In the land of football, where riches rain down on the gridiron gods, the money game is no joke. With the average NFL player pulling in a cool $860K a season and Lamar Jackson stacking up a jaw-dropping $52 million a year, you'd think they'd never see the red in their bank accounts. But, oh boy, you'd be dead wrong!

Despite swimming in millions during their glorious careers, here are some iconic athletes who managed to drain their bankrolls faster than a water boy refilling Gatorade bottles. They fell victim to lavish spending, disastrous investments, family matters, divorces, and financial advice. Meet the 24-power players who threw their fortunes into the end zone.

Next: The most troubled NFL player award goes to…

Travis Henry

Travis Henry's NFL journey had it all, from fame to misfortune. Once heralded as a rising star for the Buffalo Bills, his career took a nosedive when he lost his starting spot and demanded a trade. From there on, his previously budding career spiraled downward. Fate dealt him a cruel hand with seemingly never-ending problems.

The one-time Pro Bowler got involved with shady business, which came with consequences. Amidst the chaos, he grappled with the overwhelming financial strain of supporting his extensive brood, with child support payments exceeding $170K a year for more than ten children.

Next: From touchdowns to debt: a running back's costly fumble.

Adrian Peterson

Meet Adrian Peterson, the free agent running back whose financial struggles have become the talk of the town thanks to the keen eyes of The Athletic. His money woes began with a series of investment blunders that would make even the most level-headed investors cringe. The poor guy took out loans to dive into some questionable ventures.

When those ventures belly-flopped, he needed more loans to stay afloat. Adrian's loan interest is $2,207 daily, causing a financial ripple effect with the legal requirement to pay the $8.3 million he owes. We understand why he has to keep playing.

Next: There's more to those deceiving looks than meet the eye!

Ray Rice

In a jaw-dropping twist that left fans and teammates thunderstruck, Ray Rice, once hailed as popular and image-conscious, found himself in hot water when arrested in February 2014. It was a curveball that no one saw coming, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Following the running back's suspension and fine, his contract was terminated seven months later. Video footage showed an onslaught with his then-fiancee, an image that has stuck with him apart from ending his football career. He now shares his story with both amateur and professional football players to make a change.

Next: A daring challenge to the authorities.

Mark Ingram, Sr.

In a tale of gridiron glory turned financial folly, Mark Ingram, Sr., the patriarch of a football dynasty, found himself in a wide web of troubles. As a wide receiver for the New York Giants, he danced his way to a Super Bowl victory in 1991, basking in the sweet taste of success.

However, the game of life took an unexpected turn when he hung up his cleats and dove headfirst into all the wrong things. Moreover, he went to the cooler for a number of different issues, including a sneaky change of address.

Next: A case of multiple suspicions.

Clinton Portis

In a wild twist of fate, Clinton Portis, once a dazzling Redskins player who sprinted to an eight-year, $50.5 million NFL contract in 2004, was on a financial rollercoaster. The former star, who retired in 2010, shockingly filed for bankruptcy in 2015, leaving fans in utter disbelief.

With a list of debts and a suspected case, Clinton owed several entities and personalities over $1.76 million, but that was just the very start of his financial turmoil. The two-time Pro Bowler was accused of submitting nearly a whopping $4 million in claims.

Next: Mistaken identity or a case of culpability?

Michael Vick

Once a fiery Falcons quarterback, Michael Vick's rollercoaster life has taken more twists and turns than a wild football game. In 2001, he skyrocketed into the spotlight with a staggering $62 million contract to grace Atlanta's arena. Unfortunately, fate had some wicked surprises in store for him.

In 2007, he went to the cooler for his involvement in fighting and came out to a staggering $19 million debt to different entities. The four-time Pro Bowler has since gathered the pieces of his life to venture into various activities, including sports analysis and spokesmanship for various interest groups.

Next: When the long arm of the government is impossible to evade!

Lawrence Taylor

While netting a really impressive $4.6 million at the height of his career, the two-time Super Bowl champion, Lawrence "L. T." Taylor, decided to show his spending mettle, chucking about $1K every day on services, much like the linebacker calls he made on the pitch. He played as an outside linebacker for the New York Giants from 1981 to 1993.

In 1998, he filed for bankruptcy after a habit that had him spending "thousands of dollars" every day. During that time, his $10 million business also fizzled out. The poor guy!

Next: From pro bowls to child support woes.

Chris McAlister

A virtuoso named Chris McAlister once graced the NFL stage, tantalizing fans and opponents alike with his prowess on the field. Pro Bowl appearances were his calling card; he earned three alongside his Super Bowl championship medal. He even sealed a mammoth six-year, $55 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens in 2004.

Fate has a wicked sense of humor. Chris found himself off the NOLA roster soon after, and in 2011, TMZ reported that he had filed a petition seeking respite from his towering monthly child support burden of $11K. His affidavit revealed his refuge under his parents' roof.

