The Oklahoma Sooners have had some popular players at the NFL level over the years. Adrian Peterson could be considered one of the greatest running backs of all-time and maintained popularity even as he bounced around the league in the latter stages of his career.
One way to measure a player’s popularity at the NFL level is to look at merchandise sales. From March 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022, four Oklahoma Sooners had some of the highest merchandise sales in the league. CeeDee Lamb, Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, and Jalen Hurts were among the top 50 players in the NFL in merchandise sales according to the NFLPA.
Headlining the top 50 was Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback of all-time. Coming in at No. 2 was Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills was No. 3, followed by Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 4 and rookie quarterback Mac Jones of the New England Patriots came in at No. 5.
Let’s take a look at the Oklahoma Sooners and where they landed on the list.
13. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
Dec 26, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) in action during the game between the Washington Football Team and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
There’s a star power that comes with donning the silver and blue of the Dallas Cowboys. CeeDee Lamb, wearing the famed “88” for the Cowboys has become a popular buy among Cowboys fans. When I won the USA TODAY Sports NCAA tournament challenge, the jersey I picked as my prize, CeeDee Lamb’s Dallas Cowboys jersey.
Lamb was No. 1 among wide receivers and third among non-quarterbacks behind tight end George Kittle and edge rusher T.J. Watt, the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.
24. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Jan 9, 2022; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter. Michael Chow-USA TODAY Sports
Kyler Murray helped the Arizona Cardinals reach the playoffs and is in the midst of contract extension negotiations with the Cardinals. In one of the toughest divisions in football Murray and the Cardinals hope they can run it back in 2022 and make a deeper run in the NFL playoffs.
31. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns
Jan 17, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) before the snap against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half in the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Baker Mayfield’s future has been a hot topic this offseason after the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson. Mayfield could see another big year in merchandise sales if Watson’s suspended for the season or if Mayfield gets a new home.
35. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Jan 2, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Fans fall from the stands after a railing gives way as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) leaves the field after the Eagles’ game against the Washington Football Team at FedExField. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Hurts helped the Philadelphia Eagles make the playoffs last year and with all of the offseason additions they’ve made are a team to watch in 2022. One question that follows Hurts is how long he’ll remain the starting quarterback in Philadelphia?