Shedeur Sanders' Record $17.7M NFLPA Income Detailed in New Report Amid Panini Trading Card Contract

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders' record-breaking group licensing income last season came mostly from trading card sales, Front Office Sports' Daniel Kaplan confirmed Friday.

Kaplan reported last week that Sanders had received a record total of $17.7 million from licensing income during his rookie season.

ESPN's Pat McAfee later reported that NFLPA executive director JC Tretter said about $15 million of that total came from trading cards.

Kaplan confirmed that a source said "the bulk" of Sanders' income came from cards sold through a contract with Panini.

Panini's run as the NFL's card maker ended in March. If Sanders remains partnered with Panini, his new cards will not feature the Browns logo, Kaplan reported.

Sanders signed an exclusive autograph trading card deal with Panini shortly before the 2025 draft.

The number first reported by Kaplan came from an annual NFLPA report filed with the Department of Labor.

Colorado caoch Deion Sanders said in an interview with Front Office Sports' Baker Machado this week the number didn't include jersey sales. Kaplan reported Friday his sources confirmed the listed number always includes that category.

Tom Brady set the previous record for group licensing income in a single season by taking home $9.5 million in 2022, per Kaplan.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy led all players after the 2024 season with $4 million in group licensing income, Kaplan reported.

Sanders ranked second among all college players during his senior season at Colorado with an NIL valuation of $6.5 million by On3.

He signed a four-year, $4.65 million contract with the Browns after the team selected him in the fifth round of the 2025 draft.

The Browns started the 2025 season with Joe Flacco under center, then turned to Dillon Gabriel before setting up Sanders to make his regular-season debut in Week 11.

Sanders went on to start the final seven games of the season for the Browns, leading the team to a 3-4 record while completing 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

He is set for a QB1 battle this offseason against veteran starter Deshaun Watson, who is looking to make his return to the NFL for the first time since 2024.