Panini America Previews 2012 NFL POD Set with Special National-Only Versions

BALTIMORE — One of the best-kept secrets at this week’s 2012 National Sports Collectors Convention was revealed Friday morning. As part of its popular week-long wrapper-redemption program, Panini America officials are including special show-only versions of their upcoming 2012 NFL Player of the Day set.

Printed on foil and created to capitalize on the excitement surrounding the start of NFL training camps and this weekend’s Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio, the 11-card set features this season’s most collectible rookies and a few high-profile veterans.

The 11-card checklist includes rookies Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Trent Richardson, Justin Blackmon, Ryan Tannehill, Michael Floyd, Kendall Wright, and current stars Peyton Manning, Tim Tebow and Cam Newton. There’s also a card devoted to Beanie Wells, the Arizona Cardinals running back who spent a day with the grand-prize winner of the 2011 NFL Player of the Day promotion.

The shimmering selection of cards officially got the buzz rolling toward next month’s kickoff of the 2012 Panini America NFL Player of the Day program.

Stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for additional coverage of the 2012 National Sports Collectors Convention and the 2012 NFL Player of the Day program.