Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu sold the most jerseys this season, according to NFLShop.com.
It’s the first time since the 2006 season that a defensive player has led the league in jersey sales. That year, Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher sold the most jerseys.
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, who only started two games this season, was knocked out of the top spot to finish third, with New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees at No. 2. Since the NFL started compiling jersey sales stats for the 2001 season, a rookie has never finished the season as the best seller.
Polamalu and Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson are the only non-quarterbacks in the top 12. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is No. 4, followed by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, Jackson, New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre rounding out the top 12.
Sales of Vick’s jersey might be considered by some to be remarkable. Through Oct 31, Vick wasn’t even in the top 25 in jersey sales, according to NFLShop.com. It’s the farthest Favre, who had an injury and scandal marred season, has dropped on the list since he finished the regular season 14th in 2006.
The Atlanta Falcons, who finished the season 13-3 and are the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, didn’t have a single jersey in the top 25. As far as team sales go, the Steelers finished the season in the top spot, followed by the Cowboys, Saints, Eagles, Patriots, Bears, Giants, Packers, Colts and Jets.
