Are the Ravens more Popular than we Think?

**GOTA** · 04-09-2013, 10:36 AM

The Ravens are more popular than we think....at least in terms of jersey sales. The only team to out sell the Ravens was the 49ers. The only Raven who had a top 10 selling jersey was Ray Lewis who was at #3 so it's more than just 1 player.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100...y-sales-record

Joining a new team helped Peyton Manning reach No. 2 on the list, while retirement nostalgia brought Ray Lewis from No. 17 on the list the year before all the way up to No. 3 from April 1, 2012- March 31, 2013. Colin Kaepernick rocketed up to No. 4 and Tom Brady rounded out the top five.

Some other surprises from the list: Victor Cruz was the second most popular non-quarterback, ranking No. 8 overall. Tim Tebow as the most popular backup, ranking No. 14 despite his lost year in New York. And Adrian Peterson's incredible year didn't translate to sales: He barely cracked the top 25. Troy Polamalu and Drew Brees both had big falls out of the top ten, while Miles Austin fell from No. 11 out of the top 25.

The NFL also keeps track of team sales, with the San Francisco 49ers finishing on top for the first team since at least 1979. (The 49ers were No. 2 back in 1994 and 1995.) The rest of the top six selling teams are all in the Eastern time zone: The Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New England Patriots. That, right there, is your East Coast bias.

**goldenelite28** · 04-09-2013, 11:20 AM

Well I live in Central Jersey and I can count the number of Ravens fans I have met on my hands.

I know I am the only Ravens fan at my local sports bar.

**NJRaven** · 04-09-2013, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by goldenelite28

Well I live in Central Jersey and I can count the number of Ravens fans I have met on my hands.

I know I am the only Ravens fan at my local sports bar.

Same in North Jersey ;)

**PainServer52** · 04-09-2013, 01:48 PM

That's kind of surprising. There must be a spike in bandwagon fans from winning the SB. Seriously, I could probably count on one hand the number of Raven fans I've met outside the state of MD.

**riprulz8** · 04-09-2013, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by NJRaven

Same in North Jersey ;)

I'm in Central Jersey (Hamilton, NJ) and can tell you that there are a ton of Ravens and Oriole fans up here in my experiences (again, just in my circle). A lot of them are transplants from MD like I am but there are also a lot of converts. I just ran into 3 more Ravens fans a few blocks from my neighborhood while out walking yesterday.

I saw a couple guys with Ravens hats on and I, naturally, gravitated to them to chat. It turns out that they were Eagles fans until about 6 years ago when they grew tired of Reid and haven't looked back.

Before I got DirecTV when I would go out to my local watering holes, there would always be 6-8 Ravens fans there as well. I guess it just depends where in Central Jersey you are.

**Dade** · 04-09-2013, 11:26 AM

Not surprising that the 2 teams that made the Super Bowl lead the league in jersey sells.

**Purpleguy** · 04-09-2013, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by Dade

Not surprising that the 2 teams that made the Super Bowl lead the league in jersey sells.

Yes, they get an extra two weeks of very enthusiastic fans buying up merchandise. I'm sure that makes a huge difference. I wouldn't be surprised if the Superbowl teams led every year.

**GOTA** · 04-09-2013, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Dade

Not surprising that the 2 teams that made the Super Bowl lead the league in jersey sells.

The 49ers have been in a ton of Super Bowls and this was the 1st time since 1979 they led the league in jersey sales. It has to be more than just getting to the game.

**bt12483** · 04-09-2013, 12:02 PM

wrong thread

**Ravenswintitle** · 04-09-2013, 12:19 PM

I'm down south and I see more and more Ravens stuff on cars, people wearing shirts, etc. Before the SB they did a survey at my kids school on who they wanted to win - 100% of the kids chose the Ravens. I was pretty surprised.

**bmore finest** · 04-09-2013, 12:36 PM

Well I'm in shitsburgh so of course we are well known here. If not, they will be if crossed my path. But in general, I sure hope Raven Nation is growing. We are only 17 years old and we already are around the world. I can say ever year I find more Ravens behind enemies lines here. I know of 15 Ravens here. Hopefully winning the last Superbowl will grow us bigger quicker. Purple Pride

**Real Fan Dan** · 04-09-2013, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by Dade

Not surprising that the 2 teams that made the Super Bowl lead the league in jersey sells.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Ravens were in the top ten again next year, simply because several popular players have left the team. People will be looking to replace their Lewis, Reed, Boldin, Kruger, Pollard and Ellerbe jerseys even if we have a mediocre year.