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Fans wearing new NFL jerseys spent the 2011 season popping their fake championship belts, taking a knee and practicing their salsa moves.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had the best-selling jersey in the league between April 1, 2011 and Feb. 29, 2012, according to data from NFLShop.com. Denver Broncos quarterback and American everyman Tim Tebow was second, followed by this year's Super Bowl MVP and runner-up, Eli Manning and Tom Brady, respectively.
Victor Cruz, the New York Giants receiver who was one of the season's breakout stars, had the sixth best-selling jersey in the league over that period. It's an especially impressive feat considering he was a complete unknown for the first five months of that period.
The complete top 25:
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Some thoughts from the list:
• NFL jersey buyers showed impressive foresight this year. Of the 25 players on the list, only Peyton Manning isn't expected to be with the same team in 2012. (Unless Roger Goodell successfully excommunicates the entire New Orleans Saints roster, that is.) They've also identified that buying jerseys for running backs is a short-term investment. Only three appear on the list, none higher than No. 20.
• Are people that desperate for Oakland Raiders gear that Darren McFadden jerseys are a must-have item?
• Position breakdown: Quarterbacks (10), wide receivers (4), linebackers (4), running backs (3), tight ends (2), safety (1), defensive end (1).
• Conference breakdown: NFC (16), AFC (9).
• Team breakdown: Dallas Cowboys (4), New York Giants (3), New England Patriots (3), Baltimore Ravens (2), Green Bay Packers (2), San Francisco 49ers (2).
• Surprising omissions: Adrian Peterson, Darrelle Revis, Brett Favre.
