ED SHEERANI , AGE 25
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$ 33.5M The Brit bagged two Grammy wins for his single “ Thinking Out Loud ” from his studio album x , which has shifted 2.6 million copies since its 2014 release . The singer-songwriter also rakes in millions from co-writing hits such as Justin Bieber ’ s “ Love Yourself ” and recently started his own aptly named label , Gingerbread Man .
KEI NISHIKORI , AGE 25
$ 33.5M Nishikori is the No . 6 tennis player in the world . He is the only Japanese pro to ever break the ATP Top 10 and the first Asian athlete to make a men ’ s Grand Slam final . Nishikori earned $ 33.5 million almost entirely in endorsement deals ; his 15 sponsors include Wilson , Adidas and Jaguar . His contract renewal with Japanese apparel brand Uniqlo is worth tens of millions annually .
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A . J . GREEN , AGE 28
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$ 33.5M In September 2015 , A . J . Green signed a four-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals that is worth $ 60 million . The contract extension includes a $ 15 million signing bonus and $ 6 million roster bonus . His $ 11.75 million base salary is just icing on the cake .
DERRICK ROSE , AGE 28
$ 34M After seven seasons playing for Chicago , the Bulls traded Rose to the Knicks in July . Injuries have derailed the career of the former MVP and No . 1 overall draft pick . He has one season left on the five-year , $ 95 million deal he signed with the Bulls at the end of 2011 . Rose is one of the NBA ’ s top earners off the court thanks a 13-year Adidas deal worth up to $ 185 million .
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MARCELL DAREUS , AGE 26
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$ 35M In September 2015 , the 26-year-old inked a six-year , $ 96.6 million contract extension with the Buffalo Bills . Dareus ’ deal included a $ 25 million signing bonus and $ 60 million in guaranteed money , the most ever for anon-quarterback . The defensive tackle only garners approximately $ 100,000 in endorsements , the lowest of any NFL player on the Celebrity 100 .