"Why?"
That was the question on everyone's mind: why did Lance's jersey sales skyrocket imdiately after Nike announced their sponsorship deal?
The answer wasn't imdiately clear.
If Lance's on-field heroics and record-setting performances had boosted his jersey sales, that would be understandable. But a sponsorship deal? Why?
According to data, sales bood in cities with significant Chinese-Arican populations, such as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, and Toronto. Even more astonishingly, NFL jersey sales in China surged by 2,700%, setting nurous records.
In simple terms, the market had spoken. Consurs were cheering for Nike's partnership with Lance, finally fulfilling Commissioner Goodell's long-awaited vision.
The significance of the "Chinese-Arican" label was becoming apparent, its potential just beginning to erge. Brands hesitant to seize this opportunity might want to reconsider.
Just monts ago, dia outlets and industry experts were skeptical of Nike's supposed "compromise." So dismissed it as a baseless rumor; others thought Nike had lost its mind.
Now, Adidas was lanting their missed chance as praise for Nike's boldness echoed everywhere.
History was being made.
In the midst of this frenzy, Watson's efforts seed insignificant. Not only Watson—Myles Garrett, the first overall pick, and Mitchell Trubisky, the second overall pick, also found themselves overshadowed.
As a side note, both Garrett's Cleveland Browns and Trubisky's Chicago Bears lost their gas this week. Their NFL debuts ended in defeat, making them pale even further compared to Lance's unstoppable winning streak.
What's worse than criticism and ridicule?
Silence.
This was the reality for Garrett and Trubisky.
New rookies often hope for less dia scrutiny so they can catch their breath. But having no attention at all felt like being abandoned, a stray dog in the corner of a desolate street. Sothing didn't feel right.
Fans on social dia expressed their frustration:
"This draft class is full of disappointnts. Not one of them can hold a candle to Lance!"
Not everyone agreed, though.
"Utter nonsense!"
JuJu Smith-Schuster was quick to fire back.
The wide receiver from USC had been selected 62nd overall in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the draft.
JuJu wasn't a standout during the draft. He was the fifth receiver chosen, with an unimpressive college résumé featuring only one 1,000-yard season. Even during training camp, his solid physical attributes didn't draw much attention.
But once the season began, things changed.
Born on November 22, 1996, JuJu was the youngest player in the NFL this year—a label that brought historical significance with every milestone he reached.
Amid the buzz surrounding Lance's record-breaking performances, JuJu's own achievents as the league's youngest player also caught attention.
A special narrative unfolded:
In Week 2, JuJu beca the youngest player to score a touchdown in the NFL since Andy Livingston in 1964. He was also the second-youngest to score a receiving touchdown, behind Arnie Herber in 1930.By Week 6, JuJu had beco the first NFL player under 21 years old to record three touchdowns.
Even more impressive? JuJu wasn't a starting receiver.
Primarily a special tear and the Steelers' fifth receiver, JuJu had limited opportunities to make plays. Yet, within those constraints, he achieved remarkable results.
While Lance was rewriting history as a running back, JuJu was doing the sa as a wide receiver—though for vastly different reasons.
Naturally, dia comparisons between the two rookies didn't feel obvious at first. Lance was a top-three pick and a starter; JuJu was a second-rounder and a rotational player.
But fate had other plans.
In Week 6, the Pittsburgh Steelers were set to visit the Kansas City Chiefs. Suddenly, the two standout rookies were on a collision course.
With Garrett, Trubisky, Leonard Fournette, and Christian McCaffrey all underwhelming, the spotlight shifted to Lance and JuJu.
Reporters were eager for JuJu's take on Lance, expecting polite complints. Instead, JuJu ca out swinging:
"He's a fraud."
"Sure, he looks good. But let's be real—when has he ever faced a truly elite defense, from college to the NFL?"
LSU: "Excuse ?"
The Eagles: "Did you forget about us?"
"Yes, his stats are flashy, and the whole world seems ready to worship him. But I'm just stating the facts: his numbers are hollow, built against weak competition."
JuJu's confidence boiled over:
"Next week, though? That'll change. He's facing us."
"Soon, the truth will co out. Who's a real diamond, and who's just a fake cubic zirconia? We'll see."
JuJu wasn't finished. Concerned that his remarks might be misunderstood, he doubled down to make sure his point landed:
"I'm the diamond. He's the zirconia. That's what I an."
So things are better left unsaid.
The mont JuJu spelled it out, the tone shifted. His youthful bravado was on full display, but it lacked the subtlety of a seasoned player.
When Lance was inford of JuJu's comnts, his response was equal parts genuine and bewildered.
"Who?"
Five weeks into his NFL career, Lance's indifference to na recognition was already legendary. If Tom Brady couldn't escape this treatnt, what chance did a second-round rookie have?
Reporters quickly explained:
"...USC. You played against him in the NCAA season opener."
Recognition dawned on Lance.
"Oh, right. If I rember correctly, we won that ga, didn't we?"
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