Alabama's Finest: Top 10 NFL Earnings from the Heart of Dixie

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts secured one of the NFL's most lucrative contracts with a five-year, $255 million deal signed last year. Yet, even with such a massive pay, the former Alabama signal-caller must complete the contract to become the highest-paid NFL player hailing from an Alabama high school or college.

Among players with Alabama football roots, quarterback Philip Rivers (Athens) has amassed the most earnings from NFL teams. Over his 17-season career, Rivers’ salaries totaled $243,944,322, according to the sports financial website Spotrac.com, placing him 10th in NFL history.

Rivers stands among the 13 quarterbacks who are the highest-paid players in NFL history. Interestingly, only two of the 10 highest-paid NFL players with Alabama football roots are quarterbacks.

The Alabama top 10 also features four wide receivers, one center, one defensive tackle, one inside linebacker, and one outside linebacker.

Two new names joined the list after the 2023 season – Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (West Alabama) and New York Jets inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (Theodore, Alabama), who earned $26.35 million and $17 million, respectively, last season.

Hill and Mosley displaced cornerbacks Kareem Jackson (Alabama) and Jackrabbit Jenkins (North Alabama) from the top 10.

In 2023, the highest-paid NFL player from an Alabama high school or college was Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (Shades Valley, Alabama), who received $31.01 million in the first season of a four-year, $90 million contract, which included a $28 million signing bonus.

Here are the top 10 NFL earners from Alabama high schools and colleges:

1. Philip Rivers, Athens High School: $243,944,322

Teams: San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2004-2019), Indianapolis Colts (2020)
Highlights: Eight-time Pro Bowl selection, ranks sixth in NFL history in passing yards and touchdown passes, seventh in completions.

2. Julio Jones, Foley High School, Alabama: $149,167,021

Teams: Atlanta Falcons (2011-2020), Tennessee Titans (2021), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2022), Philadelphia Eagles (2023)
Highlights: Seven Pro Bowl selections, two-time first-team All-Pro, second-most single-season receiving yards in NFL history (1,871 in 2015).

3. Cam Newton, Auburn: $133,545,071

Teams: Carolina Panthers (2011-2019, 2021), New England Patriots (2022)
Highlights: 2011 NFL Draft No. 1 pick, three-time Pro Bowl selection, 2015 NFL MVP, led Auburn to 2010 BCS national championship.

4. Amari Cooper, Alabama: $116,672,334

Teams: Oakland Raiders (2015-2018), Dallas Cowboys (2018-2021), Cleveland Browns (2022-2023)
Highlights: Five-time Pro Bowl selection, seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons, career-high 1,250 yards in 2022.

5. Tyreek Hill, West Alabama: $93,489,171

Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (2016-2021), Miami Dolphins (2022-2023)
Highlights: Pro Bowl selection every season of his career, five-time first-team All-Pro, 2023 NFL leader in receiving yards (1,799).

6. DeMarcus Ware, Auburn High School, Troy: $89,993,750

Teams: Dallas Cowboys (2005-2013), Denver Broncos (2014-2016)
Highlights: Nine-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time first-team All-Pro, Super Bowl 50 champion, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

7. Marcell Dareus, Huffman High School, Alabama: $87,134,946

Teams: Buffalo Bills (2011-2017), Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-2019)
Highlights: Two-time Pro Bowl selection, first-team All-Pro in 2014, third overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

8. C.J. Mosley, Theodore High School, Alabama: $85,656,002

Teams: Baltimore Ravens (2014-2018), New York Jets (2019-2023)
Highlights: Five-time Pro Bowl selection, over 100 tackles in every season he played at least 15 games.

9. Rodney Hudson, B.C. Rain High School: $82,403,707

Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (2011-2014), Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2015-2020), Arizona Cardinals (2021-2022)
Highlights: Pro Bowl selection in 2016, 2017, and 2019, played center in the NFL.

10. Terrell Owens, Benjamin Russell High School: $79,628,334

Teams: San Francisco 49ers (1996-2003), Philadelphia Eagles (2004-2005), Dallas Cowboys (2006-2008), Buffalo Bills (2009), Cincinnati Bengals (2010)
Highlights: Six Pro Bowl selections, five-time first-team All-Pro, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2018), ranks third in NFL history in receiving yards and touchdown receptions.