Gordie Howe: Retired In 1980
Career Earnings: $9 million
Current Net Worth: $10 million (Deceased)
Ice hockey players aren’t always as fond of love as some other sports stars, but the exception was Gordie Howe. For a grand total of 26 seasons in the NHL, Howe ruled the ice from 1946 to 1980. Howe was sought-after by several firms for endorsement deals as such a well-known face in the business. For Anheuser Busch’s Natural Light Beer, Amway, and more, he appeared in commercials. When he passed away in 2016 at the age of 88, Howe had already created a glowing legacy. Since 1966, his hometown had already been celebrating Gordie Howe Day.
Willie Mays: Retired In 1973
Career Earnings: $2 million
Current Net Worth: $3 million
Willie Mays was a staple for the New York and San Francisco Giants throughout his career, known as ‘The Say Hey Kid.’ He had just completed a brief run with the New York Mets by the time he retired in 1973. Few people had the same skills as he had on the field. Willie was paid an estimated $2 million for his 22 seasons in the game. Major League Baseball honored his effect on the game in 2017 when they renamed the World Series Most Valuable Player Award after him.
