28 January 2023
As we witness the opening of another NFL season, fans are eager to support their favorite teams and players in pursuit of a potential Super Bowl victory. While many people can identify star quarterbacks or running backs, what about those lesser-known 2nd stringers? How much do these athletes actually make? The answer is far from straightforward; it depends on several variables that determine how much money second-string NFL players bring home at the end of the day. In this post, let’s dive into financial realities for them – exploring each factor that affects earning capacity as an NFL player outside the limelight.
Rookie Salaries
Fresh recruits typically receive lower salaries compared to their more experienced teammates. Spotrac reports that rookies in the NFL’s second string earn an average of $500,000 annually, vastly less than the first-stringers’ usual paychecks of approximately $1.5 million yearly!
Veteran Salaries
Veteran players see a small disparity between the salaries of starters and non-starters. Second-string veterans typically earn approximately $1 million per annum, while starting veterans’ average salary lay around two times that number – roughly $2 million annually.
Performance-Based Bonuses
While lower salaries may prove to be the status quo for 2nd stringers, they possess a wealth of opportunity with performance-based bonuses. From signing bonuses and roster additions to performance incentives, these bonus structures could add hundreds of thousands of dollars to their yearly income depending on how well they perform and the role that they fill in the team’s lineup.
Length of Contract
When deciding on a player’s contract, the length is vital to take into account. Despite earning less per year than a starter who signed for only one year, another role-player can potentially make more money in total if they are granted an extended-term agreement.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
It’s important to remember that NFL players, regardless of their playing time on the field, have an opportunity to supplement their income with lucrative endorsements and sponsorships. Superstars like Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady may command bigger deals than most other players in the league; however, even 2nd stringers can gain considerable extra cash through these avenues.
To summarize, while 2nd string NFL players may not make as much money as their starting counterparts, they still have the capability to obtain a comfortable living. It is essential to comprehend all of the aspects that can influence an athlete’s earning potential and benefit from things such as performance-based bonuses or endorsements. Lastly, always work hard with the ambition to become a starter on your team and you will surely reach success!
