Thanks to athletes like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and LeBron James, we’re all really familiar with the famous Nike Swoosh that is seemingly seen in every single sport. And with word that former Texas A&M and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel just inked what is reported to be the largest endorsement deal ever given to an NFL rookie, I figured it was only appropriate to take a look at the biggest deals the company has ever handed out.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
Arguably the top player in the world, Real Madrid and Portugal national team stud Cristiano Ronaldo scored a giant contract with Nike back late last year, earning a reported 5-year deal that pays him roughly $11 million a year. Ironically enough, the deal was completed just a week or so after Cristiano re-upped with his Real Madrid club for the same amount of time—five years—meaning he’s getting money out the wazoo right now.
4. LeBron James
Receiving a 7-year, $90 million deal from the company before ever even taking a step onto an NBA court, Miami Heat star and four-time league MVP LeBron James has received quite the treatment from Nike. It’s hard to argue that he hasn’t live up to the expectations with the aforementioned accolades he’s already accomplished—along with his back-to-back NBA titles the past two seasons—which is why it’s no surprise the brand has trusted James to carry it to new heights in the basketball division, as he’s been rewarded with a reported $10 million annually.
3. Rory McIlroy
With two major titles on his resume already, Nike wasn’t about to let the 24 year old Scottish golfer get out of their grasps after reaching such heights early in his career. That’s one reason why the company locked Rory McIlroy up to a ridiculous 10-year, $250 million deal to wear the Swoosh on the golf course for the bulk of his playing days. Rory has struggled lately, but because of his talent, will always be considered a favorite for any tournament—especially majors.
2. Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was given his first Nike contract back in 2001, bursting onto the scene and becoming the face of golf. Now with 14 major titles to his credit, Woods has thrust himself into the conversation as the greatest golfer ever which, among other reasons, is why Nike locked this guy up to a massive endorsement deal. Though numbers are undisclosed from the renegotiation from last year, it’s believed that Tiger brings in a near $20 millions each year.
1. Michael Jordan
Although Michael Jordan doesn’t play hoops anymore—instead assembling a team as the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats—that doesn’t mean he isn’t cashing checks from Nike. In fact, even though Jordan made over $90 million over the course of his career in salary, he is bringing home just about that figure in royalties from Nike these days, which has no doubt helped him become the reported first billionaire athlete ever.
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