The 15 most popular NFL players in 2015
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Russell Wilson
There isn't a bigger star than Russell Wilson in the NFL, according to 2015 merchandise sales.
Wilson might not be as controversial as other athletes, but his popularity is undeniable. He entered the league as an electrifying athlete who many thought was too short to play the quarterback position. He quieted critics with a Super Bowl victory in just his second professional season.
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Peyton Manning
Since entering the NFL in 1998, Peyton Manning has been adored by football fans for his record-breaking play and affable personality.
Nearly 20 years later, Manning's popularity just keeps growing. His apparel was the second-highest seller behind Wilson in 2015. Manning did, however, have the top bobblehead sales in the NFL.
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Tom Brady
Four Super Bowls and an immaculate jaw structure sure will help you become one of the most prominent sports figures ever.
Tom Brady had the third-highest merchandise sales last year. And after winning another Super Bowl, Brady's star continues to rise.
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Colin Kaepernick
Colin Kaepernick has taken the league by storm ever since his first start in 2012.
Kap, the fourth most popular NFL player, is a joy to watch on the field when he's using his gazelle-like legs, or rocket arm to shred defenses.
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Aaron Rodgers
It's actually hard to believe Aaron Rodgers ranked as low as fifth in merchandise sales during the 2015 fiscal year.
Rodgers is arguably the best quarterback in the league on one of the more popular franchises. On top of that, he's dating actress Olivia Munn. What a tough life for the former Super Bowl MVP.
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Dez Bryant
Fans of America's Team love to show support for the Cowboys. In the fiscal 2015 year, the most popular non-quarterback in merch sales was Dez Bryant.
Bryant's passion for the game erupts like a volcano whenever he hits the field, particularly when it comes to sideline theatrics.
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Richard Sherman
Richard Sherman is the most vocal member of the Legion of Boom on the Seattle Seahawks.
The talented corner is famous for his tight coverage, and how he called out Michael Crabtree's mediocre receiving skills on national television. Sherman's outspokenness is a key reason for his popularity.
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J.J. Watt
J.J. Watt is easily one of the the most popular defensive players in the league.
Watt, who should be your favorite NFL player, ranked eighth in total merchandise sales. He's unquestionably the most popular player on the Texans, and for two equal reasons: His defensive prowess is insane, and he loves to have very public fun with fans. (Just ask the 6-year-old girl who had a mock-wedding featuring him as the groom.)
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Marshawn Lynch
In a league full of undervalued running backs, Marshawn Lynch is the exception.
Despite being a little frosty with the media, Lynch is still beloved by fans. His Beast Mode run in 2011 caused a minor earthquake.
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Drew Brees
Drew Brees will forever be one of the most well-liked Saints players. Thanks to leading New Orleans to its first Super Bowl, Brees will never have to buy a hurricane again on Bourbon Street.
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Rob Gronkowski
With the summer of Gronk officially coming to an end, it's time to see everyone's favorite meathead back on the gridiron.
Rob Gronkowski is the most popular tight end in the NFL, according to apparel sales. The dude owns a party bus, so you know he's always ready to have a good time.
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Andrew Luck
Colts fans have been blessed the past three decades. To go from Peyton Manning to Andrew Luck leaves backers of other teams jealous.
It's not hard to root for Luck, and his glorious neck beard, which fans love to glorify on Twitter. He's one of the few QBs to enter the league with unbelievable hype, only to match it on the field.
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Tony Romo
Few players are able to deal with the scrutiny that comes with quarterbacking the Dallas Cowboys. Romo has been handling, and mostly conquering, that pressure since starting his first game for America's Team in 2006.
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Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson is the most physically imposing wide receiver in the NFL. Fans love his ability to use his body and ridiculous speed to score touchdowns.
How could you not buy a jersey of a guy nicknamed Megatron?
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Odell Beckham
Any time Odell Beckham hit the gridiron last season, it was must-see TV. For Giants fans, his jersey is a must buy.
Odell Beckham's now-famous one-handed catch helped the second-year receiver lead the NFL in jersey sales in the month of June.
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Credit: Noah K. Murray, Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
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