The Athletes Who Make More From Endorsements Than Sports

Sports Illustrated recently published their annual “Fortune 50″ list ranking the highest-earning athletes in the world of sports. We see some familiar faces and many returning athletes who have mastered both their craft and their business.

But what is even more interesting is the ones who actually create more revenue off of being a spokesperson rather than an athlete.

These are the athletes who make more from endorsements than sports.

9. Kobe Bryant – 57% spokesman, 43% athlete

Endorsements: $28,000,000 Salary/Earnings:$20,286,000 8. Tony Stewart – 69% spokesman, 31% athlete

Endorsements: $15,470,000 Salary/Winnings: $6,530,000 7. Jimmie Johnson – 70% spokesman, 30% athlete

Endorsements: $14,703,640 Salary/Winnings: $6,296,360 6. LeBron James – 72% spokesman, 28% athlete

Endorsements: $33,000,000 Salary/Earnings:$12,880,000 5. Jeff Gordon – 75% spokesman, 25% athlete

Endorsements: $18,000,000 Salary/Earnings: $5,912,830 4. Derrick Rose – 76% spokesman, 24% athlete

Endorsements: $18,230,770 Salary/Winnings: $5,621,880 3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 85% spokesman, 15% athlete

Endorsements: $24,000,000 Salary/Winnings: $4,164,690 2. Phil Mickelson – 93% spokesman, 7% athlete

Endorsements: $57,000,000 Salary/Earnings: $3,763,488 1. Tiger Woods – 96% spokesman, 4% athlete

Endorsements: $54,500,000 Salary/Earnings: $1,940,238

Top Photo Credit: Getty Images