Ryan top player

Falcons QB Matt Ryan is No. 1, according to Forbes.com. (USATSI)

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Forbes.com released its list of the 100 highest paid athletes and, not surprisingly, you had to scroll down a bit to find an NFL player. What was surprising, at least to those of us who don't study salary-cap data in our spare time, is that Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is the NFL's highest paid, as measured from June 1, 2013 to June 1, 2014.

Overall, Ryan ranked 10th, earning $43.8 million over the last 12 months. Boxer Floyd Mayweather was No. 1 ($105 million), followed by a mix of stars from the worlds of soccer, the NBA, tennis and golf.

Interestingly, a Major League Baseball player didn't make an appearance until No. 30 (Cliff Lee), though 27 players would be represented in total. The NFL, meanwhile, had 17 names on the list:

10. Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons, $43.8 million

18. Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions, $33 million

26. Peyton Manning, QB, Broncos, $27 million

40. Darrelle Revis, CB, Patriots, $23.8 million

53. Geno Atkins, DL, Bengals, $22.4 million

55. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers, $22 million

62. Joe Haden, CB, Browns, $21.4 million

66. Drew Brees, QB, Saints, $21 million

66. Eli Manning, QB, Giants, $21 million

69. Julius Peppers, DE, Bears, $20.8 million

70. Jason Peters, LT, Eagles, $20.7 million

84. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Bengals, $18.8 million

89. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals, $18.5 million

91. Branden Albert, OT, Dolphins, $18.4 million

94. Jairus Byrd, S, Saints, $18 million

96. Terrell Suggs, DE, Ravens, $17.6 million

97. Brandon Marshall, WR, Bears, $17.5 million

If you're wondering, here's how Forbes.com explained its data-collection methods:

"Our earnings figures include all salaries and bonuses paid out between June 1, 2013 and June 1, 2014. So in the case of baseball players, the listed salary will include salary from the 2012 and 2013 seasons, as well as any signing, award or playoff bonuses. Winnings for golfers and tennis players represents their prize money over that period. NASCAR drivers receive a percentage of their winnings (it is split with the team), as well as a salary.

"Endorsement incomes are an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees and licensing fees for the 12 months through June based on conversations with dozens of industry insiders. ... We do not deduct for taxes or agents' fees and we do not include investment income. We do include income from the sale of a business related to a sponsorship in the case of someone like LeBron James, who made millions via the $3 billion sale of Beats by Dre to Apple"

NFL Hot News

The one in which Steelers rookie RB Dri Archer is compared to Jamaal Charles



It's a simple song and dance. We all want to see the NFL's batch of new, tantalizing stars get on the field already. We can only take away so much from their college tape, and it doesn't really tell us how they will play in the NFL. So, to satisfy that need to know the future in the present, we -- team officials, people in the media, people in general -- make these player-to-player comparisons. Like this. And this. It happens in all sports, but since this is a fantasy football website ....How helpful are those comparisons? Not much at all; it's just for chatter. And here's another one that is really something. NFL Network's Albert Breer reported recently that Steelers rookie running back Dri Archer "has been tagged internally as a miniature version of Jamaal Charles."



Todd Haley, the Steelers' offensive coordinator, coached Charles when he was at the helm in Kansas City from 2009-2011. I would love to know his public opinion on this topic.Archer is certainly quick and fast. He ran a sub-4.30 40-yard dash at the combine. He's short and very light at 5-foot-8, 175 pounds. But, no, let's just go ahead and compare him with perhaps most well-rounded running back in the NFL who is also a very tough inside runner even though he is less than 200 pounds. I doubt Archer has that ability in his bag.Hell, Breer also said in the same piece that Cardinals third-round rookie wideout John Brown is being compared to T.Y. Hilton. Sure, they are similar in size, speed, and athleticism, and Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians used to coach Hilton in Indy. But let's let these kids find their footing in the league first. Do you think every running back who was fast and quick, who was less than 6 feet tall and 200 pounds was the next Jamaal Charles? Every player is different no matter what two players share physically.Let's see Dri Archer be the best Dri Archer. I don't expect him to have a significant offensive role this season. Just take this for what it is and move on.