12 NFL players with the highest-selling jerseys in 2016
You don't have to be a genius to know that in the world of professional sports talent on the field usually equates to popularity off it. The more a player dominates the rest of the competition, the more likely fans are going to go out of their way to be associated with said player. And in the National Football League, that tends to mean one thing: jersey sales.
If you're one of the premiere players in the NFL, then there's a good chance the fans — particularly those who truly love their hometown team — are going to spend big bucks on your top. The fact is, love means loyalty, and loyalty means merchandise sales. Welcome to "Sports Commerce 101." Of course, as you might expect, some players are more popular than others. And if we happen to be going by jersey sales, then we know which ones stand out among the rest.
According to the sales from April 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016 on NFLShop.com, the NFL's official online site, here's a look at the 12 players with the highest-selling jerseys in the NFL in 2016.
12. DEREK CARR, OAKLAND RAIDERS, QB
In 2015, his second season in the NFL, Derek Carr completed 61.1% of his passes, threw for 3,987 yards, and finished with 32 touchdown and only 13 interceptions. He led the Oakland Raiders to a 7-9 mark, helped make them relevant once again in the AFC West, and earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Not bad for a guy who had to wait until the 36th pick of the 2014 draft to hear his name called.
11. RUSSELL WILSON, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, QB
Since being selected No. 75 overall in the 2012 draft, all Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson has done is win 46 regular season games, make three Pro Bowls, and lead the Seahawks to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, including a victory in the 2013 season. While having one of the most popular jerseys in football is nice, we'd say it pales in comparison to this recent Wilson accomplishment. Well played, Russell.
10. VON MILLER, DENVER BRONCOS, LB
In fives seasons, Von Miller has made four Pro Bowls, earned two All-Pro recognitions, and established himself as one of the most feared and dominant players in the game. Not only that, but he recently became thehighest-paid defensive player in NFL history. Knowing that he also has one of the top-selling jerseys in all of football, well, that's just icing on the cake.
9. ANTONIO BROWN, PITTSBURGH STEELERS, WR
If you ask us, Antonio Brown is the best wide receiver in all of football. The dude is absolutely unstoppable, finishing the last two seasons as the league-leader in receptions (129 in 2014 and 136 in 2015) while also compiling 1,698 and 1,834 receiving yards respectively. The only thing that comes close to rivaling his gameon the field is his hair game. And that's saying something.
8. KHALIL MACK, OAKLAND RAIDERS, LB/DE
Khalil Mack is so good that in 2015 he became the first player ever to earn All-Pro honors at two different positions (linebacker and defensive end). Considering it was only his second season in the NFL, we'd say the best it yet to come for the Oakland Raiders superstar.
7. AARON RODGERS, GREEN BAY PACKERS, QB
Since becoming the full-time starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers back in 2008, Aaron Rodgers has emerged as one of the greatest gunslingers the game has ever seen. The numbers back this up. If he's able maintain this level of play, and win a few more Super Bowls in the process, he has a chance to go down as the greatest QB who ever lived.
6. CARSON WENTZ, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, QB
Carson Wentz has yet to take an NFL snap and already he has one of the top-selling jerseys in the league. Not only that, there's a good chance he won't see the field at all in 2016. The Philadelphia faithful must really believe that they've (finally) found their franchise quarterback. When you think about what the Eagles gave up to be able to move up to No. 2 and take the former North Dakota State standout, let's hope they're right.
5. ROB GRONKOWSKI, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, QB
Some people buy Rob Gronkowski's jersey because he's the greatest — or will be when he retires — tight end in NFL history, others buy it because he's a hilarious man-child who knows he's getting paid a ton of money to play a game that he would most certainly play for free, while at the same time, having has much fun as he possibly can while doing so. Either way, people want to rock Gronk's gear — and we wholeheartedly support their decision.
4. CAM NEWTON, CAROLINA PANTHERS, QB
Cam Newton is the reigning MVP of a team that went 15-1 in the record season last year. He smile is infectious, his "dab" was contagious, and he constantly plays the game with a smile on his face (except during Super Bowl 50). How could you not want to buy his jersey?
3. ODELL BECKHAM JR., NEW YORK GIANTS, WR
It may have taken one special catch to put Odell Beckham Jr. on the map, but after watching him raise his game in his sophomore season, it's obvious that he's much more than a single highlight. In 2015, Beckhamcaught 96 passes for 1,450 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns and established himself as one of the game's top playmakers. We can't wait to see what he does in Year 3.
2. TOM BRADY, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, QB
Suspension or not, Tom Brady is the face of the New England Patriots and quite possibly the greatest quarterback in the history of the National Football League. We'd actually be more surprised if his jersey's weren'tflying off the shelves.
1. EZEKIEL ELLIOTT, DALLAS COWBOYS, RB
Speaking of surprises — yes, Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott currently has the best-selling jersey in all of football. One would think this sort of pressure might be too much for a first-year player to handle. Under normal circumstances, that might be the case. Fortunately for the Dallas faithful, Zeke has already shown that he is not your average rookie. The newest "star" has the style to live up to the hype.
