Taxes blow. But if you think you've got it bad, just take a look at how the NFL's top earners are getting banged for a lot of bucks.
CBSSports.com compiled a list of the highest paid players in the NFL after taxes and the list looks a lot different than the ones we're normally accustomed to seeing that rank players based on their average yearly salary. CBS decided their list would be based on players' 2015 salary and their very unique tax situations based on where they play.
If math makes your head spin, we'll spare you the intricate details of how CBS put it all together. Just know that while Aaron Rodgers is widely considered to be the game's highest paid player with an average annual salary of $22 million, he didn't make the top 20 thanks to his $11.6 million base in 2015.
Your top earner in 2015 is none other than the bolo tie loving, gunslinging QB in charge of the 4-10 Chargers, Philip Rivers. He signed a 4-year, $83.25 million contract extension with San Diego before the season began, $65 million of which is guaranteed.
- Philip Rivers: $31,117,647 salary | $15,397,711 after taxes
- Eli Manning: $28,176,471 salary | $14,669,679 after taxes
- Marcel Dareus: $27,647,059 salary | $14,398,890 after taxes
- Ben Roethlisberger: $$26,191,176 salary | $14,088,970 after taxes
- Cam Newton: $23,941,176 salary | $12,918,173 after taxes
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