Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is the second-most marketable active athlete, according to a survey of 65 sports business and media executives by Street & Smith’s Sports Business Daily.
Manning, who has endorsement deals with Sony, Reebok and Gatorade among others, rated 208 of a possible 325 points—following only the 280 points garnered in the publication’s first such survey by golf standout Tiger Woods.
However, Manning had better make the best of his popularity while he can, if the poll is any indication. In five years, the executives predicted his marketability at 56 points.
By then, Tiger Woods will still hold the top spot, the respondents said. The three athletes likely to rise above Manning will be the current No. 3, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, and Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade and New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush.
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