NFLPA Rising Stars List Forecasts Next Wave of Players Expected to Drive Fan Demand and Merchandise Sales
Annual List Provides Retailers, League Sponsors and Official Licensees with Early Commercial Insights to Inform Product Development, Marketing, Content and Retail Strategy
This Year’s List Includes Standout Rookies and Veteran Players Such as Fernando Mendoza, Caleb Downs, Jeremiyah Love, Rueben Bain Jr., Tyler Shough, Colston Loveland, Emeka Egbuka and James Cook
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The NFL Players Association (NFLPA), through its marketing and licensing arm NFL Players Inc., today unveiled its annual Rising Stars list, identifying 20 players – 10 rookies and 10 veterans – projected to debut on future NFLPA Top 50 Player Sales rankings. Veteran players are eligible only if they have not previously appeared on the NFLPA’s Top 50 Player Sales rankings.
The NFLPA’s Rising Stars roster gives NFLPA partners – including official licensees, retailers and league sponsors – an early look at the players expected to drive the next wave of consumer demand across licensed products, collectibles and brand partnerships. The list serves as a forecasting tool, helping partners make smarter decisions around product development, marketing campaigns, social media activations, player-driven content, brand ambassador selections and retail strategy before consumer demand peaks.
Selections are based on a combination of on-field performance, consumer interest and commercial indicators, including partner demand, merchandise sales, collegiate NIL visibility, NFLPA Rookie Premiere participation, social media growth, team market strength and licensee insights.
“The Rising Stars list is our view into where the market is headed,” said Matt Curtin, President of NFL Players Inc. “We are looking at the players that fans are connecting with today and the ones we believe are poised for significant growth. For our partners, identifying those guys early creates opportunities to build stronger campaigns, bring products to market faster and connect with fans while momentum is building.”
Emerging Rookies
1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
2. Caleb Downs, S, Dallas Cowboys
3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals
4. Carnell Tate, WR, Tennessee Titans
5. Makai Lemon, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
6. Sonny Styles, LB, Washington Commanders
7. Jordyn Tyson, WR, New Orleans Saints
8. Arvell Reese, LB, New York Giants
9. Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, Baltimore Ravens
10. Rueben Bain Jr., LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Standout Veterans
1. Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints
2. Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears
3. Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
4. Kenneth Walker III, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
5. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers
6. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7. Trey McBride, TE, Arizona Cardinals
8. De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
9. James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills
10. Christian Gonzalez, DB, New England Patriots
Since its launch in 2015, more than 100 NFLPA Rising Stars have gone on to appear on Top 50 Player Sales charts, making the program one of the industry’s strongest indicators of future player-driven consumer demand and retail success.
###
About the NFL Players Association
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the NFL and headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of protecting the health, safety and financial future of its more than 2,000 player members, who are the backbone of North America's most popular and highest revenue-generating sport. Through a wide offering of programs, resources and engagement opportunities, the NFLPA provides world-class service to players throughout their career lifecycle and builds solidarity to advocate on their behalf in the areas of healthcare, revenue, compensation and working conditions. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 season. Learn more at nflpa.com.
About NFL Players Inc.
NFL Players Inc. is the for-profit marketing and licensing arm of the NFLPA. Founded in 1994, NFL Players Inc. manages the group rights of more than 2,000 active players, connecting brands to the authenticity, reach and cultural influence of NFL athletes. It supports over 150 partners -- including licensees, sponsors, and media platforms -- across e-commerce, retail, digital and direct-to-consumer channels. NFL Players Inc. drives growth and generates player revenue through group licensing, player activations and brand collaborations that bring fans closer to the game. Backed by the strength and legacy of the NFLPA, NFL Players Inc. ensures that players remain at the center of the business of football. Learn more at nflpa.com/partners/players-inc.