Johnny Manziel Sells More Jerseys Than Any Other Rookie During 2014 Season
By Bryce Olin
Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Johnny Manziel led all rookies in jersey sales during the 2014 season
What are the keys to selling the most rookie jerseys in the NFL?
Apparently, it’s winning a Heisman trophy, making up your own signature celebration, acting like a spoiled, party boy, and then standing on the sideline for almost the whole season.
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According to Jersey Report, which tracks NFL jersey sales through DICK’S Sporting Goods, Johnny Manziel of the Cleveland Browns sold more jerseys than any other rookie in the NFL during the 2014 season.
Despite only playing in five games, throwing two interceptions, fumbling once, and accounting for only one touchdown during the season, Johnny Football also finished fourth in the league in total jersey sales behind Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, and Russell Wilson.
Manziel finished the season 18-of-35 passing for 175 yards.
I guess it pays to be famous and have superstars from other sports wear your jersey.
It’s an interesting phenomenon, though, that people across the country are buying the jersey of such a polarizing player who doesn’t ever play. In college, however, Manziel was electrifying and one of the most exciting players to watch in the entire country. It’s still weird to me that he sold more jerseys and 99 percent of the league.
Manziel also finished 26 spots higher than the next closest rookie, Sammy Watkins, who sold the 30th most jerseys in the league. Blake Bortles (51st) and Teddy Bridgewater (58th) were the only other rookies to finish in the top 60 in jersey sales, according to Jersey Report.
If the jersey sales were based on who the best rookie was this season, the rookie who would deserve the most praise and jersey sales is Odell Beckham Jr., who lit up the league the last half of the season and made several sensational plays, including his ridiculous one-hander.
This article brought to you by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
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