Kelvin Benjamin Offers Must-See First Look at 2014 Contenders Football (Gallery)

As far as NFL days off go, the one Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin spent with Panini America on Tuesday was quite productive. For starters, he helped Panini America kickoff the 2014 NFL Player of the Day promotion in grand style with a special appearance at Cardiacs Sports and Memorabilia in Cary, N.C. Benjamin’s larger-than-life presence gave the fans and collectors packing Cardiacs a greater appreciation for the 2014 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for September.

But it’s what Benjamin did behind the scenes — in the car on the way to the appearance — that will likely resonate with thousands of collectors for the rest of his rookie season and beyond. During the two-hour chauffeured drive to Cardiacs, Benjamin — with Panini America’s own Ivory Tabb offering assistance from the seat next to him — signed on-card autographs for several key Panini America products including 2014 Flawless Football, 2014 Crown Royale and 2014 Contenders Football.

In the gallery that follows, we provide the world premiere first look at 2014 Contenders Football and also examine Benjamin’s Flawless and Crown Royale specimens. But before we get to the eye candy, here’s a quick interview we conducted with Benjamin covering everything from his thoughts on Flawless to catching passes from Cam Newton and Jameis Winston. Enjoy.

First, the interview . . .

Now, the cards . . .