SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Still wondering what type of impact Jarryd Hayne might have on the NFL landscape?
Sure, Hayne simply making the San Francisco 49ers' initial 53-man roster was a source of pride Down Under. And his being the teams' primary punt returner and backup running back in the season-opening 20-3 victory over the Minnesota Vikings lifted an entire continent, even if he did muff his first return.
But the Hayne Train's influence is already being felt in the marketplace.
The Australian rugby league convert who put on a helmet and shoulder pads for the first time this offseason had the No. 5 top-selling jersey in the NFL, from Sept. 10 through Sept. 21, according to NFL.com.
That's behind only Tom Brady, Dez Bryant, Odell Beckham Jr. and Rob Gronkowski.
And ahead of Aaron Rodgers, Jason Witten, Marcus Mariota, Russell Wilson, Tony Romo and teammates Colin Kaepernick, who was 11th, and NaVorro Bowman, who was 21st.
In fact, Hayne's No. 38 jersey is the top seller among running backs in the NFL. Yes, better than Marshawn Lynch, DeMarco Murray and Eddie Lacy. Another surprise is Carlos Hyde fifth among running backs.
Two things are fairly clear here: Hayne is extremely popular and his jerseys must be a hot-ticket item in Australia. Oh, and the Niners' black alternate uni's must also be a big seller.
