C.J. Stroud is currently the top athlete in the city of Houston following a breakout rookie season with the Houston Texans. Go through any tailgate outside of NRG Stadium and No. 7 will be well represented. 

Apparently, Stroud’s impact has reached national status entering Week 3 of the 2024 season. 

The Texans quarterback tops the list of jersey sales, according to the NFL Players Association. On Wedensday, the NFLPA released the top 50 jersey-sellers from March through May.

Stroud, who last season won Offensive Rookie of the Year after guiding the Texans to their first division title in four seasons, surpassed Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was second. The two-time MVP has carried the title of top seller since his breakout campaign in 2018. 

Much like on the gridiron, Mahomes has competition to remain the top option. 

Now, it must be noted that Stroud’s jersey sales might have benefitted from Houston changing its jerseys in the offseason for the first time in franchise history. Some records could be from the old kits worn in 2023. 

Others likely are from a new era and look surrounding the Texans in 2024. 

Detriot Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow rounded out the top five. Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. appeared on the list at No. 24 following his dominant first year. 

While the Texans might be the biggest risers in the AFC, they only have two representatives in the top 50. Detriot, a fan favorite from last season, saw the most growth with six, including running back Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 8), quarterback Jared Goff (No. 19) and tight end Sam LaPorta (No. 44). 

Maybe next season, the Texans will have the same cast of talent with Nico Collins, Danielle Hunter, Tank Dell, Derek Stingley Jr. and Azeez Al-Shaair joining the mix. 

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has top-selling jersey in the NFL