Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Shedeur Sanders might’ve missed out on a guaranteed paycheck, but his group license income has surpassed that of NFL legend Tom Brady. 

Earlier this week, the NFL Players Association filed its annual report to the Department of Labor and reported that Sanders earned a record-shattering $17.7 million from his rookie season.

“But now the heavily-hyped son of Deion Sanders is laughing all the way to the bank, as he earned a record-shattering $17.7 million in group licensing income,” Front Office Sports reported on May 30. 

Brady previously held the record with $9.5 million in the 2021-2022 season. In the 2024-2025 season, Minnesota Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy led all NFL players with $4 million through his LLC Newberry Raised. However, Sanders’ numbers are not a record high but tell the story of how fans perceive him.

In 2025, the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback was touted as a round one pick, but he faced an unexpected draft slide. He was picked 144th overall in round five and was slotted for an annual salary of $1.005 million. 

Sanders, 24, spent the majority of his rookie season on the bench and served as Dillon Gabriel’s backup. He first played in Week 10 after Gabriel sustained a concussion and then started the remaining games. 

He managed 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in a season marred by starting QB competition. Sanders, however, was always popular among fans as his jersey sales testified.

According to Fanatics, Sanders’ Browns No. 12 jersey was the highest-selling rookie jersey from the 2025 QB draft class. His counterparts, Cam Ward and Travis Hunter, had a two-day start advantage while Sanders did not even have official numbers on pre-orders yet, according to Browns Wire.

Sanders has surpassed not just Brady but another dynasty quarterback.

Patrick Mahomes Among Top 5 Group License Players In 2025

Group License deals usually include six or more players and deal with jerseys, trading cards, video games, and other collectibles sales. According to Front Office Sports, rookies often lead sales since their names are utilized for the first time. 

According to FOS, three of the four highest earners last season were rookies.

It is not a surprise to see Travis Hunter on the list. The second-highest earner was Shedeur Sanders’ teammate at Jackson State and the Colorado Buffs, and he racked up $12.8 million. FOS reported that Hunter’s LLC is called TIPENTERPRISE LLC.

Third on this list is Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes. The quarterback, whose LLC is 2 PM, pulled over $8 million, which is a raise from the $3.6 million he earned in the 2023-2024 season. He led all players that season. 

At number four is Tetairoa McMillan. The  Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver’s LLC, NALO Enterprises, earned him $4.5 million. And in fifth place is Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. His LLC, SBQB, received $4.3 million. 

While Sanders’ Browns paycheck might not be hefty, he has certainly made up for it with his popularity. What are your thoughts on this list?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar