Three members of the New Orleans Saints made the list of the top 50 NFL players in merchandise sales, per an annual report from the NFL Players Association. The NFLPA tracked sales for players from March 1, 2018 to February 28, 2019, and found several Saints superstars among the league leaders.
Quarterback Drew Brees paced the group at No. 10. Rising star running back Alvin Kamara wasn’t far behind at No. 18. And All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas rounded them out at No. 47, two spots ahead of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. But who’s counting?
This is the clearest evidence yet that these new-look Saints teams are different from groups in the past. Brees has been surrounded by teammates in the national spotlight before, like Reggie Bush and Jimmy Graham, but few of them have had as much success with their off-field brands as youngsters Kamara and Thomas.
As for the rest of the list: Tom Brady is in the top spot, as expected. He’s followed by Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz, Ezekiel Elliott, Patrick Mahomes. and Saquon Barkley.
The message there is clear: want to sell a billion jerseys? Win six Super Bowl trophies, or star for a big media market like Dallas, Philadelphia, or New York. Or win league MVP in your first year on the job at age 23. Take your pick.
