The 15 Richest Athletes Past Their Prime

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There aren’t too many people I know who enjoy getting older. And while, in some cases, people get better with age, athletes are not one of them. Yet, because they carry weight thanks to their famous names and former accomplishments, a few players earn mega millions each year, even when they’re not necessarily worth it. So, yes, these former stars might have been great at one point and made a heck of a lot of money in 2014, but that doesn’t mean that they should have, because these are the richest athletes who are way past their prime.

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julius-peppers

15. Julius Peppers – $20.8 million in 2014

He may have made most of his money from the Chicago Bears when he was with them, but defender Julius Peppers proved that he wasn’t necessarily worth the big money he received from the team. As expected, Chicago released the former Pro Bowler, leading to him signing with the division-rival Green Bay Packers, where he registered seven sacks.

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14. Vernon Wells – $21.1 million in 2014

One of the biggest free-agent busts in sports history, when the Toronto Blue Jays handed Vernon Wells a crazy, seven-year, $126 million deal back in 2006, they had no idea he would end up playing for several teams in-between. Even after failing to make a team in 2014, Wells still earned the $21.1 million he was due, proving that he is the definition of being over-the-hill.

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13. Ryan Howard – $22.4 million in 2014

There was a time when Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard was one of the most feared batters in the game. It’s too bad that it was years ago, though. Seeing his power numbers decline in the past several seasons, Howard has shown that injuries and age has decreased his skills. All this seemed to happen after the team signed him to a five-year, $125 million extension in 2010, making it a poor financial decision.

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12. Joe Johnson – $22.5 million in 2014

Although Joe Johnson has been to seven All-Star Games in his career, he is a shell of himself these days. After taking on the final four years and $90 million of his mega-deal when they traded for him before the 2012-13 season, the Brooklyn Nets had hoped Johnson would lead them to big things. It has been the opposite, as JJ continues to prove that he’s not a franchise player as he keeps aging.

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Mark-Teixeira

11. Mark Teixeira – $22.7 million in 2014

Another player who, at one time, was a feared hitter, the New York Yankees’ Mark Teixeira would be hard-pressed to find a team willing to give him $180 million over eight years as he got from the Yanks in 2009. Battling injuries and inconsistency, Teixeira hasn’t been able to sustain the same skills that earned him such a big deal six years ago.

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t9. Johan Santana – $22.9 million in 2014

Not having played in the majors since 2012, former, two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana might not have thrown a pitch in nearly three years, but he’s still getting paid like one of the best to do so. Currently 35 years old and, all but, retired, Santana’s absence from the majors proves that he isn’t worth the $22.9 million he earned in 2014.

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t9. Alex Rodriguez – $22.9 million in 2014

Following a year-long suspension from baseball in 2014, the New York Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez hopes to rebound in 2015, but no one should expect him to. Turning 40 years old in July, A-Rod hasn’t hit more than 18 home runs since 2010, and isn’t nearly the all-around threat that he once was when he was considered a sure Hall of Famer and one of the best in the game.

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8. Dirk Nowitzki – $23.2 million in 2014

Adding Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki to this list was tough to do—seeing how I’m a big fan of his—but the numbers don’t lie. While Dirk continues to prove he’s one of the most dynamic players the NBA has ever seen, he isn’t the same guy who can individually carry a team by himself as he proved years ago during the NBA Finals. Restructuring his deal this past offseason, Dirk all but accepted a decreased role in order to make another run at a title.

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CC-Sabathia

7. CC Sabathia – $24.2 million in 2014

A former Cy Young winner who had filthy stuff when he first joined the New York Yankees, pitcher CC Sabathia has come back to earth these past few years, even missing the most of the 2014 season due to injury. While CC did earn $24.2 million last season, he’s not the same type of player who should be as feared by opponents when he steps to the mound, because he has lost both velocity and command of his pitches.

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6. Cliff Lee – $25.3 million in 2014

Another former Cy Young Award winner and a former teammate of the aforementioned CC Sabathia, Philadelphia Phillies lefty Cliff Lee might still be good, but he’s not $25.3 million per year good. Truth be told, Lee hasn’t gotten much run support in a few years, but after going a combined 24-22 the past three seasons, he isn’t the same pitcher who could single-handedly shut down opposing batters for a win.

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5. Amar’e Stoudemire – $26.7 million in 2014

With rumors swirling about the New York Knicks finally cutting ties with one of their former, prized free-agents, Amar’e Stoudemire, the writing is on the wall that the six-time All-Star is a falling commodity. Struggling with injuries and a culture of losing with the Knicks, Stoudemire might have the second highest salary in the entire league in 2015, but he’s worth nothing more than the veteran’s minimum for what he’s able to provide to a team.

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Dwyane-Wade

4. Dwyane Wade – $29.9 million in 2014

Another former superstar who accepted a pay cut in order to accommodate his team in 2015 like Dirk Nowitzki, Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade has seen Father Time break him down in recent years. From 2010-14, Wade was able to cover up deficiencies in his game by playing next to two other All-Stars—LeBron James and Chris Bosh. And while he is having a decent season this year and was named to the All-Star Game again, Wade doesn’t have the energy to put his team on his back and go deep into the postseason, so shouldn’t be paid as such.

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3. Roger Federer – $56.2 million in 2014

Another one of my personal favorite athletes, tennis star Roger Federer might be an all-timer, but he has been struggling in recent years due to age. Bringing in over $56 million in 2014, Federer’s name might carry lots of star-power, yet his game hasn’t delivered. Holding the men’s record for the most Grand Slam wins ever, the Swiss player will forever be remembered for his greatness—it’s just not happening right now.

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2. Tiger Woods – $61.2 million in 2014

Cashing in with more than $61 million in 2014, Tiger Woods, like Roger Federer, will go down as an all-time great in the sport of golf, but he’s not nearly the same player fans remember him as. Struggling with injuries the past few PGA seasons, Tiger hasn’t won a major since 2008, and hasn’t shown any signs that he’s ready to capture another one anytime soon.

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1. Kobe Bryant – $61.5 million in 2014

While Kobe Bryant might be the third best scorer in the history of the NBA and getting paid millions by both the L.A. Lakers and from endorsements, he hasn’t been producing like he used to. After inking a two-year, $48,5 million deal in 2013, Bryant has only played in 41 games since, with his body failing to produce as well as his mind wants him to and ending this season on the shelf with a torn rotator cuff.

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Written by Nick Dimengo

Graduate of the University of Kentucky. Cleveland sports fan. Frustrated respecter of LeBron James. Influencer of bad ideas. In addition to Worthly/Housely, I'm a regular contributor to Bleacher Report, Scout, Esquire and Maxim, and run or bike way too much for my own good when not writing. The day a Cleveland sports team wins a title is the day I can officially say my life is complete.