Of all the pass-catchers in the NFL, guess which one generated the most memorabilia sales in 2013? Before you even open your mouth I can confidently retort “Wrong.”
Why? Because no, the answer isn’t Calvin Johnson or Josh Gordon or A.J. Green or Jimmy Graham. Instead, the pass-catcher with the popular persona is about to enter his 12th season as a Dallas Cowboy in a career as one of the NFL’s all-time best tight ends.
Jason Witten, take a bow. Another one. Cha-ching.
In a list released by NFL Players Inc., Witten ranked No. 15 among all players in jersey and memorabilia sales via online and traditional over-the-counter outlets. Witten was also the highest-ranked Cowboy, besting Tony Romo (22), DeMarcus Ware (29), Dez Bryant (30) and Miles Austin (34).
Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson was No. 1, followed by Peyton Manning, Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III and Aaron Rodgers. In fact, nine of the Top 10 are quarterbacks. Marshawn Lynch is the highest-ranked non-quarterback at No. 7 and J.J. Watt is the top defensive player at No. 11.
NFLPI Top 50 Player Sales Rankings
1. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
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2. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
3. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
4. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
6. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
7. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
8. Eli Manning, New York Giants
9. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
10. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
11. J.J. Watt, Houston Texans
12. Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks
13. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
14. Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers
15. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
16. Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers
17. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
18. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
19. Arian Foster, Houston Texans
20. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
21. Victor Cruz, New York Giants
22. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
23. Wes Welker, Denver Broncos
24. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
25. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
26. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
27. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
28. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
29. DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys
30. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
31. Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears
32. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
33. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
34. Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys
35. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
36. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
37. Trent Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
38. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
39. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
40. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
41. Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints
42. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers
43. Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
44. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
45. Von Miller, Denver Broncos
46. Eric Decker, Denver Broncos
47. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
48. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
49. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
50. Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
