FOXBORO, Mass. (WPRI) — The Deflategate controversy had the country divided over Tom Brady last year, but it did nothing to slow the sales of his jerseys and other merchandise.
The NFL Players Association announced Monday that the New England Patriots quarterback topped its “Top 50 Player Sales List” for the 2015-16 season.
The list is based on total sales of all licensed merchandise from March 2015 through February 2016, which includes everything from t-shirts to baby clothes to jigsaw puzzles.
A spokesperson for the players association said the sales numbers of individual players won’t be released, but added that it’s a $1.5 billion a year industry.
The results came out the same day it was announced that Brady must serve a four-game suspension handed down by the league following the 2014-15 season. Brady was able to play all of last season after a judge ruled against the NFL in September.
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The Deflategate controversy stemmed from the 2014 AFC Championship game against Indianapolis, in which New England won 45-7. Despite that fact, many fans understand why TB12 sells more merchandise than any other player.
“He’s the #1 quarterback in the NFL right now,” said Colts fan Karl Stephens. “He’s going to sell whenever, if he’s doing bad or good.”
Second on the list behind Brady was Super Bowl champion and recent retiree, Peyton Manning.
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Julian Edelman also made the top 50 list.
