NFL Misfits Sell The Most Jerseys

NFL News - September 1st, 2009 - Written by John

They are among the most blogged about, vilified, and thought-provoking players in the NFL.

It's no surprise they are also the most profitable.

Brett Favre, Michael Vick and Jay Cutler's surge into the spotlight after a turbulent off-season are cashing in big time for the NFL and the teams they play for. The trio are among the top-four jerseys and apparel sold so far this year, the lone exception being Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu, the only one of the group who is hated out of respect rather than his off-the-field antics.
Favre's jersey is cashing in a no. 1, based on sales from April 1st through August 28th, but Vick is selling at a ridiculous pace. Mind you that all of the players in the top-5 were employed for the entirety of that sales window while Vick spent the first 42 days in prison.

But in the almost two weeks he has been on the Eagles roster, his uniform has skyrocketed to no. 4 on the list despite mega-chain Dick's Sporting Goods' refusal to sell his wares. His jersey surpasses the likes of Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning and the 'awe-shucks' Tom Brady (all who have won Super Bowls), leaving no doubt where the majority lies on the Vick debate.

And it seems to be clear that buying a pricey NFL jersey (low-end models go for around $80) is more of a personal statement than an approval of a players performance on the field. It's trendy. It allows the purchaser to have a voice in the controversy. And it was obvious when Philadelphia fans, some of the most hostile and short-fused fans in sports, were surprisingly supportive in his debut, those who were still upset about his signing were far outnumbered. Entering the game on the Eagles second play, The Linc showered him with cheers (amongst the occasional boos) and Vick returned the gesture with a solid debut, completing all four of his passes, including an absolute dart to Jason Avant early in the second quarter.

Cutler's stock will probably rise after showing great composure after a nightmare start Sunday night against Denver, where the quarterback narrowly avoided being sacked for a safety twice in Chicago's second drive of the game.

Here's guessing Vick will be on the top of the list by the time you finish this sentence.

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