After spending several seasons as the face of NFL jersey sales, Patrick Mahomes can no longer claim the league’s top-selling status following what proved to be a disappointing and injury-shortened campaign.

For years, Mahomes’ name and No. 15 jersey were synonymous with success, dominance, and star power, making him one of the most commercially valuable athletes not only in football but across American professional sports.

That sustained popularity was built on championship runs, highlight-reel performances, and a reputation as the defining quarterback of the modern NFL era.

However, the 2025 season marked a sharp departure from that narrative, both on the field and in consumer demand, as Mahomes experienced one of the most challenging years of his professional career.

The downturn began with inconsistent performances and ultimately culminated in a serious injury that derailed the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff hopes entirely.

Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in a game that effectively ended Kansas City’s postseason aspirations, forcing the franchise to confront an unfamiliar reality without its superstar quarterback.

Prior to the injury, Mahomes had been a fixture near the top of NFL jersey sales rankings, regularly finishing among the top three league-wide.

As recently as last season, Mahomes ranked second overall in jersey sales, trailing only Saquon Barkley, who was experiencing a surge in popularity during his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

That position reflected Mahomes’ continued relevance and market appeal, even as the Chiefs navigated roster changes and evolving competition across the AFC.

In 2025, however, the decline was steep and unmistakable, as Mahomes plummeted down the sales charts in a way few could have anticipated.

According to figures shared by the NFL Shop, Mahomes finished the year ranked No. 22 overall in league-wide jersey sales.

That placement represented a dramatic drop of 20 spots from the previous season, underscoring how closely player popularity can mirror on-field success and availability.

Mahomes finished just one spot ahead of Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions and one place behind Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys.

While those are still elite names within the league, the comparison illustrates how far Mahomes fell relative to his previous standing at the very top of the market.

The sharp decline coincided with a season that never fully gained momentum, as injuries and inconsistency limited Mahomes’ ability to deliver the performances fans had come to expect.

The torn ACL not only ended his season prematurely but also cast uncertainty over his availability heading into the following year.

ACL injuries are among the most serious setbacks for quarterbacks, requiring extensive rehabilitation and careful management to avoid long-term complications.

As a result, Mahomes’ absence from late-season games and the playoffs removed him from the league’s biggest stages, where star power often translates directly into jersey sales.

To compound matters, one of Mahomes’ most prominent rivals experienced a dramatic surge in popularity during the same period.

Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills rose from No. 6 in jersey sales in 2024 to claim the No. 1 overall spot in 2025.

Allen’s rise reflects both his on-field success and his increasing status as the face of a Bills franchise that continues to contend deep into the postseason.

Behind Allen, Drake Maye of the New England Patriots surged to second place in jersey sales.

Maye’s rapid ascent was fueled by a remarkable turnaround season that saw New England climb from one of the league’s worst records in 2024 to the No. 2 seed in the AFC in 2025.

That resurgence captured the attention of fans nationwide, particularly as Maye emerged as a new franchise cornerstone in one of the NFL’s most historic markets.

After the two AFC East quarterbacks, defensive stars also made their presence felt near the top of the sales rankings.

Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers ranked third overall, reflecting his reputation as one of the league’s premier defensive leaders.

Warner’s placement underscores a broader trend of elite defensive players gaining commercial recognition, particularly those associated with consistent championship contenders.

Rounding out the top five was Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks, followed closely by Barkley, whose popularity remained strong despite shifting team contexts.

The remainder of the top ten featured a mix of emerging stars and established names across multiple franchises.

Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears secured a top-ten spot, reflecting optimism surrounding his development and long-term potential.

Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb also ranked highly, continuing his ascent as one of the league’s most marketable offensive weapons.

San Francisco placed three players within the top ten, as Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Brock Purdy all drew strong consumer interest.

That trio’s presence highlights the 49ers’ broad appeal and the star-driven nature of their roster construction.

For Mahomes, the jersey sales decline may not yet be complete, as projections suggest further slippage is possible in 2026.

Due to the severity of his ACL injury, Mahomes is expected to miss at least a portion of the upcoming season.

Although he has already undergone surgery, recovery timelines for quarterbacks often vary depending on individual response and rehabilitation progress.

Medical staff within the Chiefs organization remain cautiously optimistic that Mahomes could be available near the start of the season.

Still, even a short absence could impact early-season momentum and, by extension, public visibility and merchandise demand.

Despite the downturn, few around the league believe Mahomes’ status as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks is permanently diminished.

History suggests that sustained success, combined with a healthy return, could quickly restore his standing both competitively and commercially.

For now, however, the jersey sales rankings serve as a reminder of how rapidly narratives can shift in a league driven by performance, availability, and timing.

Mahomes’ fall from the top underscores the unforgiving nature of professional football, where even the most dominant stars are not immune to sudden change.

As the Chiefs prepare for a future that may briefly unfold without their franchise quarterback, the league watches closely to see how both Mahomes and his market rebound.

The next chapter of his career will not only define Kansas City’s competitive trajectory but may also determine whether one of the NFL’s most recognizable figures can reclaim his place atop the sport’s commercial landscape.