In a historic shift atop the NFL’s retail hierarchy, Saquon Barkley has claimed the No. 1 spot on the NFLPA’s Year-End Top 50 Player Sales List, becoming the first running back since 2017 to lead all players in officially licensed merchandise sales. Barkley, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, ends Patrick Mahomes’ long-standing reign as the league’s top-selling player.
This milestone caps off an extraordinary 15-month stretch for Barkley, who has won a Super Bowl, been named NFL Offensive Player of the Year, broke the single-season rushing record, and now graces the cover of EA Sports’ “Madden” franchise. Add “merch king” to the résumé.
Top 10 NFLPA Player Sales (Year-End)
- Saquon Barkley, RB (Eagles)
- Patrick Mahomes, QB (Chiefs)
- Jalen Hurts, QB (Eagles)
- Jayden Daniels, QB (Commanders)
- C.J. Stroud, QB (Texans)
- Josh Allen, QB (Bills)
- Aidan Hutchinson, DE (Lions)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR (Lions)
- Micah Parsons, LB (Cowboys)
- Justin Jefferson, WR (Vikings)
The list reflects the rising popularity of young stars and dynamic playmakers, with breakout names like Jayden Daniels and C.J. Stroud cracking the top five, and the Detroit Lions earning two top-10 spots thanks to Hutchinson and St. Brown.
But perhaps no storyline is as striking as Barkley’s post-Giants glow-up. Since New York let him walk in favor of Daniel Jones, Barkley has thrived in every possible way. Giants fans may want to look away—what could have been is now one of the league’s biggest “what-if” narratives.
From Undervalued to Unstoppable
Barkley’s leap to the top underscores the league’s shift toward star power beyond just quarterbacks. His jersey, memorabilia, and branded gear have become must-have items for fans nationwide, reflecting not just on-field excellence but elite marketability.
With a new season approaching, Barkley stands not only as a top-tier athlete but as the face of the NFL’s merchandising future.