Next: He can easily pass for NFL's ultimate journeyman.

Andre Rison

In the world of the NFL, where lifestyles are fast and fabulous, careers can fizzle out like a firework on a rainy day. Enter the enigmatic Andre "Bad Moon" Rison, whose football journey resembles a wild rollercoaster ride, complete with heart-stopping team jumps, undeniable talent, and occasional lackluster performances.

Having officially retired in 2004, he joined the Toronto Argonauts, a CFL team, but was released the following year. Andre's life took a turn for the worse as he revealed splurging a staggering $1 million on jewelry alone. His extravagance led to his 2007 bankruptcy due to child support requirements. He's managed to claw his way back into coaching.

Next: His on-field rocket speed couldn't carry him through business.

Raghib "Rocket" Ismail

Raghib "Rocket" Ismail, the speedster extraordinaire, has soared through a different kind of fame since his football days. According to Sportscasting, he holds the unconventional title of having more failed businesses than any other athlete. From a prepaid phone card dispenser to a rock-n-roll-themed restaurant and even a calligraphy business, his entrepreneurial endeavors became a blast gone awry.

Even his over seven-year lucrative Dallas Cowboys deal, and nifty signing bonus couldn't save his poor business acumen. With time, he's learned to manage his finances, having worked as a sports analyst and Slamball coach.

Next: A tale of ballin' into bankruptcy.

Warren Sapp

At the height of his NFL career, Warren Sapp won a Super Bowl and was a seven-time Pro Bowler plying his trade as a defensive tackle. At that time, his multi-million-dollar NFL contracts totaled a whopping $76 million. He had an endearing pension, an annuity, and assets worth $6.4 million.

Warren also had the spoils from endorsements, reality TV appearances, riveting speeches, and a book deal. Unfortunately, his over-the-top extravagance landed him in legal trouble with bankruptcy resulting from debts that sacked him for a loss. A business gamble aimed at affordable housing left him fumbling for a $6.7 million financial recovery.

Next: From bankrupt to baller: the lineman's ups and downs.

Luther Elliss

In a tale as wild as a fumbled pigskin, retired Detroit Lions lineman Luther Elliss, who once tackled riches on the field, found himself face-masked by a mountain of debt in 2010. With a staggering $4.4 million in liabilities, he had to dodge the delinquent tax blitz and fend off mortgage debt like a seasoned gridiron warrior.

The Salt Lake Tribune revealed that he and his wife carried the weight of legal fees and Christian school tuition, adding a dash of schoolyard woes to their financial fumble. However, the two-time Pro Bowler made a resounding comeback through a sports company, coaching, and motivational speaking.

Next: The invincible financial fumble: from fortune to floundering.

Vince Young

Once hailed as the untouchable titan of the gridiron, Vince Young, the star quarterback who once soared with a $26 million contract, found himself sacked by the harsh reality of bankruptcy. As unbelievable as it sounds, he never bothered to check his financial playbook until after his NFL career came to a screeching halt.

Vince's extravagant habits, like dropping a staggering $15K on a single expedition to The Cheesecake Factory, combined with his towering debts, swiftly intercepted his multi-million-dollar earnings. The Texas coach staged a jaw-dropping comeback with a degree in applied learning and development, broadcasting, business partnerships, and speaking engagements.

Next: When financial obligations and family rarely mix!

Bernie Kosar

Once a gridiron hero, retired quarterback Bernie Kosar found himself in a different kind of game—one involving divorces and sizzling steaks gone cold. Bernie's Steakhouse, a once-promising venture, closed in 2009 when it was booted from its South Miami haven, leaving the quarterback with empty pockets.

Rumor had it that his checking account had dwindled to a measly $44, barely enough for a high-priced latte in today's world. The Super Bowl champion's burning desire for financial stability met challenges from bank dues, personal loans, and the redirection of funds to mortgages and car payments by his father.

Next: From touchdown passes to fiscal crashes.

Johnny Unitas

The gridiron legend Johnny Unitas found himself in a financial pickle in 1991. After gracefully leading the Baltimore Colts to countless victories, the iconic quarterback faced an unexpected challenge with his partners off the field. His daring leap into the business world hit a snag after he borrowed a hefty $3.5 million to acquire National Circuits, Inc.

Failures with the 1984-bought circuit board producer left the three-time NFL champion to face the unsavory reality of bankruptcy. So dire was the situation that even the Super Bowl champion's success on the field became a pale shadow of itself.

Next: When you realize that real estate business venture isn't for everyone.

Charlie Batch

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch found himself dancing on a financial tightrope, risking his treasured Super Bowl rings due to pesky business debts. Bankruptcy threatened to sack him in 2011, which would have cost him a cool $935K salary per year, according to Spotrac.com, the salary savants.

When the bankruptcy storm struck, he tumbled into a whopping $8.3 million debt pit from his real estate ventures and a further $1.15 million mortgage default. After losing 25 properties in the process, the two-time Pro Bowler dusted himself off to join Champs Sports Network as a color analyst.

