By Andrew Tolentino | Football Editor | Commentary

The first post-lockout product of the season, 2011 Rookies & Stars  Football is now live and leaving a lasting impression on hobby history.

Containing the usual blend of early studio-shot Rookie Cards, this year’s release in particular is also marked by a wide array of older-than-usual newcomer photography. Without the luxury of training camp snapshots and other pro uniform pictures, Panini’s preseason brand reflects the NFL year that almost wasn’t.

Delivered by a deep checklist featuring the incoming class in combine gear, the Rookie Cards in Rookies & Stars are arguable artifacts. Probably not reason for a spike in value, they serve to document the impact of the NFL lockout in the hobby.

With that being said, praise the pigskin! Football is back!

Below are some of the no-longer-locked-out sensations  from our forthcoming Box Busters break of 2011 Rookies & Stars.