Aidan Hutchinson: Historic NFL Contract for Swiss Star

Although his name is now well known in the United States, his reputation has not crossed the Atlantic, except among connoisseurs of American football. And for good reason: this American citizen, who has little-known Swiss origins, is one of the stars of the NFL.

Drafted in 2nd position in the 2022 draft by Detroit, the Michigan native quickly established himself among the best defenders in the league. So much so that his franchise offered him a four-year, $180 million contract last week, $141 million of which will be guaranteed no matter what. Unheard of in the NFL for a player playing a position other than quarterback.

This amount also enters the annals of Switzerland. Earning almost $15 million this season (the equivalent of 11.6 million francs), Aidan Hutchinson is already the highest-paid Swiss athlete, in terms of salary, ahead of NHL stars Roman Josi ($9 million, 7.3 million francs), Timo Meier ($8.8 million, 7.1 million francs), Kevin Fiala ($7.9 million, 6.4 million francs) and Nico Hischier ($7.2 million, 5.9 million francs). Its extension will project it into a new dimension: with an average of 35.2 million dollars (28.6 million francs) per year insured, Aidan Hutchinson will surpass all the highest emoluments in the history of Swiss sport.

The approximately 941,200 francs in earnings received by Marco Odermatt during the 2022-2023 season of the Alpine Ski World Cup? A trifle. The 8.15 million dollars (7.8 million francs) received by Xherdan Shaqiri when he defended the colors of Chicago in MLS? Derisory. The 22.3 million dollars (19.6 million francs) that fell into the pockets of Clint Capela to honor his last year in Atlanta, in the NBA, in 2024-2025? Too little.

Even the icon Roger Federer – who entered the billionaires’ club this summer – is not able to compete with the $13 million in prize money collected in 2017, his most lucrative tennis season. For comparison, the “Master” has earned $130.6 million on the ATP circuit in his 24-year career. Less than what Aidan Hutchinson is promised.

There is no trace to prove that the latter actually holds the red passport with a white cross. On the other hand, his link with the homeland is proven. Aidan Hutchinson’s great-grandfather, Giuseppe Bernardi, left his native Ticino – he grew up in Medeglia, near Bellinzona – at the age of 15 to emigrate to the United States. “I didn’t really get to grow up with him, he died when I was very young,” the American footballer told CBS Sports in 2023. “He’s a very influential figure in our family. I am very grateful to have him in my life.”

In his honor, his illustrious descendant displays the Swiss flag on his helmet during a match. “He was a really great guy. There’s not much you can do to highlight his journey, that’s why I like doing this kind of thing,” he explained to CBS Sports.

“Switzerland is one of my favorite places to go, I try to go back as soon as I can,” he also said during a discussion organized in August with Manuel Akanji, adding that he had already been to Medeglia, the original commune. “It was great!”

A few weeks later, Aidan Hutchinson received a Swiss team jersey from the Zurich defender and took the opportunity to encourage the selection of Murat Yakin before the start of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.