The football world was stunned this past March when the San Francisco 49ers traded their All-Pro defensive lineman DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts. The former Punahou Buffanblu standout wasn’t about to complain, however, and for good reason. Buckner signed a new four-year, $84-million contract with the Colts – more than $44 million is guaranteed. With the deal, Buckner vaults to the top of the money list of professional athletes with Hawaii ties.

Below is the “Magnificent Seven” of Hawaii sports salaries. Our source was Spotrac.com, which provides contract details for the major sports leagues in the U.S. Athletes in individual sports were not included on this list. Also, actual contract payouts for the 2020 will be less for baseball, given the shortened season due to COVID-19.

 

1. DeFOREST BUCKNER

Defensive Tackle, Indianapolis Colts.

High School: Punahou

2020 Salary: $23,378,000. ($12,378,000 base + $11,000,000 roster bonus)

 

2. KOLTEN WONG

Second Baseman, St. Louis Cardinals

Schools: Kamehameha-Hawaii, University of Hawaii

2020 Salary: $10,250,000

 

3. MARCUS MARIOTA

Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders

High School: Saint Louis

2020 Salary: $9,125,000 ($7,500,000 base + $1,625,000 incentives)

 

4. KIRBY YATES

Relief Pitcher, San Diego Padres

High School: Kauai HS

2020 Salary: $7,062,500

 

5. KURT SUZUKI

Catcher, Washington Nationals

High School: Baldwin

2020 Salary: $6,000,000

 

6. TUA TAGOVAILOA

Quarterback, Miami Dolphins

High School: Saint Louis School

2020 Salary: $5,504,625 ($610,000 base + $4,894,625 signing bonus)

 

7. KA‘IMI FAIRBAIRN

Placekicker, Houston Texans

High School: Punahou

2020 Salary: $4,750,000 ($4,000,000 base + $750,000 signing bonus)

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