While one might naturally assume that the wealthiest NFL star would be New England Patriots legend Tom Brady, the title actually belongs to former Dallas Cowboys star Roger Staubach.

Staubach, 82, is renowned for his time as a quarterback with the Cowboys and his two Super Bowl victories. From 1969 to 1979, 'Captain America', as he was affectionately known, transformed the Dallas franchise into a formidable force.

However, in the 46 years since his retirement, he has amassed an impressive estimated fortune of $600 million (£483m). His financial prowess even surpasses that of Brady, who currently boasts a reported wealth of around $300m (£250m).

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Staubach's life story reads like a classic American tale. Born in Cincinnati in 1942, the ex-quarterback joined the military in 1961 and even volunteered for a year-long tour in Vietnam. After leaving the US Navy, he was picked by the Cowboys in the 1964 NFL Draft.

He led the Cowboys to 10 consecutive wins, including the team's inaugural Super Bowl victory in 1972 against the Miami Dolphins. In 1977, he guided the Cowboys to their second Super Bowl win at Super Bowl XII, defeating the Denver Broncos.

Roger Staubach, pictured with former US President Ronald Reagan, became a household name in the 1970s
Roger Staubach, pictured with former US President Ronald Reagan, became a household name in the 1970s

After spending 11 seasons with the Cowboys, Staubach retired in 1979 and embarked on a career in business. He founded his own commercial real estate firm, The Staubach Company, with Robert Holloway Jr in the late '70s.

However, in 1982, he bought out Holloway, and The Staubach Company began working with major businesses like AT&T, McDonald's, K-Mart Corporation, and the Hospital Corporation of America. He also owns stakes in 27 different apartment complexes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and co-owns a NASCAR team, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

He served as his company's chairman and CEO until he announced his retirement in June 2007. A year later, he sold his beloved business for a staggering $613m (£493m), which makes up the majority of his wealth.

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 05: Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback and Fox NFL Analyst Tom Brady leaves the field before the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 05, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Brady's net worth is second to Roger Staubach (
Image:
Getty Images)

On the other hand, Brady has crafted his own version of the American dream. He has played in a record 10 Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning seven - the most by any player in NFL history. His contract with Tampa Bay was worth at least $50m (£40m) over two years.

However, his biggest payday came in March 2022 when he signed a 10-year deal with FOX worth an astounding $375m (£302m), where he provides commentary and analysis on NFL games. He also holds a minority stake in the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA, NFL team Las Vegas Raiders, and English soccer side Birmingham City.

While Staubach is currently leading the all-time rich list for NFL players, Brady is tied behind the Cowboys icon with former Minnesota Vikings star Frank Tarkenton. Ex-Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is next in line with a whopping $250m (£201m) fortune, sharing the spot with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Following them is Green Bay Packers icon Aaron Rodgers, with a net worth of $200m (£161m).