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The NFL offseason has its fair share of surprises, and this year's standout story comes from Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Despite being selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders has achieved an unexpected yet remarkable feat: his jersey is now the top-selling among all draft picks.
This news comes via apparel retailer Fanatics, whose network includes prominent platforms such as NFLShop.com and the Browns' official store. Sanders' surge to the top is particularly striking given that higher-profile first-round picks, such as Jaguars receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter and Titans quarterback Cam Ward, initially occupied the leading spots.
Even more impressive is that the first-rounders had a two-day advantage in the marketplace. Yet Sanders' popularity has eclipsed theirs, highlighting his growing influence among fans. What adds intrigue to this phenomenon is that Sanders has not yet been assigned a jersey number by the Browns.
A long prestigious list for the Browns
At Colorado, Sanders wore the No. 2 jersey, a number currently unclaimed in Cleveland. Historically, No. 2 holds significance for the Browns, having been previously donned by players like Bailey Zappe, Amari Cooper, and, most memorably, Johnny Manziel during his stint with the team a decade ago.
This level of fan enthusiasm for a late-round pick is rare and speaks volumes about Sanders' charisma and potential. It's a testament to how collegiate success and personality can resonate deeply with fans, transcending draft order. Sanders' stellar college career at Colorado, coupled with his undeniable star power, has clearly cemented his status as a fan favorite before he's even taken a snap in the NFL.
For the Cleveland Browns, Sanders represents more than just a quarterback-he's becoming a symbol of excitement and renewed hope. His rise in jersey sales is a prelude to the buzz that is sure to surround him during the 2025 season. As the team finalizes his jersey number and fans await its official release, Sanders' star continues to rise, proving that sometimes, the biggest headlines come from the unlikeliest places.