Former Buckeye and Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has accomplished something never done before in the NFL. Elliott is the first rookie ever to lead the league in merchandise sales. The NFL Players Association announced the news Wednesday. Elliott, who rushed for a league best 1,631 yards as a rookie, topped the merchandise money list, beating out his teammate--and another rookie, quarterback Dak Prescott. In fact Dallas players accounted for three of the top four in merchandise sales, with receiver Dez Bryant ranking fourth.
"When I see someone wearing something that has my name or likeness on it, it's a dream come true," Elliott said in the above video, posted by the NFLPA. "I think I was number one because I have the best fans."
Elliott did not top the list in jersey sales--he was second behind Prescott--but other products like t-shirts, mugs, key chains and even toy figurines more than made up the difference for Elliott to top the overall merchandise list.
Here's the top ten, courtesy of the NFL Players Association, along with a social media post from the NFLPA, featuring some of the merchandise highlights.
1) Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas
2) Dak Prescott, Dallas
3) Tom Brady, New England
4) Dez Bryant, Dallas
5) Odell Beckham Jr. New York Giants
6) Russell Wilson, Seattle
7) Carson Wentz, Philadelphia
8) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay
9) Rob Gronkowski, New England
10) Cam Newton, Carolina