It's no secret that the landmark 1998 Playoff Contenders Football product altered forever the way Rookie Cards were made, marketed and collected. The revolutionary union that year of Rookie Cards and autographs led to the blissful creation of the Rookie Ticket -- and signaled a monumental shift in the industry that still resonates loudly today with virtually every product made in every sport.
It’s no secret that the landmark 1998 Playoff Contenders Football product altered forever the way Rookie Cards were made, marketed and collected. The revolutionary union that year of Rookie Cards and autographs birthed the blissful Rookie Ticket — and signaled a monumental shift in the industry that still resonates loudly today with virtually every product made in every sport.
Based largely on the strength of that watershed 1998 edition, Playoff Contenders has become one of the most prestigious, anticipated and coveted brands on the entire sports card landscape.
Later today, we’ll provide the world premiere look at the 2011 Playoff Contenders Football Rookie Ticket design. But before we do, we figured now would be a good time to highlight every Contenders design in the Rookie Ticket era.
We hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane. And stay tuned in the coming hours for what we have in store for this season.
CAN’T WAIT. I’ve been sitting in front of my computer clicking “refresh” every 2 minutes since you posted on facebook that the reveal was coming yesterday. Hurry up and post so I can grab a bite to eat and catch some sleep… after I stop drooling from the preview. 🙂
You’re cracking me up, Chad.
98-2010 are pretty damn similar there have been a few changes but Donruss/Panini have stayed pretty true to the formula that obviously works well.
Nice overview! The 2010 is my favorite design, followed by the 1998.
I wish it would be like the 2010-11 contenders basketball, those were some sweet cards with the patches
By the way Tracy can we get Bruce Carter and Robert Quinn in contenders since they aren’t in any other Panini product so far?
Not bad, but some of us are pining for ANYTHING relating to the hardwood. If we can’t watch them, at least we could be collecting them…..
I want that mcnabb rookie ticket lol
Mann, one day I will grab a Brady…one day.
One of my favorite rookie autograph sets. My Brady will not be pried from my dead cold fingers for any amount of money! Thanks for the post Tracy!
its awesome going back in time!! The ones from back late 90’s is sweet! The cards just stand out in teh hobby and always will