Now that we are on the final day of the rookie premiere, I am sad that football season is still a few months away. This is the biggest event of the pre-season, but unlike some of the other events, its impact is felt throughout the whole year. Not only is this the source of most of the pictures in the products we love, but autographs and swatches alike all can be traced back to the premiere.

Think about all the swatches from rookie players over the course of the entire year. Thousands upon thousands of cards. People often wonder or are blissfully ignorant of how much swatch yield is needed to produce the kind of content that the hobby demands. The companies try to stock their inventory as much as possible and as a result, can produce both cards at the beginning of the year, and at the end. No rookie game used jersey has ever been used, as many of them  are unavailable until late in the year, and can be ridiculously cost prohibitive.

Rookie jerseys are only the start of it, as there is an absolute ton of autographs signed over the course of the weekend as well. You would guess that players sign until their hands hurt, but just how many autographs are there? Based on reports, some guys can sign up to 1500 stickers and 1500-2000 cards, and that only gets them part of the way through the calendar. For some of the rookies, tracking them down for a signing can be impossible, as we have seen by the growing number of redemptions, and this event becomes vital to their content in products.

Products like Topps Inception are almost completely dependent from content signed at the rookie premiere, and stickers from this event can reach into many products that dont hit shelves until the end of the year. Its all relative to inventory, and sometimes, uncooperative players can lead to some major issues.

Now that companies are becoming more focused on obtaining hard signed content through the year, more signings are happening now than ever. That doesnt mean they dont get what they can when they can. Topps alone has two cards that are printed and signed the same weekend, and collectors tend to chase these cards as the top examples of the pre-season.

My favorite part of the whole event is the photography, as these pictures are the reason we collect. Rookie premiere photography can be used all the way through to the end of the year, as not every rookie ever makes it into a game. Injuries are common to at least one to two invitees per year, which makes these pictures the only time this year they will be in uniform. Some rookies dont even make the teams, as has been seen before, and that only causes more problems along the way.

Overall, the Premiere is incredibly important, and its easy to see why each of the companies spend so much time preparing for the grind during these four days. Whether its the rush to get cards built, or the planning out of how much they will need for their calendar, this is a difficult event to get done. Now that we see some of the ways things get done, its easy to forget why its so important.

Here are some of the more recent pics:

Rookie Premiere weekend is upon us, and I could not be more excited. Both Topps and Panini are wearing out their phone batteries taking pictures of the events, and collectors are getting view like they have never seen with the different cards the players are signing. This is easily my favorite non-game event, as we get to see the players in their pro gear for the first time, and for the most part things are shaping up very nicely.

Topps

So far, I think Topps is the winner of the best looking cards and most coverage for collectors to see. They have literally taken pics of everything, from cards to players to the event themselves. Although it presents a part of the rookie premiere some collectors may be unfamiliar and unhappy with, their coverage is well worth it.

As expected, Inception is the star of the show – as it has been for the last few years. Players freaking love seeing themselves mocked up in pro jerseys on these cards, and the painted sports art style of the set is unparalleled this early on in the season. For the first time, Inception Elements and INSCRIPTION CARDS(!!!) are going to be added! The Element cards look to feature a different style background focusing on the players’ team colors, and we are finally going to get early inscriptions, which is something I have asked for in Inception a long time ago. They look awesome. The Dual autographs look better than they ever have, as I have frequently asked the Topps design team to use the side by side approach instead of the stacked we usually see.

The hand stamp cards are back for another season, which I think is a very cool idea to bring an extra type of autograph to the party. The design isnt as clean as it was last year, but man, they still look great. These cards were incredibly popular over the products they were offered in for 2012, and I wouldnt expect any less this time around.

I was a little disappointed to see the tall boys are back for another year, as I think they were interesting as a one time thing back last year. I was of the understanding that the 1957 throwback minis were going to replace them, but I guess both will be used. I am not a fan of the studio style, helmet off photography, as I think action shots are much more dynamic. Its not always possible to do that, as we are going to see with the rookie premiere autographs, but that is just my opinion.

Topps should get the “with the times” award for using the Vine app to post movies with sound, something that has not been done by a company at this stage of the event. Usually we get the videos once they hit the field tomorrow, but this is a great behind the scenes adventure for people who arent as familiar.

Panini

Panini wasnt as big a contributor at this point, but I assume that will change as the weekend moves on. As for the card designs, and completed signings, I am really disappointed. I really think that they hit it out of the park last year, and this year they have taken a major step backwards. Not only did they fail to capture a lot of the player jersey number assignments that Topps was able to get, but the overall fixation on the ugly “Hot Rookie” cards from score is unhealthy.

The most prominent cards they get signed are the Elite inscription autos on the clear acetate stock. In 2012, these were some of my favorite Panini cards of the year, even overshadowing Topps’ examples in a lot of ways. This year, with a switch to a vertical orientation, the design is not up to par. They have a giant Elite logo smack dab in the middle of the card, which is bigger than the player’s heads in a lot of cases. That is unacceptable. These also may be the first cards to have a BIG CLEAR BOX instead of the usual big white box we see on their other cards. As a result, the player has very little space to sign, which never works out well.

