Nike NFL Jerseys 2012: Bold Predictions for Best-Selling Jerseys

Nike is the NFL's new supplier in 2012, and I'm predicting there are a few jerseys that will sell like hot cakes.

I'm going to disregard some of the obvious names like Peyton Manning or Michael Vick for the purpose of this column and focus on some bold predictions for who will be the hottest names flying off the shelves.

Here are three best selling jerseys you may not expect in 2012.

Tim Tebow, Quarterback, New York Jets

Tebow was recently booed in Yankee Stadium, but that won't stop him from being one of the hottest names at the top of Nike's sales list.

Evangelical Christians adore this kid, and even if nobody in New York purchases a single jersey with Tebow's name on the back he'll still sell the crap out of them all over the country.

If anything, the move from Denver to New York only brings a bigger spotlight upon Tebow.

I'm predicting that Tebow ends up starting at least one game this year for the Jets, despite the assurances from the organization that Mark Sanchez is the unquestioned starter. In the case of this becoming a reality, Tebow's sales numbers will skyrocket.

By the end of the 2012 sales year, Tebow will have sold many more jerseys than Sanchez, and if my prediction is correct, he'll also be taking the Jets to the playoffs, further boosting sales.

Trent Richardson, Running Back, Destination Unknown

Richardson will blow the hinges off the NFL in 2012. 

I'm predicting he will have a Pro Bowl-caliber performance in his rookie season, and fans will fall in love with his ferocious style of play.

Unless Richardson ends up falling significantly in the draft—a highly unlikely scenario—he'll be the biggest star on offense for his team, boosting the value of his jersey even higher.

By the time 2013 rolls around, Richardson may very well be one of the league's most popular players from the fans' perspective, and his jerseys will be a hot commodity from the get-go this year.

Randy Moss, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers

Moss is an enigma. He is undoubtedly one of the most talented men to have ever stepped onto a football field, yet many folks don't expect him to have any impact this year for the 49ers. 

He has Hall of Fame statistics, and there's no doubt he will be a first-ballot inductee, yet people have become turned off by his attitude problems during his time with the Oakland Raiders.

Moss will revitalize his career with the 49ers in 2012, and I'm predicting a huge swell of support for him will arise once he starts putting up the numbers and the 49ers start rolling the NFC West.

Look for Candlestick Park to be full of Moss jerseys by the middle of the season.

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