Saquon Barkley, the electrifying running back of the Philadelphia Eagles, has redefined what it means to be a retail superstar in the National Football League. On Wednesday, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) announced that Barkley had achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first running back since 2017 to claim the NFLPA’s Year-End Top Player 50 Sales List, edging out Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for the coveted No. 1 spot.
The NFLPA’s Top 50 Player Sales List, which tracks sales of officially licensed player merchandise from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, serves as the definitive measure of player-driven consumer demand. It highlights the NFL’s most marketable and influential athletes, whose popularity impacts everything from endorsement deals to overall earning potential. Barkley’s ascent to the top underscores his undeniable star power, both on the field and in the marketplace.
“Saquon Barkley claimed the retail crown atop the NFLPA’s Year-End Top 50 Player Sales List, becoming the first running back since 2017 to finish No. 1,” the NFLPA declared. Barkley’s achievement places him among an elite group of players in the top 10, including:
1 Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
2 Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
3 Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
4 Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders
5 C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
6 Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
7 Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
8 Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
9 Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys
10 Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
This star-studded lineup reflects the dynamic talent driving retail demand across the league, but it’s Barkley’s breakthrough that has captured the spotlight. His dominance in Philadelphia, paired with his widespread appeal, has shattered expectations, proving that a running back can still reign supreme in a quarterback-dominated era.
Barkley’s rise to the top of the NFLPA’s list is a testament to his unique blend of athletic prowess and charisma. As a beloved figure across the league, he’s not only carrying the Eagles’ ground game but also redefining the commercial landscape of the NFL. Fans and analysts alike thought it might take another eight years for a running back to claim this honor again, but Saquon Barkley changed everything in just one moment.