The Prestige on card autos are cool in the case of the Draft tickets, and horrifically ugly in the case of the Passport cards. Over the last few years, Panini has had this ridiculous fixation with two types of cards. The first being the stupid and lame idea of “Orientation,” and the second being Passports and Identification cards. Both are terrible ideas, and the design on these 2013 cards sure doesnt help. They actually werent terrible last year.

Lastly, the person responsible for retouching the player uniforms on Panini cards doesnt seem to have the same skill as Topps, as I think there are a lot more reasons to hate the work than like it. Its always been a major weakness for them. I hope this improves as the year goes on.

Wrap Up

I said before that the rookie premiere can be quite polarizing. Event used jerseys worn for a matter of seconds and put into cards as swatches isnt a subject that many people are familiar with until they see these pictures. Honestly, the Mark Ingram pictures from 2011 still hold a lot of water in this hobby, when in reality, they shouldnt. The premiere has been done the way it has been done for over a decade, and it wont change as long as collectors still value swatch inclusion and content over anything else. Although a hobby built on event worn swatches is something that FRUSTRATES THE HELL out of me, it is of our own volition. This is us. This is what we want, because we speak with our wallets.

That being said, I like the premiere. The premiere HAS TO HAPPEN. Reason being is that without it, we would get redemptions and combine pictures for months into the season. I will trade the fact that event used swatches exist for the fact that I get wonderful autograph and photograph content all year long. Im okay with that trade off. You should be too, as the benefits of having the premiere far outweigh the negatives.

Topps has something going for them that not many other companies can claim. HISTORY. With history comes the opportunity to capitalize on the iconic status that it is associated with. With 2013 Topps Archives Football, we have the first opportunity in a decade to see this in action, and from what we are seeing so far, its pretty incredible.

2013 Topps Archives Andrew Luck Framed Mini Auto

2013 Topps Archives Robert Griffin III Framed Mini Auto

2013 Topps Archives Matt Barkley Auto

2013 Topps Archives Christian Okoye On Card Auto

2013 Topps Archives Vince Papale Retro Auto

I think Archives comes at a weird point for both Topps and the collectors, as the 2013 class hasnt quite been transitioned in, and the 2012 class is still a major focus for many people. As a result, this product is one of the first that has a relative dual rookie class in football, and for the most part it works very well. Some of the cards turned out to be a complete and utter train wreck, but others are absolutely awesome.

In my prior recaps, I talked about how the fan favorite autograph set may be the first on card autographs for many of the subjects, some of them NEVER have had an autograph at all. Although there arent many if any that touch the level of greatness we saw in previous versions of Archives, I dont think that was the driver of this product. These on card autos are awesome looking, and for team and player collectors, this is the best of the best.

Additionally, the addition of content from the 2013 rookie class is a nice touch, even though the product is released too early to have the cards live and licensed. This product stands alone without the new class, but its going to be interesting how much these cards can end up selling for.

My favorite cards in the product are either the 1985 throwbacks with the new players, or the framed signed minis of the 2012 rookie class, and its not even close. The cards look stunning, which only speaks to the iconic stature many of the designs encompass.

Overall, I dont see this product being the juggernaut it was in 2012 for baseball, but this is a welcome addition to the calendar for set collectors and lower end breakers alike. Its not going to turn heads with the content it has, but it should remind everyone how impactful a feeling nostalgia can be in this hobby.

We all knew it would happen, and here in 2013, its happened twice.

A box of cards costing multiple thousands of dollars, designed for the people who have a bit more pocket change to toss around. The Michael Jordan Master Collection was first done over a decade ago, and was updated with a new look and new content for this year. Although some of the boxes definitely delivered on the box price, many of the collectors seemed to believe it came in a bit light on what they were expecting.

2013 Michael Jordan Master Collection Manu Patch Auto Set

2013 Michael Jordan Master Collection Auto Letter

2013 Michael Jordan Master Collection Shadow Box SSP

Not saying that the set didnt have its shining moments here and there, but the oversaturation of Michael Jordan UNC autos might be collapsing the number of collectors who want cards of him outside of his NBA image. Although I think many of the cards are pretty cool, I am not sure if the investment a collector would make in the hefty price tag really accomplished the things that it needed to.

Yesterday, the Tiger Woods version was released, and Upper Deck seemed to have a bit more leeway on the way they could do it, based on the fact that licensing is different for Golf. As a result, this set is producing some of the most beautiful cards I have seen in a long time. Too add some fuel to the fire is that the box price is significantly lower, and the addition of full sized memorabilia has made this a very cool piece of history.

2013 Tiger Woods Master Collection Auto Booklet Golf Bag Nameplate

2013 Tiger Woods Master Collection Slambalaya Insert

2013 Tiger Woods Master Collection Dual Cut Booklet with Gene Sarazen

The crown jewel of this release is the retro rookie patch autos from 2003-2004 Exquisite Basketball, including some crazy Limited Logo cards that feature a tournament worn swatch from his days at Stanford. I think if you are a Tiger Woods collector, you HAVE to chase one of these Exquisite cards. They are really the main hit to have, and some of the swatches should be pretty nuts.

