Now that the Christmas season is over, the jersey sales numbers serve as an unofficial popularity indicator of NFL Players, and the results aren’t too surprising. Quarterbacks occupy 7 of the top 10 spots on the list, and defending Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers has the top spot, based on jersey sales on the NFL’s website from April 1 to December 31.
Second place on the list goes to Broncos QB Tim Tebow, who hasn’t put up the most stellar passing numbers but who has definitely been one of the biggest stories for much of the season. The 7-1 stretch he led the Broncos to mid-season, including 5 come-from-behind victories, captured the underdog story of the year.
Steelers All Pro safety Troy Polamalu earned the third slot on the list after another solid year. And the record breaking season turned in by Drew Brees, and perennial favorite Tom Brady fell in at fourth and fifth.
Surprisingly, there were no running backs on the list at all this season, partly an indicator of the fact that the new rules have turned the NFL into an even more passing-oriented league than it was before. The three non-quarterbacks in the top ten were Polamalu, Packers linebacker Clay Matthews and Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin, despite him missing several games with injuries.
1) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
2) Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos
3) Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
4) Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
5) Tom Brady, New England Patriots
6) Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers
7) Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles
8) Eli Manning, New York Giants
9) Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
10) Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys
On a team basis, last year’s Super Bowl representatives were first and second, although the Steelers won the merchandise battle finished first to the Packers’ second place, followed by the Cowboys, Patriots and Bears.
