← 10 Black NFL Rookies Who Cashed in Big on Draft Day

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By Anslem Samuel | Published May 3, 2012 | Full size is 620 × 480 pixels

While most students just hope to earn well above minimum wage out of college, NFL rookies usually cash in paychecks close to that of mega millions lottery ticket winner. The NFL is a $7-9 billion business, and with big money comes big contracts. Although, because of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement effective in 2011, rookies are not getting much less than their predecessors, new players are still earning large salaries before they even step foot on the field. For example, Cam Newton, the No. 1 draft pick in 2011, received $22 million. Though his salary is elephantine compared to his peers, Newton and the 2011 No. 2 pick combined did not equal the amount of Sam Bradford, who was the highest paid rookie in NFL history, signing with the St. Louis Rams for $78 million in 2010. Though a few of these players did not live up to their full potential, many are proving their worth on the field. Here is a glimpse of 10 of the highest contracts given to NFL rookies of color in recent years. —Mia Hall

While most students just hope to earn well above minimum wage out of college, NFL…

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