Manziel Jersey Mania
Manziel leads NFL in merchandise sales while Cowboys star drops out of top 10
Cue Johnny Manziel's infamous money gesture: The Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback is the NFL's reigning merchandise king. His new garb, emblazoned with No. 2, outsold all other league jerseys during the first quarter of officially licensed league sales, according to the NFL Players Association.
It marks the first time a Browns player has led shirt sales since the NFL began counting in 2001, according to USA Today.
Manziel's brand includes five T-shirt designs by Nike and a variety of other jerseys through licensed dealers. The Nike line also include a women's shirt with the words "My MANziel." The former Texas A&M star's official jerseys cost around $100 each; T-shirts are less expensive.
For sales from March 1 through May 31, Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt ranked No. 6 and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant ranked No. 8 in jersey sales. However both dropped out of the top 10 for the most recent reporting period from April 1-July 17.
Openly gay athlete Michael Sam zoomed to No. 6 on the list after the NFL draft in early May.
Here's the list for top 10 jersey sellers in the NFL (April 1-July 17):
1. Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns
2. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
3. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
4. Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks
5. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
6. Michael Sam, St. Louis Rams
7. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
8. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
9. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
10. 12th Fan, Seattle Seahawks
Sales for period March 1May 31:
1. Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns
2. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
3. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
4. Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks
5. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
6. J.J. Watt, Houston Texans
7. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
8. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
9. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
10. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
The list is based on total overall sales of all licensed products from online and traditional retail outlets as reported by more than 70 NFLPI licensees such as Nike, VF Imagewear, Fanatics, Outerstuff, Fathead, McFarlane Toys, Oyo Sportstoys, Bleacher Creatures, Forever Collectibles and Photo File. Licensed product categories include men's, women's and youth game jerseys and T-shirts, player murals, figurines, matted and framed photos, bobbleheads, drinkware, jewelry and electronic device accessories, among others.