Honestly, the NFL hierarchy feels weird right now. If you looked at a "most liked" list five years ago, it was a total quarterback monopoly. You had Brady, Brees, and Rodgers sucking up all the oxygen. But as we roll through January 2026, the vibe in the stands and on social media has shifted. People are tired of the same old storylines. We're seeing a massive surge in love for "personality" players and guys who actually win championships for long-suffering franchises.
The data doesn't lie, either. Jersey sales and sentiment tracking show that being a great athlete isn't enough anymore. You've gotta have a brand, a heart, or at least a really entertaining TikTok.
Saquon Barkley: The New King of the League
It finally happened. For the first time since 2017, a running back is officially the most popular player in the NFL. Saquon Barkley didn't just win a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in February 2025; he absolutely broke the merchandise market.
His #26 jersey is everywhere. Why? Because fans love a redemption arc. After years of being "the guy" on a struggling Giants team and dealing with those brutal injuries, seeing him explode in Philly felt right to most football fans. It’s also about that "Sacko" viral campaign that took over the internet. He’s humble, he’s built like a superhero, and he actually talks to fans. In a league of divas, Saquon feels like a dude you’d actually want to grab a burger with.
The Patrick Mahomes Fatigue (and Why He’s Still Top 3)
Look, Patrick Mahomes is the best to ever do it. We know. But "most liked" is a tricky metric. While he still sits at #2 in total merchandise sales, there’s a real sense of Mahomes fatigue setting in across the AFC.
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However, he stays at the top because of the kids. If you walk into any elementary school in America today, you’re going to see a sea of red #15 jerseys. He’s the face of the league for a reason. He’s never in the news for the wrong things, his chemistry with Travis Kelce is legendary, and those "no-look" passes still pull in millions of views on Reels. Even if you hate the Chiefs, you kinda have to respect the magic.
Why We’re Obsessed With Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow
If Mahomes is the "Final Boss" of the NFL, Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow are the guys the rest of us are rooting for.
Jalen Hurts has cultivated this "stoic leader" persona that fans find intoxicating. He doesn't say much, but when he does, it’s usually about work ethic or his community. Did you know he pledged $5,000 for every touchdown he scored last season to put AC units in Philadelphia schools? That’s how you win a city over. He also made waves by hiring an all-female management team, which earned him a ton of respect outside the typical "football bro" circles.
Then there’s "Joe Cool." Joe Burrow is the reason half the people I know started watching Bengals games. It’s the fashion. It’s the confidence. It’s the way he survived those early-career injuries to keep Cincinnati relevant. Even with the frosted tips he rocked recently—which, let's be real, only Joe Burrow could pull off in 2026—he remains a massive fan favorite because he feels "human" despite the $55 million a year salary.
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The Rise of the Lions: Hutchinson and St. Brown
If you want to see where the real "fan energy" is moving, look at Detroit. The Lions are no longer a punchline.
- Aidan Hutchinson: He’s the highest-ranked defensive player on the popularity charts for a reason. He plays with a motor that fans in the Midwest relate to. Plus, his family is basically NFL royalty at this point.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: The "Sun God" is the ultimate underdog story. He still remembers every wide receiver drafted before him. Fans love that petty energy. It makes him relatable.
The "Swift Effect" and Travis Kelce
We can't talk about most liked nfl players without mentioning the guy who transcended the sport. Travis Kelce is essentially a Tier-1 celebrity now. While some "traditional" fans complained about the Taylor Swift coverage, the numbers tell a different story.
Kelce brought an entirely new demographic to the NFL. Tens of thousands of people who didn't know what a "holding penalty" was three years ago are now die-hard Chiefs fans. Beyond the relationship, Kelce is genuinely liked because he’s a throwback. He’s loud, he’s funny, and he’s arguably the greatest tight end to ever lace them up. He’s managed to stay "one of the boys" while appearing on every cereal box and podcast in existence.
The Rookie Factor: Jayden Daniels and C.J. Stroud
The "New Guard" is moving up fast. Jayden Daniels has basically revitalized the entire Washington fanbase. His jersey sales jumped over 130% in the last year. People like him because he’s electric. He’s the type of player who makes you stand up every time he touches the ball.
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C.J. Stroud is in a similar boat. He’s widely regarded as one of the most "likable" young stars because of his poise and his openness about his faith and his family's struggles. He doesn't feel like a manufactured PR product. He feels like a kid who is genuinely happy to be playing a game for a living.
What People Get Wrong About "Likability"
A lot of experts think winning is the only thing that matters. It’s not.
Look at someone like Dak Prescott. He’s polarizing on the field, but he consistently ranks high in "Man of the Year" voting and jersey sales. Why? Because he’s been open about his mental health struggles. He talked about the loss of his mother and brother in a way that resonated with millions. In 2026, fans want vulnerability. They don't just want a stat line; they want a person they can root for when the helmet comes off.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you’re looking to follow the pulse of the league or even invest in some memorabilia, keep an eye on these specific trends:
- Watch the Defensive Stars: The "Quarterback-only" era of popularity is fading. Guys like Micah Parsons and Aidan Hutchinson are becoming the primary faces of their franchises.
- Community Impact Matters: Players like Damar Hamlin and Jalen Hurts have shown that what you do off the field is now a major driver of jersey sales and "likability" scores.
- The Small Market Surge: Don't sleep on players from teams like the Lions or Texans. The "big market" advantage of the Cowboys and Giants isn't what it used to be thanks to social media.
- Follow the NFLPA Sales List: If you want the cold, hard facts on who is actually popular, ignore the "polls" and look at the quarterly NFLPA Top 50 Player Sales List. That’s where the real money is.
The NFL is changing. The players we love in 2026 aren't just the ones with the most rings—they're the ones who make us feel like we're part of the journey. Whether it's Saquon's comeback or Stroud's humility, the "human" element is winning the popularity contest.