NFLPA Spotlights Rising Stars Set to Become Retail Leaders
Annual List Helps NFLPA Partners Anticipate Emerging Player Demand And Sales Opportunities
Standout Rookies & Veteran Players Such As Travis Hunter, Jaxson Dart, Ashton Jeanty, Marvin Harrison Jr., Xavier Worthy, Ricky Pearsall Lead This Year’s List
The NFL Players Association, through its marketing and licensing arm NFL Players Inc., has unveiled the 2025 Rising Stars roster, a curated list of 10 rookies and 10 veteran players projected to drive merchandise sales and emerge on the NFLPA Top 50 Player Sales charts. This annual list gives NFLPA partners – including official licensees, retailers and sponsors – valuable insights to guide marketing campaigns, social media activations, player-driven content, brand ambassador selections, and product development.
Selections from the NFL Players Inc. team are based on a range of factors, including on-field performance, early demand from partners, fantasy football relevance, collegiate NIL exposure, NFLPA Rookie Premiere participation, licensee submissions, team market strength and fan engagement. Veteran players must not have appeared on previous NFLPA Top 50 Player Sales charts.
Emerging Rookies
1. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
2. Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans
3. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
4. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Cleveland Browns
5. Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants
6. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers
7. Abdul Carter, LB, New York Giants
8. Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears
9. Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers
10. Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints
Standout Veterans
1. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
2. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals
3. Michael Penix Jr., QB, Atlanta Falcons
4. Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
5. Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans
6. Jared Verse, DE, Los Angeles Rams
7. Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
8. Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9. Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers
10. Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers
“This list is a signal to the industry about where fan interest and consumer demand are headed,” said Matt Curtin, President of NFL Players Inc. “Pro football is powered by the players, and these Rising Stars are already generating huge amounts of momentum. For our partners, that means an opportunity to move very quickly, align early, and maximize impact across campaigns, content and retail.”
Since 2015, nearly 100 NFLPA Rising Stars have advanced to the Top 50 lists, underscoring the impact of early momentum and retail appeal.
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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.
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/players-inc.