Saturday, July 11, 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

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.

Bears’ Indiana Stadium Plans in ‘Red Zone,’ Governor Says

The NFL team is drawing closer to a long-awaited stadium decision.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches a pass against New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) in the first half in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.

Two Bidders Pull Ahead in Seahawks Sale Process

One of the two groups includes at least one former Seahawks player.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/10/26 – World Cup Ratings Records, Seahawks Sale Narrows, Kawhi Trade Limbo

0:00

Featured Today

Pillow Fight Championship

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
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.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

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.

Ohtani, Judge Both Out of MLB All-Star Game

The two superstars will miss the midseason showcase.
Jul 10, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day 12 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
July 10, 2026

Jannik Sinner Reclaims Spot in Grand Slam Final to Vie for $4.8M

Sunday’s winner will claim the No. 4 spot on the career earnings list.
July 11, 2026

White Sox Take UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky No. 1 in Draft

The White Sox selected the two-time Big Ten player of the year.
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.
July 10, 2026

The Parity Era of Women’s Tennis Continues at Wimbledon

Karolína Muchová and Linda Nosková meet in the Wimbledon final Saturday.
July 8, 2026

Jessica Shepard’s $2M Stunner Has Become WNBA’s Biggest Bargain

Shepard was named a 2026 All-Star starter.
Apr 1, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić (15) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center.
July 7, 2026

Nuggets ‘Unconcerned’ Over Jokić’s Delay in Contract Extension

Jokić is eligible for the richest deal in NBA history next summer.
July 4, 2026

Serena Williams Withdraws From Wimbledon With Knee Injury

Williams lost to Maya Joint in her singles return Tuesday.