The NFL is a highly lucrative business, with players earning millions of dollars each year. In 2010, the highest NFL contract was signed by quarterback Peyton Manning, who agreed to a five-year, $90 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
Manning was already a superstar in the league, having won multiple MVP awards and leading the Colts to a Super Bowl victory in 2006. The new contract made him the highest-paid player in the NFL at the time, with an average annual salary of $18 million.
The contract included $69 million in guaranteed money, meaning that regardless of how Manning performed on the field, he would be paid a significant amount of money. This figure was higher than the previous record of $57.5 million, which had been set by quarterback Donovan McNabb in 2002.
In addition to his base salary, Manning also received various bonuses, including incentives for reaching certain milestones and performance-based bonuses. These additional payments meant that his actual earnings for the 2010 season were around $20.5 million.
Manning`s contract set a new standard for NFL player salaries and paved the way for other players to demand higher pay. In the years since, many players have signed contracts worth even more than Manning`s, including quarterback Matt Ryan, who signed a five-year, $150 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons in 2018.
Overall, the NFL is a highly competitive and financially rewarding industry for both players and teams. With record-breaking contracts like Manning`s, it`s clear that the league is willing to pay top dollar for top talent.