The commercial appeal of even the biggest sports stars is not immune to on-field struggles. In a telling sign, sales of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' iconic No. 15 jersey have witnessed a dramatic decline, mirroring a challenging period for the three-time Super Bowl champion.
From Top 2 to Number 22: A Steep Decline in Popularity
According to the latest rankings from the official NFL Shop, Patrick Mahomes has experienced a significant fall in the jersey sales charts. In 2024, he was sitting comfortably at the number 2 spot, trailing only star running back Saquon Barkley. However, the 2025 rankings tell a different story, with Mahomes now positioned at number 22. This sharp drop underscores a direct link between an athlete's performance, public perception, and the popularity of their merchandise.
Fans have clearly reacted to a season that deviated sharply from the Chiefs' recent dynasty standards. The decline follows a series of high-profile setbacks for Mahomes and his team.
A Season of Setbacks: Super Bowl Loss, Playoff Miss, and Injury
The troubles began in February 2025, when Mahomes and the Chiefs were soundly defeated by Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. Hopes for a swift rebound the following season were dashed. The Chiefs posted an uneven record, which ultimately led to them missing the NFL playoffs entirely.
The final blow came during a critical late-season game, where Mahomes suffered a severe torn ACL. The injury required immediate surgery, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his future and leaving fans anxious about his return timeline. Mahomes himself captured the emotional rollercoaster on Instagram, posting a somber photo of himself walking off the field with his helmet down, followed by a more hopeful image celebrating a touchdown—a symbolic nod to both current struggles and future determination.
Road to Recovery and Shifting Fan Allegiances
Despite the severity of the injury, there is optimism surrounding Mahomes' comeback. Chiefs vice president of sports medicine and performance, Rick Burkholder, provided a recovery "ballpark" of roughly nine months. This timeline could potentially allow Mahomes to return for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Burkholder noted that "every player is different," but added that Mahomes' dedication and body awareness might accelerate the process.
In the meantime, NFL fans have redirected their merchandise spending toward other emerging and established stars. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has climbed to the coveted number 1 jersey sales spot. New England Patriots' Drake Maye now holds the number 2 position. Other top sellers include Fred Warner, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and CeeDee Lamb.
Mahomes' slide in the sales rankings is a stark reminder that in the world of sports, popularity is fluid and closely tied to success and health. With his rehabilitation now underway, the sports world will be watching closely to see if the superstar quarterback can engineer another triumphant return to the top, both on the field and in the fan merchandise stands.
