Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott led all NFLers in jersey sales on NFLShop.com from April 1-June 30, and the trading card business also has "been rejuvenated" by the rookie, according to David Humphrey of the FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM. Panini America VP/Marketing Jason Howarth said of Elliott, "He delivered a tremendous college career with a high-profile Ohio State team, won a national championship and was seemingly always in the spotlight. He would've been one of the most collectible rookies of the 2016 season no matter where he went. ... He’s already made an impact in terms of how his early-season trading cards have been received and consumed. He’s been a top-five staple among rookies on the first two NFLPA Panini Trading Card Index rankings this year." Humphrey notes it also "doesn't hurt to play a skill position for America's team." Howarth noted the trading card industry "tends to mirror what’s happening on the field in terms of results, speculation, hype and headlines." He said high-profile Cowboys players -- "especially those playing offensive skill positions -- always command interest" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 8/4).
