Three Houston Texans landed on the top-50 list for NFL player sales from March 1 to May 31, 2019.
According to data from the NFL Players Association, quarterback Deshaun Watson, receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and defensive end J.J. Watt were among the top half-hundred of player products and merchandise that was officially licensed by the NFL.
Watson landed at No. 12 on the list. Tom Brady (No. 1), Sam Darnold (No. 4), Baker Mayfield (No. 5), Patrick Mahomes (No. 6), Aaron Rodgers (No. 7), and Mitch Trubisky (No. 11) were the only other quarterbacks ahead of Watson.
Hopkins was the seventh-highest ranked receiver. Odell Beckham (No. 2), Antonio Brown (No. 8), Julian Edelman (No. 15), Davante Adams (No. 23), JuJu Smith-Schuster (No. 25), Adam Thielen (No. 28) were ahead of the two-time All-Pro.
The only other defender, let alone edge rusher, ahead of Watt was Khalil Mack (No. 3).
What the rankings say more than anything is that there is a sense of excitement surrounding the Texans. Houston managed an 11-5 record and won the AFC South despite an 0-3 start and losing No. 2 receiver Will Fuller to a torn ACL in Week 8 and not having consistent availability from slot receiver Keke Coutee. However, the 11 wins with Watson under center, Watt producing 16.0 sacks, and Hopkins nearly setting the club’s single-season record for catches and receiving yards has fans thinking the Texans could be capable of more.
