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Seahawks’ Russell Wilson ranks No. 18 on Forbes’ highest paid athletes list

Jun 9, 2016, 10:57 AM | Updated: 11:05 am

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson has become one of the NFL's most marketable players, pulling in an estim...

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson has become one of the NFL's most marketable players, pulling in an estimated $10 million in endorsements for 2016. (AP)

(AP)

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson had a good year financially.

Wilson ranks as the 18th highest paid athlete in the world for 2016 on Forbes’ annual list, earning an estimated $41.8 million. He sits behind fellow NFL quarterbacks Cam Newton (No. 7, $53.1 million), Eli Manning (No. 13, $45 million), Joe Flacco (No. 14, $44.5 million) and Tom Brady (No. 15, $44.1 million).

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The Forbes list calculates salary/winnings as well as endorsement deals. Wilson is also the 18th youngest athlete on the top-100 list.

International soccer superstars Cristiano Ronaldo ($88 million) and Lionel Messi ($81.4 million) top the list, followed by the four-time NBA MVP LeBron James ($77.2 million).

Here is how Forbes breaks down Wilson’s earnings:

“Russell Wilson has had a historic start to his career with 46 regular season wins, the most ever for a quarterback in his first four seasons, and has led the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl twice. His career passing rating trails only Aaron Rodgers. Wilson earned $2 million in salary during his first three seasons, but the Seahawks rewarded their franchise QB in the summer of 2015 with a four-year contract extension worth $87.6 million. The pact included a $31 million signing bonus. Wilson has become one of the NFL’s most marketable players. His partners include Microsoft, Luvo, Nike, Alaska Airlines, Bose, Braun, United Way, Eat the Ball, Wilson Sporting Goods, Facebook Live and The Players Tribune. Wilson launched his own clothing line at Nordstrom in 2016 under the Good Man Brand.”

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