Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery is sports stock company's latest investment

Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery made the Pro Bowl in 2013.

Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery emerged last season as one of the league’s bright young stars, making leaping, highlight-reel catches and earning Pro Bowl recognition.

The Bears are banking on that happening again. And soon, investors can now bank on it, too.

On Thursday, Jeffery became the latest NFL player to enter into a brand contract with San Francisco-based Fantex, which has garnered significant attention for its goal to create a market for stock based on an athlete’s earnings from contracts, endorsements and so on.

Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel and 49ers tight end Vernon Davis are already a part of Fantex. Texans running back Arian Foster was the first to enter into an agreement with Fantex, but his process was delayed because of injury.

Jeffery is in the third year of his rookie contract, a four-year deal with an annual salary of $1,136,958. If Jeffery continues his rise, a big pay day is undoubtedly coming his way soon. His base salary for 2015 is $960,157.

Fantex announced it would acquire a 13 percent interest in the brand income of Jeffery for $7.94 million. It’s contingent on Fantex coming up with the financing necessary for that price.

If done, there will be an IPO (initial public offering) tied to Jeffery’s total future earnings. After that, investors would be able to buy and sell shares through Fantex, which takes a commission.

Jeffery has been hindered by a left hamstring injury this season. But he’s played in both games, making eight catches for 118 yards, and is expected to play Monday night against the Jets. Last year, Jeffery had 89 catches for 1,421 yards and seven touchdowns.