The NFL Draft is supposed to be about finding future stars, but not every pick pans out. Some guys flame out hard—yet somehow, they still show up in national commercials, shoe deals, or protein bar ads like they just won MVP.
Endorsements don’t always follow performance. Sometimes it’s about hype, marketability, or just being in the right place at the right time—even if your career ended faster than your rookie contract.
18. Blake Bortles
The “Boat” had a vibe and some playoff magic, but his career quickly capsized. Still, he somehow landed a few sponsorships and even became a bit of a cult personality.
17. Jake Locker
He had the athleticism and the leadership narrative, but the accuracy and health just weren’t there. Before retiring early, he managed to lock down some pre-draft endorsements anyway.
16. Brady Quinn
The hair, the looks, the Notre Dame hype—he had every ingredient for endorsement gold. Too bad his NFL career fizzled out as quickly as his commercials aired.
15. Matt Leinart
Leinart was the golden boy at USC and rode that star power into a few ad campaigns. NFL success? Not so much.
14. Vince Young
Rookie of the Year and a Rose Bowl legend, he had big brands calling early. His NFL career never really stabilized, but the endorsements still rolled in.
13. Justin Blackmon
The talent was undeniable, and so was the off-field trouble. That didn’t stop early endorsements from banking on his potential.
12. Josh Rosen
“The Chosen One” came into the league with a chip on his shoulder—and apparently, a few brand deals in his back pocket. His playing career never lived up to the billing.
11. Tim Couch
The first-ever pick for the new Browns era, Couch had the pressure and the spotlight. Companies tried to capitalize on that before the injuries and inconsistency set in.
10. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football was a marketing machine before he even took a snap. His on-field play didn’t match the hype, but the endorsement train kept rolling—for a while, anyway.
9. Trent Richardson
The Alabama hype was real, and so were the early commercials. His NFL vision (on the field, not in business) just never quite worked out.
8. Sam Darnold
He was supposed to save the Jets, and his clean-cut image got brands interested. Unfortunately, the only thing he delivered was a ghost sighting.
7. Ryan Leaf
One of the biggest busts in NFL history still scored endorsement deals thanks to his draft position and big arm. Those ads aged just as well as his NFL career did.
6. Kevin White
Drafted for his speed and size, Kevin White became a “next big thing” overnight. That buzz got him in a few ads, despite never breaking through on the field.
5. Marcus Mariota
He was a Heisman winner and seen as the future face of a franchise. While he’s bounced around the league, his endorsement game peaked early.
4. JaMarcus Russell
The number one overall pick had all the tools—and all the expectations. That hype brought in endorsements before reality hit harder than a defensive end.
3. Dwayne Haskins
Haskins was a big name out of Ohio State, and brands lined up fast. His time in the NFL was tragically short and rocky, but the commercial world didn’t hesitate.
Read More: The 15 Most Marketable Athletes in Sports History
2. Reggie Bush
Yes, he had a longer career than most here, but expectations were sky-high. He cashed in on endorsements right away, even as his pro career was more solid than a superstar’s.
Read More: 15 Athletes Who Turned Endorsements Into Empires
1. Tim Tebow
He was never a top-tier quarterback, but he was a marketing dream. Whether it was apparel, energy drinks, or motivational branding, Tebow’s off-field value outshone his NFL play.
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