The Denver Broncos have many talented players on their roster.
This is the first time in several years that statement can be made with a straight face.
Sure, even in the down years after Peyton Manning retired the Broncos had some stud athletes, but the results speak for themselves. Denver suffered seven losing seasons in a row from 2017-2023 and hadn’t made the playoffs since 2015.
That all changed last year when rookie QB Bo Nix and Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II helped lead the Broncos to a 10-7 record and a postseason berth.
It’s no surprise that Nix and Surtain are the two most household names on the squad.
The NFLPA released its top-50 players in merchandise sales last year, and Nix checked in at No. 21 in the league while Surtain landed at No. 26. They were the two Broncos to make the list.
The official website says: “this is the only verified ranking of all officially licensed, NFL player-branded merchandise sold from online and traditional retail outlets as reported by over 85 NFLPA licensees.”
What qualifies for counting toward a player’s overall ranking?
“Licensed product categories included trading cards, men’s, women’s and youth game jerseys, T-shirts and hoodies, backpacks, wall decals, pennants, collectible figurines, matted and framed photos, bobbleheads, plush, drinkware, pet products, and many more,” the NFLPA writes.
You have to think this is mostly jersey sales, but apparently if someone buys a Nix dog bowl for their furry friend, that counts as well. Not that the hypothetical product currently exists, but you get the point.
Eagles RB Saquon Barkley was No. 1 on the list, which accounted for sales from March 1, 2024 to Feb. 28, 2025. Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels and C.J. Stroud rounded out the top-5.
It’s good to see the Broncos stars in Nix and Surtain comfortably in the middle of the list. Fans are buying their gear — and rightfully so.
To see the full top-50, click here.