Joe Montana: Retired In 1994
Career Earnings: $22.5 million
Current Net Worth: $80 million
The San Francisco 49ers knew a good thing when they saw it, recruiting Joe Montana in 1979. For the next 12 seasons, Montana stuck with the team, going on to be three times named Super Bowl Most Valuable Player. It’s not shocking that Joe has been paid more than $22.5 million for his issues. Joe continued to expand his empire after leaving the game in 1994. He starred in a lucrative ad for TiVo six years after walking off the field, but Joe did not stop there. Speaking activities, signings of autographs, numerous endorsements, and more all helped Montana achieve $80 million in net worth.
Mario Lemieux: Retired In 2006
Career Earnings: $82 million
Current Net Worth: $150 million
In the early ’80s, Canadian-American star Mario Lemieux first stepped up on the ice to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Little did he realize at the time that, in decades to come, he would end up owning the team. Lemieux won an astounding $82 million during his tenure with the Penguins, but he would end up throwing some of this back into the pot as the Penguins faced bankruptcy. He purchased it after his retirement in order to save the team. Lemieux entered into agreements with brands like Nike that paid well, aside from his salary.
