Forbes magazine is out with its annual ranking of the world’s 100 highest paid athletes, and Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is the only representative of Atlanta’s pro teams on the list.
According to Forbes' calculations, Jones earned $27.2 million in a 12-month period, thanks to the contract extension he signed with the Falcons in August. That was enough for him to rank 43rd on the list.
“The new pact included a $12 million signing bonus and a pair of roster bonuses in the first 12 months worth a combined $11.5 million,” wrote Forbes, which put Jones’ endorsement income at $1.2 million for the year.
Three NFL players who played college football in the state of Georgia also made the list of the world's highest paid athletes from salary, bonuses and endorsements over the past 12 months.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green ranked 30th at $33.3 million, Denver Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas 73rd at $23.4 million and Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston 89th at $21.8 million. Green and Houston played at Georgia and Thomas at Georgia Tech. All three signed contract extensions last year with huge bonuses.
Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was ranked No. 1 on the Forbes list with earnings of $88 million over the past year, including $32 million from endorsements.
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