Move over, Jalen Hurts: Saquon Barkley leads NFL in player merchandise sales during historic 2024 season

Yahoo

a day ago

The 2024 NFL season might be over, but Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley continues to top statistical leaderboards. Barkley led all NFL players in merchandise sales during his debut season with the Eagles, the NFLPA announced Wednesday.
In doing so, he dethroned teammate Jalen Hurts, who led the NFL in merch sales during the 2023 season. The Eagles have been well-represented on that list that past two seasons, as center Jason Kelce ranked second in merch sales in 2023.
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Hurts didn't fall too far behind Barkley on the 2024 list, which included player sales between March, 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025. The Eagles' quarterback finished third in merch sales last season, behind Barkley and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that NFL fans rushed out to buy Barkley merchandise last season. In his first year with the Eagles, Barkley put up historic numbers. The 28-year-old rushed for an incredible 2,005 yards in 16 games, becoming only the ninth running back to reach the milestone. He scored 13 rushing touchdowns — and 2 receiving touchdowns — and helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl win.
Here's how the rest of the top-10 shook out:
1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
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2. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
3. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
4. Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders
5. C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
6. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
7. Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
8. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
9. Micah Parsons, OLB, Dallas Cowboys
10. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Very few names on that list should come as a surprise. Those 10 players are among the best and most popular in the NFL. It's notable, however, that Barkley is the only running back in the top-10. The next highest running back on the list was San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey, who came in at No. 15.
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Due to a fantastic rookie season, Jayden Daniels ranked fourth on the list. That figure easily led all rookies, with Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams ranking No. 13.
The list also marks the third year in a row a new player has led the NFL in player merch. The last player to repeat at the top of the list was Tom Brady, who led it in both 2021 and 2022.
With Brady's playing days behind him, a different player could steal the title away from Barkley next season. While smart money is on an already established superstar, maybe Cam Ward or Travis Hunter will see their names near the top of next year's list if they play up to their potential immediately.