Marcus Mariota edges Jameis Winston in monthly NFL jersey sales
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota might have been taken with the No. 2 overall draft pick, but at least he's No. 1 in one category.
In the first month that it was available, Mariota was tops in NFL jersey sales, edging out Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston, who was the first overall pick.
The ranking is based on sales on the NFL's official online store from May 1-May 31.
"It's surreal for me, it's such an honor," Mariota said Wednesday in a radio interview with The Midday 180 in Nashville. "For me it's one of those deals, looking back on it in the future, it's a crazy, crazy deal for sure."
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Bradywas third on the list.That suggests strong support for Brady over the past month, though Brady has worn the same jersey for the past 15 seasons, longer than any other player whose jersey finished in the top 15 best-selling jerseys in May.
Rounding out to the top 10 were Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.
The jersey ofCleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, which wasNo. 1 at this time last year, wasn't among the top 25.
The highest defensive player on the list wasJ.J. Watt of the Houston Texans, whose No. 99 jersey took the No. 12 position.
The only veteran non-starter in the top 25 is Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tim Tebow, whose jersey was the 15th best-seller in May.
The only other rookies who finished in the top 25 wereSan Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (ranked 24th) and Oakland Raiders receiver Amari Cooper (25th).
The Super Bowl champion Patriots finished the month as the best-selling team, followed by the 49ers and Seahawks.
ESPN Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky contributed to this report.
