain or widen his earnings advantage in 2026.
The challenge for both quarterbacks is to validate their high salaries through on-field success. Herbert is under pressure to elevate his play to MVP levels and help the Chargers advance beyond the wild-card round. Allen’s goals are clear: to secure an <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC Championship, reach his first Super Bowl, and potentially win the Lombardi Trophy.
The Broader Significance of NFL Earnings and Athlete Performance
The growing earnings of quarterbacks like Justin Herbert and Josh Allen highlight the escalating financial stakes in the NFL and the sport’s increasing global visibility. Their contracts and endorsements emphasize performance expectations from teams and fans alike, as both must prove their worth beyond just impressive salaries. As the 2025 season progresses, these two young leaders remain central figures to watch in the league’s competitive landscape.