Update: 2:25PM FAN fervour is growing for Australian Jarryd Hayne with the former Parramatta Eels star’s No 38 San Francisco 49ers jersey currently the most popular selling shirt on the NFL’s online store.
There has been considerable hype for Hayne since he touched down in the US attempting to make the transition from rugby league to the NFL and since the announcement on Sunday he had secured a spot on the 49ers final 53-man roster, there has been a startling increase in the number of jerseys sold.
The ‘Men’s San Francisco 49ers Jarryd Hayne Nike Scarlet Game Jersey’ is the highest-selling shirt out of hundreds of other options, and another Hayne jersey – his ‘Pro Line Mens San Francisco 49ers Jarryd Hayne Team Color Jersey’ – comes in at second on the list. For some perspective on Hayne’s popularity, more people want to buy his jersey than that of legendary New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, whose spectacular catch against the Cowboys last season has become the stuff of legend.
Hayne’s jerseys are being sold for US$99.95 ($218.85), an absolute bargain compared to the most expensive shirts sold online – a Pittsburgh Steelers Authentic Throwback Jersey for US$299.95 ($656.76).
Even before Hayne’s fate was sealed with a text message from 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula, the merchandise store at Levi’s Stadium was inundated with requests for Hayne apparel as his jerseys flew off the racks.
“I’ll be honest with you, I’ve never seen anything like it before. It’s crazy,” a 49ers store salesman said in August.
“Not only do I watch pro football, but I watch other sports too and this is unheard of. It’s incredible. His jersey is in high demand right now. He’s exceeded a lot of expectations transitioning into NFL football. He’s a wonder kid. He’s in such high demand right now.
“The jerseys are custom made and they are going off the shelves.
