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Wisconsin Football: Badgers with highest career NFL earnings

By Christian Borman

Jan 9, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs the ball while Los Angeles Rams cornerback Troy Hill (22) defends during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs the ball while Los Angeles Rams cornerback Troy Hill (22) defends during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wisconsin football; Rick Wagner
Dec 9, 2018; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detroit Lions offensive tackle Rick Wagner (71) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Rick Wagner

Career earnings: $40,029,599

Ricky (Rick) Wagner is another classic walk-on story for the Wisconsin football program. He walked-on as a tight end in 2008. He played for Wisconsin from 2009-2013. He made the honorable mention All-Big Ten team in 2010 and 2011 by coaches and media.

He entered the 2013 NFL Draft and was selected in the 5th round (168th overall) by the Baltimore Ravens.

He provided depth to the Baltimore offensive line during his rookie season but was named the starting right tackle at the start of this second season. He was a mainstay at the position for the next three seasons for the Ravens. In his four years with Baltimore, he played in 62 games, starting 47 of them.

He entered free agency in the offseason after the 2016 season and signed a 5-year, $47.5 million deal with the Detroit Lions to be their starting right tackle.

Unfortunately, Wagner was plagued with injuries in his time in Detroit. He played in just 40 games in his first three years with the Lions, missing time in each due to injuries. After the 2019 season, the Lions cut Wagner to free up some cap space.

Wagner signed a 2-year, $11 million deal with the Green Bay Packers. He provided valuable depth for the team and stepped in to play tackle when the line was hit with injuries late in the season. He in 16 games and started nine.

Wagner was a cap casualty this offseason. With the salary cap being lower this year, the Packers needed to shed some salary, so Wagner was cut. There was some speculation he could return to the Packers for a lower number, but for now, the rumor is he could very well retire.

Currently, Wagner is the 43rd highest-paid tackle in NFL history and 9th at the right tackle position.