10 NFL Stars That Went Completely Broke

2. JaMarcus Russell - Career Earnings: $40m

** FILE ** Louisiana State quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) throws a pass in first half college football action against Louisiana-Lafayette in Baton Rouge, La. in this Sept. 2, 2006 file photo. No. 3 Auburn and No. 6 LSU meet on Saturday, in a burgeoning
BILL HABER/AP

Widely regarded as one of the biggest draft busts of all time - JaMarcus Russell threw away every opportunity that was handed to him during his brief stint in the league. He was the first overall draft pick of the 2007 season, earning $40m in his 3 year career. He was arrested in a sweeping series of codeine abuse investigations throughout the US.

Legal fees and leaving the league so early haven't helped Russell's situation, with him falling behind on mortgage repayments and owing a stack of back-taxes in recent years. He attempted to jump-start his career in 2013, but failed to attract any interest.

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