In the NFL, it pays to be popular. According to the agreement between the NFLPA, the players’ union, and the league, players gets two-thirds of the money made by selling jerseys. The other third goes to the union, and a portion of that goes into a pool for all NFL players.
The 2015-2016 season saw a record for overall sales, raking in $1.55 billion and eclipsing the previous year’s total of $1.4 billion, according to CNN. Sales are not limited to just jerseys, it includes the money made from bobbleheads, koozies, socks, etc. During the 2016 season, Tom Brady led the entire NFL with $20 million in total sales.
Suffice it to say, jersey sales are gravy trains for players. According to the NFL Shop numbers, America is excited about the return of Marshawn Lynch, as the running back was the top seller in 14 different states across America on his way to becoming a preseason #1 jersey seller. Tom Brady and Dak Prescott grabbed silver and gold, respectively, while Colin Kaepernick’s 49ers jersey ranked 17th, despite not having a team yet.
By state:
List snubs: Johnny Manziel, Aaron Hernandez, Ryan Leaf.
[h/t Total Pro Sports]