Former Jackson State stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter finished their rookie seasons as the two highest earners in NFL player licensing, a distinction that underscores the commercial reach of Deion Sanders’ HBCU-NFL pipeline.Sanders generated a record $17.7 million in NFLPA group licensing and marketing income in 2025, eclipsing Tom Brady’s $9.5 million single-season mark, with Hunter second at $12.8 million, HBCU Legends reported in May. On the NFLPA’s Top 50 Player Sales List -- a separate measure tracking retail sales of officially licensed player merchandise rather than income -- Sanders ranked No. 31 and Hunter No. 42 for the period spanning March 1, 2025, to Feb. 28, 2026.The list draws on data from more than 85 NFLPA licensees and tracks jerseys, apparel, bobbleheads, wall decals, collectible items, and other retail products associated with a specific player.This past season, total retail sales of officially licensed player items reached $1.9 billion, with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen receiving top billing as the NFL’s leading player. Joining Allen in the Top 10 were Drake Maye, Saquon Barkley, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jayden Daniels, Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Caleb Williams, Jordan Love and Micah Parsons. Rounding out the Top 20 were Bo Nix, Christian McCaffrey, Justin Jefferson, Aidan Hutchinson, T.J. Watt, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Brock Purdy, Lamar Jackson, and C.J. Stroud.“Fans have more choices than ever when it comes to the players they follow and support, and the Year-End Top 50 gives us a real look at who they’re showing up for,” Matt Curtin, president of NFL Players Inc., said in a prepared statement. “This isn’t just about jerseys. It’s about the products fans choose to buy, collect, wear, and display every day. The rankings help show which players are breaking through, building strong connections with fans, and driving demand throughout the licensed products business.”Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders at 2022 SWAC Media Day; Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham Sheraton Hotel | Credit: Kyle T. Mosley, HBCU LegendsHere's the Top 50 NFL Player Sales List (March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026)Josh Allen, Buffalo BillsDrake Maye, New England PatriotsSaquon Barkley, Philadelphia EaglesJaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle SeahawksJayden Daniels, Washington CommandersPatrick Mahomes, Kansas City ChiefsJalen Hurts, Philadelphia EaglesCaleb Williams, Chicago BearsJordan Love, Green Bay PackersMicah Parsons, Green Bay PackersBo Nix, Denver BroncosChristian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ersJustin Jefferson, Minnesota VikingsAidan Hutchinson, Detroit LionsT.J. Watt, Pittsburgh SteelersJahmyr Gibbs, Detroit LionsAmon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit LionsBrock Purdy, San Francisco 49ersLamar Jackson, Baltimore RavensC.J. Stroud, Houston TexansCeeDee Lamb, Dallas CowboysCooper DeJean, Philadelphia EaglesGeorge Kittle, San Francisco 49ersPuka Nacua, Los Angeles RamsFred Warner, San Francisco 49ersJoe Burrow, Cincinnati BengalsJaxson Dart, New York GiantsBaker Mayfield, Tampa Bay BuccaneersTravis Kelce, Kansas City ChiefsMaxx Crosby, Las Vegas RaidersShedeur Sanders, Cleveland BrownsJustin Herbert, Los Angeles ChargersPatrick Surtain II, Denver BroncosAshton Jeanty, Las Vegas RaidersCam Skattebo, New York GiantsJared Goff, Detroit LionsCam Ward, Tennessee TitansMalik Nabers, New York GiantsTyreek Hill, Miami DolphinsMike Evans, Tampa Bay BuccaneersCooper Kupp, Seattle SeahawksTravis Hunter, Jacksonville JaguarsDK Metcalf, Pittsburgh SteelersAaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh SteelersJa'Marr Chase, Cincinnati BengalsDerrick Henry, Baltimore RavensBijan Robinson, Atlanta FalconsNick Bosa, San Francisco 49ersSam Darnold, Seattle SeahawksA.J. Brown, Philadelphia EaglesSanders and Hunter were among the five rookies from the NFLPA Rising Stars to garner a spot in the Top 50.Sophomore NFL SeasonsBoth Sanders and Hunter had to overcome turmoil during their rookie NFL seasons. Travis Hunter will return from season-ending injury in 2025 to primarily play at cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars this season. Shedeur Sanders is competing against Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel for the starting quarterback position with the Cleveland Browns. Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow