Colts tackle Anthony Castonzo named one of 100 highest-paid athletes in the world

Last year, Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo signed a large contract extension worth $43.812 million over four years with $35 million guaranteed. That new deal helped him make Forbes list of the 100 highest-paid athletes in the world for 2016.

Castonzo came in tied at number 79 on the list with the Blue Jays’ Troy Tulowitzki after earning $22.5 million total last year. He made most of that in salary and winnings ($22.5M), though he did add $35,000 in endorsements. Though he was 79th overall in total earnings on the list of 100, he received the lowest endorsement money of anyone on the list. Here’s what Forbes wrote about Castonzo:

The Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle cashed in last year with a four-year, $43.8 million contract extension. Castonzo's first-year payout was $22.5 million including an $14 million signing bonus, $4 million base and $4.5 million roster bonus. Before being drafted in the first round in 2011, he set a school record with 54 career starts on the offensive line at Boston College. Castonzo played the most snaps of any offensive lineman during the 2014 season. Like most offensive lineman, Castonzo's off-field earnings are slight, but he is part of the Nike family.

The top three on the list are Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and LeBron James, while the highest football player is Cam Newton at number seven with $53.1 million in total earnings. 19 other NFL players joined Castonzo on the list, bringing the total to 21 football players in total. Castonzo is just one of two offensive linemen to make this year’s list, joining the Redskins’ Trent Williams (who was ranked 53rd).

The new contract is paying off already for the Colts’ left tackle, as he cashed in last year in a big way. A large part of his salary last year was due to a significant signing bonus, but he’ll still be nicely paid in each of the next four years as he continues as the blindside protector for Andrew Luck.