Michael Sam’s Jersey Sales Show Gay Player’s Ability to Endorse - Bloomberg: Michael Sam’s jersey is the No. 2 seller among National Football League rookies, which may persuade companies to sign endorsement accords with the first openly gay player to be picked in the draft.
“Every firm wanted to take a wait-and-see approach,” said Cameron Weiss, who represents the defensive end. “Now we have waited and are seeing.”
Sam, the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year from the University of Missouri, was selected in the seventh and final round of the draft two days ago by the St. Louis Rams. Sam has already signed an endorsement agreement with Visa Inc., which is also an NFL sponsor.
The only draft pick with higher jersey sales is former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel, aka Johnny Football, who was selected 48 hours earlier by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the draft on May 8.
“Every firm wanted to take a wait-and-see approach,” said Cameron Weiss, who represents the defensive end. “Now we have waited and are seeing.”
Sam, the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year from the University of Missouri, was selected in the seventh and final round of the draft two days ago by the St. Louis Rams. Sam has already signed an endorsement agreement with Visa Inc., which is also an NFL sponsor.
The only draft pick with higher jersey sales is former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel, aka Johnny Football, who was selected 48 hours earlier by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the draft on May 8.