Tom Brady wins consolation prize, Michael Jordan steals show with $3.75 billion career earnings

In a world of fierce competition for net worth, NBA icon Michael Jordan beat NFL legend Tom Brady with touchdowns, not dunks. Off the court, Brady gets the consolation prize as Jordan trails far behind in terms of their respective net worths. Although Brady has retired, his net worth is a staggering $300 million.

However, this detailed figure seems minuscule compared to basketball giant Jordan, who has $3.75 billion according to his career earnings records. The Chicago Bulls legend currently sits atop a list of the ten highest-paid athletes of all time. Comparing these two figures shows a huge difference in their financial progress.

Brady’s football glory

Although Brady’s journey began on the football field, establishing himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, he also excelled in business. He earned an impressive $350 million while playing for the New England Patriots from 2000 to 2019. That includes his salary and bonuses worth $235 million.

After joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady signed a $50 million contract with an additional $15 million in 2022. However, his real breakthrough came in 2023, when Forbes named him the highest-paid NFL player.

He earned $30 million on the court and an additional $45 million through endorsements and business deals. Although he has diversified his career beyond just being a player, he is now being compared to basketball legend Michael Jordan, who ultimately received second place honors.

Michael Jordan’s staggering earnings leave Brady behind

For Jordan, his off-court journey began long before Brady. As early as 1984, the budding NBA star caught the attention of Nike, and Jordan formed a partnership with the lucrative athlete brand. Over 40 years, he has transcended his role as a basketball legend and developed into a global brand. Adjusted for inflation, his fortune is about $2.7 billion and his earnings are about $95 million, or $3.7 billion when other income is taken into account, more than most of today’s top athletes earn.

Nike, which has annual revenues of $920 million, took a risk and signed the then-rookie basketball player to its iconic “Air Jordan” line of sneakers. By 2023, Nike’s revenue soared to $51 billion, with Jordan Brand’s contribution reaching $6.6 billion. That’s not the end, the brand’s revenue keeps coming, growing 29% last year alone.

As a result, NFL GOAT Brady has been replaced in the ranking of the 10 highest-paid athletes of all time. Jordan’s direct competitors are golf legend Tiger Woods and soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. Do you think Tom Brady can compete with Michael Jordan? Let the comments pour in.