In our 4th annual installment of tracking the highest paid HBCU alumni who are NFL players, Tennessee State University, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie claims the top spot. This is the first year that the Indianapolis Colts have not had the highest paid HBCU player.
HBCU Money™ FACTS:
- HBCU NFL players combine for $56.4 million, an almost 10 percent increase from 2015, when HBCU NFL players earned $51.44 million.
- South Carolina State University leads the way with 5 NFL players.
- 15 HBCUs are represented in the NFL. Up from 14 in 2015.
- Average salary for HBCU NFL players is $2.08 million, an increase from $2 million in 2015.
- Median salary for HBCU NFL players is $965 000, down 15 percent from 2015.
D. Rodgers-Cromartie – Tennessee State University
Cornerback / New York Giants / $8.0 million
William Hayes – Winston-Salem State University
Defensive End / St. Louis Rams / $7.0 million
Antoine Bethea – Howard University
Safety / San Francisco 49ers /$6.02 million
Marquette King – Fort Valley State University
Punter / Oakland Raiders / $5.05 million
Robert Mathis – Alabama A&M University
Outside Linebacker / Indianapolis Colts / $5.0 million
Chris Baker – Hampton University
Defensive End / Washington Redskins / $4.27 million
Kendall Langford – Hampton University
Defensive End / Indianapolis Colts / $4.25 million
Terron Armstead – University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Left Tackle / New Orleans Saints / $3.07 million
Larry Donnell – Grambling State University
Tight End / New York Giants / $1.67 million
Rafael Bush – South Carolina State University
Free Safety / Detroit Lions / $1.26 million
Anthony Levine – Tennessee State University
Free Safety / Baltimore Ravens / $1.2 million
Eric Weems – Bethune-Cookman University
Wide Receiver / Atlanta Falcons/ $1.1 million
Don Carey – Norfolk State University
Strong Safety / Detroit Lions / $1.0 million
Justin Durant – Hampton University
Inside Linebacker / Dallas Cowboys / $965,000
Greg Toler – Saint Paul’s College
Cornerback / Washington Redskins / $840,000
Ryan Davis – Bethune-Cookman University
Defensive End / Dallas Cowboys / $675,000
Rodney Gunter – Delaware State University
Defensive End / Arizona Cardinals / $652,479
Javon Hargrave – South Carolina State University
Defensive Tackle / Pittsburgh Steelers / $623,314
Demetrius Rhaney – Tennessee State University
Center / St. Louis Rams / $611,474
Isaiah Crowell – Alabama State University
Running Back / Cleveland Browns / $603,334
Ryan Smith – North Carolina Central University
Cornerback / Tampa Bay Buccaneers / $598,040
Joe Thomas – South Carolina State University
Outside Linebacker / Green Bay Packers / $525,000
Temarrick Hemingway – South Carolina State University
Tight End / St. Louis Rams / $489,896
Antonio Hamilton – South Carolina State University
Safety / Oakland Raiders / $450,000
Anthony Lanier – Alabama A&M University
Defensive End /Washington Redskins / $450,000
Chester Rogers – Grambling State University
Wide Receiver / Indianapolis Colts / $450,000
Zamir Charles – Stillman College
Defensive Tackle / San Diego Chargers / $333,000
HBCU Money 