Saturday, July 4, 2026

With Title, Joe Burrow’s Marketability Could Blow Up

  • In Q3 2021, the Bengals QB moved up four spots into the top 10 of officially licensed product sales.
  • A ring could see him challenge Patrick Mahomes as the face of the NFL in the post-Tom Brady era.
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

Joe Burrow suffered a devastating knee injury in his rookie season. Now, he’s the AP Comeback Player of the Year and has Cincinnati on the brink of its first championship ever.

A title would cement the small-market quarterback’s superstar status — and could see him challenge Patrick Mahomes as the face of the NFL in the post-Tom Brady era.

If jersey sales are any indication, Burrow is approaching the same stratosphere of marketability — and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy will not only push him higher but launch him into history.

  • In Q3 2021, he moved up four spots into the top 10 of officially licensed product sales; Brady and Mahomes are 1 and 2, respectively.
  • With a win, he would join Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Joe Namath as the only starting QBs to win a college football national title and a Super Bowl.
  • Burrow will be the first No. 1 overall pick to start in a Super Bowl in his first two seasons.

When Burrow signed his four-year, $36.2 million rookie deal, he told the media, “I don’t plan on spending any contract money. I’m just going to live off the marketing money and let that accrue in my bank account.”

Represented by the William Morris Agency, Burrow already has endorsement deals with Lowe’s, Bose, Nerf, Fanatics, and Buffalo Wild Wings.

The Bengals are still underdogs (+160*), and Burrow (+225*) still trails Matthew Stafford for MVP (+100*), but a double trophy haul is within reach.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Exclusive

ESPN Nears Mike Garafolo Deal As It Goes All In on NFL Reporters

ESPN has a deep bench of NFL reporters and personalities.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.

Brendan Sorsby Embraces 650-Day Wait for Chance at NFL Roster

The quarterback is a man without a home this fall.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/3/26 – USMNT Round of 16 Ticket Frenzy, NBA Tests New Free Throw Rule, Ovechkin Returns, Country Roads Takes Over

0:00

Featured Today

Kansas City Chiefs

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
June 26, 2026

What We Saw Traveling the U.S. for the World Cup Group Stage

The knockout stage begins Sunday.
June 26, 2026

In an Era of $1,000 Tickets, $10 Watch Parties Bring Fans Together

Stadium watch parties now rival home-game experiences.
June 25, 2026

Italian Americans Have Severe World Cup FOMO

Bars and restaurants in Boston, Philly, and beyond are missing the Azzurri.
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) celebrates a three-point basket Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77
June 24, 2026

Female Athletes Are Trying to Build the ‘Athleisure of Beauty’

“Performance cosmetics” have emerged alongside the women’s sports boom.

Serena Williams Withdraws From Wimbledon With Knee Injury

Williams lost to Maya Joint in her singles return Tuesday.
Jun 11, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert meets with the working media before Portland Fire against the Las Vegas Aces at Moda Center.
June 30, 2026

Cathy Engelbert Responds to Alyssa Thomas’s Callout

Thomas received a Flagrant 2 foul and one-game suspension last week.
July 2, 2026

Alex Ovechkin Will Return to Washington for One More Season

The one-year contract extension is based heavily on an appearance incentive.
Sponsored

Josh Childress: Why Now Is the Time for NBA Expansion

Josh Childress on why he invested in the Portland Thorns, the case for NBA expansion, and donating to Stanford NIL.
Jun 30, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Serena Williams of the United States returns a shot during her match against Maya Joint of Australia on day two at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
June 30, 2026

Serena Williams Loses in Return to Singles at Wimbledon

It was her first singles match since the 2022 US Open.
June 29, 2026

Unrivaled Lands Two International Stars Amid Project B Battle

Unrivaled also signed Canadian forward Bridget Carleton.
June 25, 2026

Tracy McGrady Buying 80% of ABCD as He Revives Legendary Camp

McGrady is bringing back a piece of basketball history.
June 23, 2026

Greg Olsen: NFL Franchises Interested in Hosting Tight End U

The annual summer summit is in its sixth year.