Next: How hard it proved to drive off a car dealership business deal.

Deuce McAllister

One would think that retired running back Deuce McAllister knew a thing or two about running his finances during his playing days. The Super Bowl champion failed to manage his seven-year, $50.1 million contract signed in 2005, investing in a failed car dealership with Nissan. The deal went under in just four years of inking.

Worse still, Deuce got sued by the vehicle manufacturer for over $1.5 million in defaulted payments and exceeding credit limits. As if that wasn't enough, the two-time Pro Bowler's Luling home became a bank's property due to $1.8 million in owed mortgage payments.

Next: If failure would qualify to be one's mate!

Mark Brunell

Former quarterback Mark Brunell soared to great financial heights, raking in a cool $50 million, but fate had other things in store for him. In a twist worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy, he found himself entangled in six lawsuits in 2011. To add insult to injury, bankruptcy came knocking on his door that very same year.

The fallen Super Bowl champion and the hero had quite the entrepreneurial spirit, venturing into the treacherous terrain of five doomed business escapades. With debts totaling a staggering $24.8 billion, the piggy bank was a mere illusion for him and his dear wife. He did make a remarkable recovery.

Next: Failing to strike when the iron was hot.

John Elway

The two-time Super Bowl champion and Broncos' Hall of Famer John Elway harvested heavily on the pitch, not so much outside it. He made a poor investment decision in 2010, falling for the allure of a Ponzi scheme. Together with his car business partner, the nine-time Pro Bowler lost a $15 million investment in a Sean Mueller-run "hedge fund."

Luck wasn't on this Super Bowl MVP's side in 2016 when he missed out on a lucrative deal that offered him a 10% stake in the Denver Broncos. He needed to spend about $15 million, forgoing his $21 million salary, to seal the deal that was estimated at $388 million.

Next: A love scandal that led to financial depreciation.

Tiki Barber

Several sources reported that former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber lost his financial prowess when he left his wife of 11 years, pregnant. Instead, he opted for an intern as soon as NBC ended his contract worth an estimated $300K a year. Before the alleged scandal, he was the "Today Show" football analyst and contributor.

Tiki was unfortunate to suffer the introduction of the hidden "morality clause" that the network dropped in 2010. His attempted return to professional football failed, but the three-time Pro Bowler has written many children's books, hosted radio shows, and acted in plays.

Next: Weighed down by investments and parental obligations.

Dermontti Dawson

In 2010, former NFL long snapper and center Dermontti Dawson listed a debt of $69 million when he filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7. The former Pittsburgh Steelers player owed millions due to several mortgage payments and multiple real estate developments. These debts accrued from his Kentucky, Nicholasville, and 41-foot motor residence.

Oddly enough, the six-time first-team All-Pro's wealth at the time included weight machines, a real and fake Role, and guns valued at $22K. Dermontti also had a running college tuition fee for his son in the region of $3.6K a month.

Next: Shifting from gridiron glory to life's unexpected tackles.

William "The Refrigerator" Perry

The jovial and larger-than-life William "The Refrigerator" Perry became a gridiron legend, cashing in millions of dollars with his infectious smile and record-breaking plays as the heaviest running back to ever grace the NFL. Sports Illustrated revealed that his fortune had vanished, leaving him with nothing but memories.

He even had to part ways with his cherished Super Bowl ring for a modest $200K to make ends meet. He was battling demons and declining health. The Super Bowl champion finds solace in the support of his brother amidst the setbacks and the safety net of social security and disability funds from the NFL.

Next: From titanic business turmoil to TV triumph.

Dan Marino

The former Miami Dolphins quarterback, found himself caught in a tempestuous financial storm. In 2012, he took a leap of faith by backing a company founded by James Cameron. Digital Domain Media Group, known for its spellbinding visual effects in blockbusters like Titanic and Apollo 13, crashed and burned, leaving Marino with a staggering loss.

As the dust settled, Digital Domain rose from the ashes, proving that even the mightiest can bounce back. The one-time MVP gracefully transitioned to broadcasting. He has since taken on the role of a special advisor, guiding the team's leadership with his wealth of experience and unwavering passion.

Next: The wrath of risky investments and child support.

Terrell "T.O." Owens

Once upon a time, the infamous Terrell "T.O." Owens dazzled NFL fans with his jaw-dropping catches and notorious touchdowns. He courted controversy while raking in a whopping $80 million during his football career with teams like the Dallas Cowboys. However, fast forward to today, and the story has taken an unexpected twist.

In a GQ interview, the 6-time Pro Bowler candidly confessed that his fortune had vanished into thin air. Risky investments, hefty child support payments, and the devastating real estate market collapse all took their toll. T.O. has since recovered with his very own wine label, an athleisure clothing line, and a captivating weekly podcast.