Over the last few years, Football has become a hobby dependent on brand loyalty. Its one of the main reasons that a pending exclusive for Panini is such a horrible thing. Unlike some of the other sports, where players and pricing entry level can drive product success, football is about the name on the box. Here is a breakdown of the hobby’s most important brands.

Topps Chrome

Lifespan: 1996 to present
Price point: Low end

Im putting Topps Chrome on the list to start this article because it is not only one of the longest running brands, but one that has some RABID collectors. Not only does it appeal to set collectors, but it also appeals to high end chasers who love the rare parallels and refractors. It is one of my favorites because of the top design work and consistent quality in the product. Chrome will be missed.

2012 Topps Chrome Andew Luck Refractor Auto BGS 9.5

1998 Topps Chrome Peyton Manning RC PSA 10

2011 Topps Chrome Colin Kaepernick Auto

Upper Deck Exquisite

Lifespan: 2005 to present
Price point: Super high end

Im pretty sure that opening boxes of Exquisite could be linked to cancer and collectors would still buy it by the case. Its incredible how much loyalty Upper Deck has with the brand, and so much of it is because it was the beginning of the genre in football. Again, design is a big factor, as are the massive chase hits that are littered throughout the run. Even after the loss of the NFL licence, Exquisite RC Patch Autos are among the top cards of the year for any rookie.

2007 Exquisite Adrian Peterson Rookie Patch Auto

2005 Exquisite Aaron Rodgers Dual Patch Auto

2013 Exquisite Johnny Manziel Rookie Auto

Panini / Playoff Contenders

Lifespan: 1998 to present (current format)
Price point: Middle end

When the 1998 contenders set was released and Manning’s autograph was part of the checklist, Im sure there was some real shock. It was rare that rookie autographs were included in products, even rarer for a set like Contenders. Since that time, it has built up one of the most loyal set collecting bases, and it grows despite some very questionable and amateur designs over the past 5-10 years. It shows brand loyalty among all else.

2000 Contenders Tom Brady Championship Ticket Auto RC

1998 Contenders Peyton Manning Rookie Auto Ticket

Panini / Playoff National Treasures

Lifespan: 2006 to present
Price point: Super high end

Although originally a cheap knockoff of Upper Deck’s exquisite platform, it has since become the standard for which all base rookie cards are judged. Personally, I dont think it deserves this benchmark, as it has never been the best of the best, but has almost gotten this reputation by default. When Exquisite was relegated to the NCAA ranks, this was the only product left. Five Star was still on year one, a time where collectors rarely show a brands true performance potential. As A result, NT took over and never looked back.

2012 National Treasures Russell Wilson Rookie Patch Auto

2011 National Treasures Cam Newton Rookie Auto Patch

Upper Deck SP Authentic

Lifespan: 1996 to present
Price point: Middle end

I always thought SP authentic was far more important than Contenders at this price point, though I have come to realize its more of a mac vs PC thing. The inclusion of rookie patches and autographs in 2001 was a revolutionary concept in the RC market, and has shaped the industry ever since. Today’s hobby wouldnt be where it is without SPA, a product that has had on card autographs pretty much the whole run. Even without an NFL license, its release remains an event in football.

1998 SP Authentic Peyton Manning RC

2003 SP Authentic Tony Romo RC Auto

2001 SP Authentic Michael Vick Auto Patch RC

Topps Finest

Lifespan 1994 to present
Price point: Middle end

Back in 1993 when refractors made their debut in Baseball, collectors were wondering when Finest would come to football. Although the run had some down years in the middle 2000s, it has been revived significantly over the last few years. Now featuring some of the first on card post Premiere autographs, Finest is back on top.

2007 Topps Finest Calvin Johnson Xfractor Auto

2013 Topps Finest Robert Griffin III Auto Jumbo Patch Superfractor Logo

2006 Topps Finest Reggie Bush Auto Rookie BGS 9.5

When all is said and done, you may have your favorites year over year, but these brands are the ones that have stood the test of time.