Saquon Barkley’s remarkable 2024 season has not just made headlines for its impressive statistics; it has established him as one of the most marketable players in the NFL today. Walk into any merchandise store, and it’s clear that his popularity is soaring as fans passionately express their loyalty, lining up to buy everything from jerseys to collectibles to showcase their support for the league’s reigning rushing champion.
Barkley has proudly claimed the top position on the NFL Players Association’s year-end Top 50 player sales list. This ranking reflects sales across a comprehensive timeframe, from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, and includes an extensive range of officially licensed NFL products. The list is based on data from about 85 licensees, such as Fanatics, Fathead, and Funko, capturing the essence of how fans really feel about their favorite players through their purchasing choices.
“Saquon had a perfect storm this season,” remarked Ben Ruiz, the NFLPA’s vice president of consumer products and strategy, in a video interview. “He’s a generational talent with that undeniable star power, joining a team in free agency that was seen as being on the edge of something special. He stepped up and delivered in every way possible.”
Barkley, a three-time Pro Bowler and the first running back to lead the sales list since Ezekiel Elliott in 2017, had a record-breaking season that saw him shatter the league’s single-season rushing record, including playoffs. It’s a testimony not just to his raw talent, but also to the connection he has forged with fans, making them want to rally behind him.
The five players trailing Barkley on the sales list include notable quarterbacks: Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, rookie of the year Jayden Daniels from Washington, and Houston’s CJ Stroud. The other running backs making the list are Baltimore Ravens’ workhorse Derrick Henry, Detroit Lions’ emerging star Jahmyr Gibbs, and versatile talent Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons.
Barkley also provided fans with some of the most talked-about moments of the past season, most notably his iconic reverse hurdle over a defender in a game against Jacksonville last November. This unforgettable play was so impressive that it caught the attention of those behind the Madden NFL 26 video game, leading them to feature it prominently on the game’s cover.
At 28, Barkley has already achieved a significant milestone by winning the Super Bowl in his first season with the Eagles, after spending six fruitful seasons with the New York Giants. His remarkable performance earned him a lucrative $41 million contract extension in March, officially making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. It’s quite a journey for someone who was not on the Top 50 list last year.
The NFLPA sees Barkley’s rise as a potential turning point for the marketing power of running backs. Fresh talent is emerging, including Boise State’s Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty and Arizona State’s mighty Cam Skattebo, joining the ranks this season. Ruiz is optimistic, noting, “You’ll definitely see some of those rookie running backs pop up on this Top 50 list this time next year.” It’s a promising sign for the position group that can often be overlooked.
Ruiz also pointed out the influence of new media on player visibility. For instance, two players showcased on the Netflix series Receiver* broke into the Top 10 list: Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson at No. 10 and Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown, who impressively jumped from No. 33 to No. 8 this year.
Overall, 16 players, including the newly acquired Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers, have consistently made the list for five consecutive years. Yet, it is Barkley who commands the spotlight, marking yet another highlight in an already stellar 2024 season. As fans continue to show love and support, he embodies the spirit of resilience and talent that resonates profoundly in the world of sports.
Image Source: Philadelphia Eagles / YouTube
