Kaepernicks jersey tops NFL jersey sales

With NFL teams kicking off training camp season, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has jumped to the top of the list of best-selling player jerseys.

Kaepernick's number 7 jersey was the top seller at NFLShop.com from April 1 through June 30, according to the league's Joanna Hunter. The 25-year old star is also No. 1 at Fanatics.com, said the online retailer's Meier Raivich.
After coming off the bench to lead the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII, Kaepernick rose to number 4 in jersey sales last season, ahead of Tom Brady of the New England Patriots but behind Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens. Electrifying rookie Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins led all jersey sales at the NFL's online store from April 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013.
The edgy, tattooed Kaepernick has "huge upside," said Brandon Steiner of Steiner Sports Marketing. "He's the kind of player people like."

Seven of the Top 10 best sellers are QBs. Two linebackers make the list but they're both retiring: Lewis and Brian Urlacher of the Chicago Bears. There's one running back: Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.

Nike took over as the NFL's official outfitter last season. A youth Kaepernick jersey, for example, costs $69.95 at NFLShop.com, while men's and women's jerseys sell for $94.95 and $99.95, respectively. An autographed jersey will run you $559.95.

No wonder sales of licensed merchandise based on sports leagues and events have become a billion dollar business. Retail sales rose to just over $13 billion in 2012, a 2.2 percent increase from $12.79 billion in 2011, according to The Licensing Letter. Apparel and accessories generated 46.6 percent.

What about Tim Tebow? He's not in the Top 25 this summer as he tries to salvage his career with the Patriots. Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens, the talented but dull QB who beat Kaepernick's 49ers 34-31 in New Orleans, ranks No. 25.

Here are Top 5 best-selling players this summer, along with their position, jersey numbers and NFL experience.


1. Colin Kaepernick, 49ers (QB, No. 7, three years)
2. Russell Wilson, Seahawks (QB, No. 3, two years)
3. Robert Griffin III, Redskins (QB, No. 10, two years)
4. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (RB, No. 28, seven years)
5. Peyton Manning, Broncos (QB, No. 18, 16 years)

I'll admit, I'd like to get a Kaep jersey. Maybe I'd wear it with a Dolphins hat.

mrhead2k wrote:

I'll admit, I'd like to get a Kaep jersey. Maybe I'd wear it with a Dolphins hat.

Not a popular look in San Fran so I hear. You could make it work though Chris.

I think I'll be ok here in New York. Which was once New Amsterdam. Why they changed it, I can't say. I guess people liked it better that way.

Well I suspect the Dutch colonists who were beaten by the British weren't too pleased, but it was renamed after the Duke of York in 1665, who later became King James the second. Little history lesson on a Sunday!

LOL

Thanks for the list, Billsfan. I'm surprised to see Kaepernick on top. I guess a lot of fans see him as a "feel good" story and want to buy his jersey.

On a side note, I am also surprised Joe Flacco's jersey did not make the Top 5. He did lead his team to a SB win. That usually provides a boost in popularity.

mrhead2k wrote:

I'll admit, I'd like to get a Kaep jersey. Maybe I'd wear it with a Dolphins hat.

Ahahaha boom, roasted