• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, April 7, 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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Chicago Mayor Pushes for Rejected Downtown Bears Stadium Site

Despite the team’s focus on suburban options, city leaders continue their efforts.
hanson_smiling

Scott Hanson Remains NFL Employee in ESPN-NFLN Deal

ESPN obtained the distribution rights to NFL RedZone in the deal.
exclusive

Caleb Williams Didn’t Mean to Start an ‘Iceman’ Fight

“It’s all respect” to NBA legend George “Iceman” Gervin, Williams told FOS.
Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) and center Tomislav Ivisic (13) react in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.

Loopholes Enable Int’l College Basketball Players to Cash In

Schools have scrambled to find a way to compensate international players.

Featured Today

‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch

Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
March 28, 2026

March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era

The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
Maxime Vachier Lagrave
March 25, 2026

The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment

Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
Beau Brune/LSU
March 22, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies

“There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”
Apr 14, 2024; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Tiger Woods reacts to his putt on the 16th green during the final round of the Masters Tournament.

Masters Stars Feel Unprecedented Absence of Tiger and Phil

This is the first Masters since 1994 without both Woods and Mickelson.
April 6, 2026

Patrick Reed: Golf Apparel Free Agency ‘Been Fun’ After LIV Exit

The 2018 Masters champion is starting to sign new deals.
April 7, 2026

Can the Dream Capitalize on Angel Reese’s Popularity?

Reese’s trade from Chicago to Atlanta is making an impact.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
April 6, 2026

Chicago Sky Pivot Yet Again by Shipping Away Angel Reese

The Dream are giving up two first-round picks for Reese.
April 4, 2026

WNBA Free Agency Is Shaping Up to Be Shockingly Quiet

Some sources believe top players will sign one-year deals.
April 1, 2026

Mayweather-Pacquiao Rematch on Netflix Is On

The fight is expected to be at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
April 1, 2026

Project B Lands Projected Top WNBA Pick, Moves Start to December

The league announced a deal with Spanish forward Awa Fam on Wednesday.