The NFL Players Association (NFLPA), Washington, D.C., via its marketing and licensing arm, NFL Players Inc., unveiled the NFLPA 2016 Rising 50, its second-annual list of players it believes are best positioned to rank among top sellers of all officially licensed merchandise.
The NFLPA Rising 50 takes into account on-field performances during the 2015 season, fantasy-league popularity, early demand from sponsors and licensees, and new faces in strong markets as factors determining future sales potential.
“We strive to provide partners with a depth of player knowledge they can’t get anywhere else,” says Steve Scebelo, NFLPA vice president of business development and licensing. “And, through resources like the Rising 50 list, we can encourage them to create more products that represent an even wider variety of players who have so many unique characteristics.”
Atop the list is Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley. Joining him in the top five are Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff and Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot.
For the full list, click here. For more information, visit nflpa.com. — J.B.