My favorite are the golf gear relic auto booklet cards, as I feel as though the design is one of the best we have ever seen from Upper Deck. Tiger is in his usual form, and the golf course laden full bleed background really makes everything pop. I also like some of the dual auto booklets, but they are extremely rare and some of the subjects kind of detract from the value that Tiger gets all by himself.

To be honest, this set could not have come at a better time, as Tiger seems to be well on his way back to the top of the golf circuit, if he isnt already there. Although he will not likely break Nicklaus’ record, he will forever be the most popular and iconic golfer of all time. That is saying something considering the guys who have ruled the links before him.

This week, the biggest event of the football card year is set to launch. The NFL’s rookies will descend on Los Angeles to don their pro uniforms for the first time and also coordinate their premiere entry into the hobby. The Rookie Premiere is a huge undertaking that is put on by the card companies and hundreds of partners, and for the most part, signals the beginning of the football season in cards. Here is what to look for this week.

Topps Rookie Premiere Autos

There is one tradition from the weekend that trumps all others, and that is the same day signatures that Topps does for their flagship brand. On Thursday and Friday, as the rookies arrive, they take photographs in their pro jerseys to be printed and signed the following day at the premiere. These cards have been controversial in the past, but now that serial numbers are present on each version, they remain some of the best early cards of any rookie. If last year was any indication, Topps should be previewing them all weekend. They are really the only studio style, helmet off cards, that I buy, only because of the prestige that comes with these rare pulls.

2012 Topps Rookie Premiere Trent Richardson Auto /90

2011 Topps Rookie Premiere Colin Kaepernick Auto /90

Topps Inception

For the last two years, Topps has used the rookie premiere as a place to fill out the ranks for one of the most popular early season products. Inception uses photoshop and special filters to allow for game style pictures on the cards, and the on card autos really make them about as cool as a pre-season autograph can be. Last year’s cards fell a little flat being that the design wasnt changed much year over year, but this year the look seems to be upgraded. These cards really are premium cards that usually arent available until late in the ACTUAL football season, and I would make it a point to see the previews that will likely be posted all weekend long.

2012 Topps Inception Andrew Luck Auto RC

2011 Topps Inception AJ Green Silver Signature Auto

Panini Elite Inscriptions

For as long as I could remember, Panini wasnt really too active on getting on card autos at the premiere until last year. There were some terrible examples here and there, but not many. Last year they went full on, and the Elite Inscriptions were definitely the highlight for me. I thought they turned out awesome on the acetate stock, and they provided big areas for the players to sign and write things. This year, they went with a design I feel is a big downgrade, but its all going to depend on how the finished product looks. I am never a big fan of putting a box around a spot that features an on card auto, as I think that kind of defeats the aesthetic appeal. Who knows, we will have to wait to find out.

2012 Panini Elite Russell Wilson Inscription Auto Acetate

2012 Panini Elite Robert Griffin III Inscription Auto Acetate

Panini Pen Pals

ALthough I absolutely HATE HATE HATE the name of this set, the cards are pretty cool. However, the design has not changed since 2012, but it isnt too big a deal with a good looking composition. These cards are usually pretty sought after, even though they made the switch from being extra hits in National Treasures to being featured hits in Prime Signatures last year.

2012 Panini Prime Signatures Pen Pals – Luck, Griffin, Richardson Autos

Online Giveaways and Local Events

Both of the card companies are huge at doing major giveaways and promotional events for the weekend on Twitter and Facebook, and I doubt that is going to change. I would prepare yourself to frequently check the pages for each company, and also be on the lookout for the events during the weekend if you are in the area. In the past, there have been exclusive signings at local chain stores, and even a flag football event where signatures are well available. Get there early though, they are highly publicized and attended.

New Uniforms

Three teams have new uniforms this year, and this will be the first opportunity to see them in action. Cordarrelle Patterson will be representing the Vikings in their new duds, Dion Jordan for the Dolphins and their redesigned logo and unis, and Denard Robinson for the Jacksonville Jaguars and their new two tone helmets. This is what I will be looking for, as its pretty obvious that these guys know they will be on stage.

On Card Autographs Aplenty

I highlighted four sets above that will all be featured with on card autographs, but there will be PLENTY more where that came from. Topps has already previewed autographs reprinted from the 1986 Topps Set, and Panini will likely have quite a few to use for the release of 2013 Prestige. Although Topps has a much better track record in this department, Panini isnt letting up. I think the 2013 Prestige base design is weaker than its ever been, so I am REALLY hoping these work out some how. They went vertical orientation on a lot of these, but too many of them provide a very small space for the signatures. The throwback minis were a huge hit last year, so Topps needs to bring it this year again.

Stay right here for more updates as the week progresses, I will be doing a daily wrap up as things start to show up.