I'm afraid that this is the same question everyone is curious about: why did jersey sales surge immediately after Nike signed Li Wei?
The reason is perplexing.
If it were explained by Li Wei creating miracles on the field and attracting a strong fan base, leading to a surge in jersey sales, that would be understandable; but why did the mere signing of a sponsorship contract between Nike and Li Wei cause such an effect?
According to statistics, places with the main Chinese immigrant populations on the North American continent, such as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, Toronto, and so on, became the main force behind sales; even more unbelievable was that NFL jersey sales on the Hua Xia Continent skyrocketed by twenty-seven times, setting a series of records.
In simple terms, the market was sending a message with this action, applauding the signing between Nike and Li Wei, and the moment Goodell had been eagerly waiting for finally arrived.
"Chinese heritage," this label's significance and power began to show. So what are other brands still hesitating about?
One second ago, the media and brands were shocked by Nike's compromise, thinking "it's probably fake news" or "Nike must be out of its mind."
The next second, Adidas was in utter despair, having missed an opportunity that was within reach; the media's praise was particularly grating to them.
History was happening.
In this craze, Watson seemed insignificant; not just Watson, both the number one pick, Garrett, and the second pick, Trubisky, ceased to be important—
By the way, both the Cleveland Browns and the Chicago Bears lost their games, and both the number one and number two picks had losing debuts. Their defeats were even more embarrassing amid Li Wei's unstoppable string of victories, failing to make even a splash, to the point that the media didn't even have the energy to kick them when they were down.
What's worse than criticism and boos?
That was the situation for Garrett and Trubisky right now.
Originally, rookies only hoped the media wouldn't follow them closely, constantly buzzing about every big and small thing without giving them room to breathe, but this was not what they meant by wanting less attention—turned into stray dogs abandoned in a corner, something didn't seem quite right.
Netizens, one after another, expressed their frustration:
As expected, there's not a single capable player in this rookie class!
There were those who disagreed with this sentiment.
Juju Smith-Schuster, the Wide Receiver from the University of Southern California, voiced his dissent with a look of disdain. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round, the 62nd overall pick in this year's draft.
At the draft, Juju wasn't particularly noticeable—he was the fifth Wide Receiver selected, and his college career didn't seem to have particularly bright highlights, with only one thousand-yard season in his sophomore year. He displayed good physical qualities at the Rookie Training Camp, but nothing that was particularly eye-catching.
However, things quickly changed after entering the League.
Born on November 22, 1996, Juju was the youngest player in the NFL this year, and this label followed his entrance into the league, setting a series of records.
Even amidst the noise of Li Wei continuously creating miracles, the historical records surrounding the league's youngest player continued to stir discussions.
Undoubtedly, this was a unique sight to behold.
Unlike other positions, Wide Receivers have to memorize a large number of running routes and tactical combinations. Although Wide Receivers are often ready-to-play roles, if they can't remember the playbook, they're more of a hindrance on the field—
At this year's draft, all four Wide Receivers picked before Juju, without exception, failed to adapt to professional play, all failing to ignite, met with sighs and complaints; this further paved the way for Juju's rise.
In Week 2 of the regular season, Juju became the youngest player to score a touchdown in the NFL since Running Back Andy-Livingston in 1964. He also became the second-youngest player in NFL history to catch a touchdown pass, following Arnie Herber in 1930.
Moreover, before Week 6 of the regular season, Juju became the first player in league history to score three touchdowns before the age of twenty-one.
His popularity was on the rise.
Elsewhere, Li Wei, as a Chinese descendant and a running back, was making history with every step he took.
On the other hand, Zhu Zhu was setting records with each catch and each touchdown, relying on his youth.
Moreover, it's worth mentioning that Zhu Zhu still was not a starting Wide Receiver.
He was just a member of the Special Duty Group and the team's fifth Wide Receiver in rotation, with limited chances as a passing target. Yet, it was within these limited opportunities that Zhu Zhu managed to achieve such a series of accomplishments, which only served to highlight his abilities, making him a hot topic in the League.
Originally, media would not think to compare Li Wei and Zhu Zhu, one a running back and the other a Wide Receiver, one a Top Scholar and the other a second-round pick, one a full-time starter and the other a rotational player.
In Week 6 of the regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers were set to head to an away game to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs, meaning that the focus of the 2017 rookie class, Li Wei and Zhu Zhu, were finally going to meet. With top picks like Fournette and McCaffrey unable to play, all the hype about the rookie players spread like wildfire ——
At least, from the current situation, was this a case of "In the land of the short, the slightly taller is king"?
Reporters interviewed Zhu Zhu right away to get his thoughts on fellow rookie Li Wei, expecting perhaps some polite phrases. They never expected Zhu Zhu to come out guns blazing.
"He's just a fake," Zhu Zhu said.
"He looks strong, but come on, let's be realistic. When has he ever faced a real defensive powerhouse from NCAA to NFL?"
Louisiana State University: ???
Philadelphia Eagles: Do you think we're dead?
"Yes, I admit, his stats look pretty, and the whole world can't wait to kneel before him in worship. But I'm just stating facts here; those stats of his are all show and no substance, untested by any true challenge."
"Hey, that might change next week, though, because he's about to face us," Zhu Zhu said confidently.
"The truth will come out. Who's the real diamond and who's the cubic zirconia will soon be revealed."
Full of confidence, brimming with youthful brazenness ——
Indeed, he was a young talent riding high, speeding through life, taking in the beauty of Chang'an in a single day.
Although he did not spell it out, the smart ones could read between the lines of Zhu Zhu's implications. Reporters were rubbing their hands in anticipation of a great spectacle.
However, Zhu Zhu, fearing his point wasn't clear, hastened to explain it again, anxious that his attack might miss its mark.
"I am the diamond, he's the cubic zirconia, that's what I'm saying," Zhu Zhu clarified.
Truly, some things are more exciting when left unsaid.
Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire
This... Once spelled out, it all loses its flavor.
Indeed, Zhu Zhu was still too young and inexperienced, and without the need for further questioning from Li Wei, the reporters were already able to see a clear difference in their stature.
When the topic reached Li Wei's ears, he looked puzzled, his eyes filled with sincerity ——
I don't aim at anybody, but I honestly don't know him.
Li Wei had been in the League for five weeks, and the reporters knew without asking that he probably had no idea who Zhu Zhu was. Even Brady had experienced such humiliation, let alone a second-round pick, right?
Without waiting for Li Wei to ask, the reporters took the initiative to explain.
"...University of Southern California. You guys met in the opening game of the NCAA season."
Li Wei suddenly realized, "Oh, if I'm not mistaken, we won that game, right?"