First look: 2012 Contenders Football
By Susan Lulgjuraj | Beckett Football Editor
Contenders is celebrating a big birthday this season. The now-Panini product is turning the big 2-0!
That’s right, Contenders has been a part of the football trading cards since 1993. And it’s still going strong.
The next edition of Contenders (24 five-card packs) is scheduled for a January release with the product showing off its history.
Contenders, a 235-card set, will start by revisiting the 1998 Rookie Ticket design. That year is significant because it was the debut of autographed Rookie Cards in Contenders.
Contenders brought autographed Rookie Cards into the product in 1998 and have been a mainstay ever since.
Collectors can expect six autographs in every box along with three Rookie Stallions (throwback to 1996 Contenders), three Legendary Contenders, three Rookie of the Year Contenders and three MVP Contenders.
Susan Lulgjuraj is an editor of Beckett Football. You can email her here with questions, comments or ideas. Follow her on Twitter here.
I like what I seen.
Does anyone know the release date on this??
Panini only lists it as early January right now.
This may be the best design yet. Kind of a blend of 2010 and 2011. I am looking forward to this one.
I bought a hobby box today and opened the whole thing. I like them! Supposed to be 5 autos per box, but I got 6!