Jersey sales prove Steelers fans didn't show their full support in 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the best traveling fanbases in the NFL; there's no question about that. Pick a random away game from any season, and you'll be sure to see thousands of terrible towels swirling as the team rushes onto their opponent's turf.

Nobody questions the loyalty of Steelers fans. Unfortunately, our enthusiasm for the Black and Gold was not reflected in merchandise sales last year.

The NFLPA has collected data from March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, to see which NFL players had the highest merchandise sales. The Pittsburgh did not have a single player crack the top 20.

Only two Steelers players ranked inside the top 50 when it came to jersey sales last year. The first name to show up on the list was All-Pro edge defender and former Defensive Player of the Year award winner, T.J. Watt. The current face of the franchise ranked 22nd among NFL players in jersey sales in 2023. This trailed players like Aidan Hutchinson and Tua Tagovailoa as well as both starting receivers on the Eagles (A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith).

The only other Steelers player who ranked inside the top 50 in jersey sales was QB Kenny Pickett. This is a decision fans no doubt regret. Pickett ranked 34th on the list. This came in three spots behind current Steelers QB Justin Fields. Many who purchased Pickett jerseys last year didn't get to wear them for a full year before Pickett was shipped to the Eagles.

Steelers fans need to step up their game

Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been ecstatic about the changes the team has made over the past two years. Since hiring Omar Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl to run the front office in 2023, this team has strung together back-to-back impressive draft classes with phenomenal value picks.

Now it's time to start reflecting our love interest with corresponding jersey purchases.

Joey Porter Jr. has the potential to be a star cornerback in the NFL, and Keeanu Benton was thoroughly impressive as a rookie. Don't forget to show some love for the big guys up front like Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu who can anchor the offensive line to turn this sinking ship around.

Then there's the obvious. Players like Alex Highsmith, Cameron Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and George Pickens are being out-represented by players like Mac Jones and an aging Tyler Lockett, for goodness sake.

Regardless of how many fans have already purchased a T.J. Watt jersey in the past, there's no reason a future Hall of Fame player from the league's most devoted fan base should be getting outpaced by 21 NFL players in jersey sales.

Step it up, yinz! It's time to properly represent our Pittsburgh Steelers.