Panini America Returning Rookie Stallions to 2012 Contenders Football (Gallery)

The last time a Rookie Stallions insert had a presence on the football card landscape, the year was 2002, the set was Playoff Honors and the lead horse in that massive 50-card chase was either Ed Reed or Brian Westbrook.
Clearly, a lot has changed since then — and Panini America officials have picked the perfect rookie crop to help usher in a completely new stable of Rookie Stallions for a 25-card insert to be featured in the upcoming 2012 Contenders Football.

These new-generation Rookie Stallions — on the heels (or hooves) of predecessors that first appeared in 1996 Playoff Trophy Contenders, then 1998 Playoff Contenders and, most recently, in 2002 Playoff Honors — feature bold player photography and subtle foil highlights that include a base Silver version, Gold versions numbered to 100 and Black versions numbered to 50. There’s also an autographed Signatures version numbered to 99 or less.
To help honor Week 16 of the 2012 NFL season, we’ve provided a comprehensive gallery of the new Rookie Stallions insert below. Enjoy this first glance and stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for additional details on 2012 Contenders Football.