In today’s world, sports jerseys are far more than just athletic apparel. Alongside investing in Arsenal bags and Real Madrid t-shirts, football jerseys are snapped up by fashion connoisseurs who simply like the design of specific shirts and, therefore, wear them outside of attending major matches on the calendar.
Away from the beautiful game, non-football jerseys are also popular with fashionable folk around the world. For example, the Los Angeles Lakers brand stretches far and wide, with sports fans everywhere wearing Lakers merchandise. Likewise, for American football fans who watch the biggest teams in the NFL and enjoy betting after assessing the latest college football odds, iconic jerseys from the college football scene, such as the LSU Tigers No. 7 jersey, are popular. Additionally, the New York Yankees is another team’s jersey that can be seen pretty much anywhere, given their standing in the sport of baseball.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at six of the best-selling non-football jerseys ever.
Tom Brady (New England Patriots, No. 12)
A name people with no interest in the sport of American football are aware of, Tom Brady’s No. 12 New England Patriots jersey is associated with an array of iconic moments. Brady has helped steer the Patriots to numerous Super Bowl triumphs, with his jersey being lodged in the memories of most sports fans as a result. Following his retirement, Brady jerseys are still being sold everywhere, even his Tampa Bay Buccaneers one. Overall, Tom Brady is sporting royalty.
Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls, No. 23)
Basketball’s biggest-ever star, it should come as no surprise to learn that some of the best-selling non-football jerseys have been his. Jordan’s No. 23 with the Chicago Bulls is arguably the most iconic sports jersey ever, with his impact being felt away from the court, be it in movies, Nike advertisements, or video games. Jordan has impacted basketball and popular culture like no other professional sportsman, that’s for sure.
Derek Jeter (New York Yankees, No. 2)
Ask most New York Yankees fans what they think of Derek Jeter, and they’ll probably wax lyrical about his highly successful 20-year Major League Baseball career. Jeter is a Yankees icon, resulting in his No.2 jersey being purchased by millions.
LeBron James (Various teams, No. 23 and No. 6)
While LeBron James hasn’t made the same impact as Michael Jordan, he’s a player many fans regard as one of the most talented ever to have graced the sport. Turning out for the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers, James’ jerseys have been in demand throughout his entire career. The most popular of the lot, though, have tended to be his No.23 and No.6 shirts, with this global star having a huge fan base behind him.
Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers, No. 24 and No. 8)
After his incredibly sad death in 2020, sales of Kobe Bryant's No. 24 and No. 8 jerseys went through the roof. Even before his tragic passing, Bryant was a superstar sports lovers everywhere were aware of. The former LA Lakers player was a consummate professional, while his performances on the court tended to be spectacular. A true legend of basketball, obtaining one of Kobe Bryant’s jerseys is an objective many fashionistas are yet to complete.
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers, No. 12)
Another quarterback with the highest of reputations, Aaron Rodgers is a name that is synonymous with the Green Bay Packers’ golden era. Whether they're a Packers fan or not, his No.12 jersey is a hit among passionate sports fans on all corners of the globe. Of course, Rodgers is not always far from controversy, but at the height of his popularity, this was the jersey we all wanted.