Joe DiMaggio: Retired In 1951
Career Earnings: $60 million
Current Net Worth: $50 million (Deceased)
Joe DiMaggio was just as famous for his personal life as he was for being a jewel in the New York Yankees’ crown. At the time, he was a major star with many fans spanning generations, but when he married the Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe in 1954, he became a bigger celebrity. It helped cement Joe as a pop culture symbol, although the marriage was short-lived. Not only did he make millions in his career, but in future movies, others made millions of characters based on him.
Walter Payton: Retired In 1987
Career Earnings: $7 million
Current Net Worth: $3 million (Deceased)
Walter Payton, who started his professional career with the Chicago Bears in 1974, was a remarkable player. Over the years, he has received several honors, such as NFL Offensive Player of the Year, NFL Man of the Year, NFL Most Valuable Player, and more. Really, in every sense of the term, Payton was a record-breaker. He signed the highest-value NFL contract in history back in 1983. Overall, by the time he retired in 1987, Payton had taken in about $7 million. The same year, alongside fellow NFL star Joe Montana, Payton co-hosted Comcast’s NBC Saturday Night Live show.
