NFLPA Identifies Rising Stars Set to Become Retail Leaders
Annual forecasts offer NFLPA partners valuable insights for planning marketing campaigns, social media activations, player-driven content, brand ambassador selections, and product lines featuring a broader range of players
Emerging Rookies and Established Veterans Like Caleb Williams, J.J. McCarthy, Xavier Worthy, Rome Odunze, Puca Nacua, Zay Flowers, Breece Hall, Sam LaPorta, and Will Levis positioned to excel on the NFLPA Top 50 Sales List.
Washington, D.C., (August 8, 2024) – The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has unveiled the 2024 NFLPA Rising Stars lineup, an annual list curated by NFL Players Inc., the marketing and licensing arm of the NFLPA. This lineup highlights 10 rookies and 10 veteran players who are expected to significantly influence retail sales of officially licensed NFLPA player merchandise and vie for top positions on the NFLPA Top 50 Players Sales charts.
The selection process considers several factors contributing to early sales success, including on-field performance, early content and marketing demand from NFLPA partners, fantasy league status, collegiate name, image, and likeness deals, fan base reach, participation in Rookie Premiere, product submissions from more than 90 NFLPA licensees, team fan base support, and emerging talent in strong markets.
To be eligible for the Rising Stars list, veteran players must not have appeared on any previous quarterly or year-end NFLPA Top 50 Player Sales List, which is the only verified ranking of all officially licensed products from retailers.
The following rookies are expected to make a breakthrough in NFL player product sales:
1. Caleb Williams, QB – Chicago Bears
2. Keon Coleman, WR – Buffalo Bills
3. J.J. McCarthy, QB – Minnesota Vikings
4. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR – Arizona Cardinals
5. Terrion Arnold, CB – Detroit Lions
6. Xavier Worthy, WR – Kansas City Chiefs
7. Jayden Daniels, QB – Washington Commanders
8. Drake Maye, QB – New England Patriots
9. Rome Odunze, WR – Chicago Bears
10. Malik Nabers, WR – New York Giants
The following popular veteran players are projected to continue driving the sports licensed business in the upcoming season:
1. Puka Nacua, WR – Los Angeles Rams
2. Kyle Hamilton, S – Baltimore Ravens
3. Zay Flowers, WR – Baltimore Ravens
4. Will Anderson Jr., DE – Houston Texans
5. Breece Hall, RB – New York Jets
6. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB – Detroit Lions
7. Sam LaPorta, TE – Detroit Lions
8. Dalton Kincaid, TE – Buffalo Bills
9. Will Levis, QB – Tennessee Titans
10. Tank Dell, WR – Houston Texans
These athletes have shown outstanding potential, capturing the interest of fans and industry insiders alike. The Rising Stars list provides NFLPA partners, including licensees, retailers, and sponsors, with crucial insights to effectively plan marketing campaigns, social media activations, player-driven content, brand ambassadorships, and product lines featuring a diverse array of players.
“Our NFL Players Inc. team loves putting this list together because it really helps our partners plan ahead,” said Matt Curtin, President of NFL Players Inc. “With so many talented players out there, it’s always competitive to make this list. We’re excited to channel the buzz surrounding these Rising Stars and create even more impactful business opportunities.”
Since 2015, 86 players have progressed from the Rising Stars list to earn a place on the NFLPA Top 50 Player Sales. This transition underscores the exceptional quality of these athletes and their ability to captivate fans in the retail market.