54. Tom Brady ($44 million)

Athlete

The Patriots' quarterback signed a contract extension in March that included a $28 million signing bonus, lowering his 2016 base salary from $9 million to just $1 million in the process. That could save Brady close to $2 million in game checks if his four-game suspension stemming from the "Deflategate" saga is upheld. He also makes plenty off the field, thanks to deals with brands including Under Armour and UGG Boots.