Through a new feel-good insert in the October release of 2011 Certified Football, Panini America will pay tribute to the countless charitable efforts of NFL teams and their superstar players.
Through a new feel-good insert in the October release of 2011 Certified Football, Panini America will pay tribute to the countless charitable efforts of NFL teams and their superstar players.
The 34-card Hometown Heroes insert — featuring such headliners as Aaron Rodgers, Larry Fitzgerald and Drew Brees, to name three — includes compelling player photography on the front. But it’s the even-more-compelling card backs, which provide accounts of the tireless good works performed by the player or team depicted on the front, that really stand out.
Take, for example, this nugget from the back of Antonio Gates’ card:
“Come Christmas time, Chargers players venture out into the San Diego community to spread holiday cheer. For the past couple of seasons, Gates has organized and hosted the Shop with a Charger event, providing 50 homeless, neglected and abused children with a night of food, games and shopping sprees.”
Or this gem from the back of Fitzgerald’s card:
“Fitzgerald’s mom was extensively involved in charities while he was growing up. He is paying homage to her by following the example she set. Fitzgerald founded the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund, which contributes to HIV/AIDS prevention and support, breast-cancer prevention and support and education.”
There are 32 equally impressive performances detailed throughout the set. You’ll be able to read about all of them when 2011 Certified Football releases in October. Until then, enjoy this exclusive sneak peek at 10 of the cards.
Really like the idea that you guys at Panini America came up with to share what these players do for others very very cool to say the least …..job well done!! I am looking forward to this insert set………
This is a great insert! More of this, please!
Very nice to showcase some of the good deeds the players do. These are the types of things we never really see on ESPN often and it’s always about off the field problems.
Great idea gang! These guys do a lot of stuff like this on the down-low. Its great to see them getting the recognition they deserve!
Great to see an insert showing NFLers who give back. Great idea Panini!
Are Fitz’s pants painted on in that pic?
Will Jim Leonhard of the Jets be on a card? If not, he should next year if you do this run again. Awesome idea to highlight contributions off the field. Jim holds a youth football camp in his hometown every summer and does alot of giving back to his community. Check out his website for more info: http://www.jimleonhardfootball.com Would also be cool if he could make it in a few base sets too. A very important part of the Jets D and he only has 1 Jets card. More please!!