Steelers rank fifth in jersey sales in 2012, no player in top 15

On one hand, the fact the Steelers didn't have a player in the top 15 in total jersey sales in 2012 shows a dip in the player appeal of their brand.

On the other, they were the only team in the top five of total jersey sales without any one player in the top 15 individually. That has to speak to their overall appeal.

These numbers are based on an NFL.com report from purchases from NFLshop.com from March 31 through April 1.

The Jersey Rules

Wondering which Steelers jersey to buy? Here are last year's rules, along with the best bets for the team.

Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu has been a lock in the top 10 for players jersey sales since he broke into the league in 2003. He fell out of the top 15 over the last year.

Washington's Robert Griffin III was the highest sold jersey with Denver's Peyton Manning and Baltimore's Ray Lewis in second and third respectively. Interestingly, New York Jets back-up quarterback Tim Tebow (13th) was the only player in the top 15 who did not appear in last year's playoffs.

The San Francisco 49ers, fueled by the emergence of Colin Kaepernick (4th) and his playoff success, finished at the top spot for the first time in franchise history. Super Bowl XLVII foe Baltimore finished second, the New York Giants and Redskins finished third and fourth, respectively, and the Steelers rounded out the top five.

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