NFLPA Names 2019 Rising Stars

Newly drafted NFL players Kyler Murray, Nick Bosa and Dwayne Haskins are projected to be the top-selling NFL players of the future, according to the 2019 NFLPA Rising Stars list.

The ranking projects the next crop of football players anticipated to be a top-ranked seller of player-identified merchandise for NFLPA sponsors, licensees and retailers. This year, Murray (No. 1 draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals) leads 10 rookies expected by the NFLPA to finish among future retail leaders. Other new NFL players on the list include Bosa (drafted No. 2 by the San Francisco 49ers), Haskins (selected No. 15 by the Washington Redskins) and Josh Jacobs (picked No. 24 by the Oakland Raiders).

NFLPA’s list also includes a variety of non-rookie players. Among this year’s veteran crop includes Phillip Lindsay (Denver Broncos), Davante Adams (Green Bay Packers), Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns) and Sony Michel (New England Patriots).

“Each season, players have a chance to break out on the field and, as a result, become leaders in player retail sales,” said Steve Scebelo, vice president, licensing and business development, NFL Players Inc. “With so many talented athletes who have incredibly diverse personalities and passionate fan bases, we are always pleased to see when these predictions are bornes out, and just as pleased to have additional players break through and show their retail might.”

Players on the Rising Stars list hope to one day become top jersey sellers and join the likes of New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady, who was named the best seller for the 2018-2019 season.