Truth be told, we hadn't intended to post another update on 2013 Playbook Football today. But sometimes, news and new images find you. That's certainly what happened this afternoon, when Panini America NFL Product Development Director Ben Ecklar walked over with his iPhone in hand to ask if I'd seen the pictures he took last week during the Playbook packout process.
Truth be told, we hadn’t intended to publish another update on 2013 Playbook Football today. But sometimes, news and new images find you. That’s certainly what happened this afternoon, when Panini America NFL Product Development Director Ben Ecklar walked over with his iPhone in hand to ask if I’d seen the pictures he took last week during the Playbook packout process.
I told him I hadn’t as I hurriedly grabbed his phone and began scrolling through his camera roll to uncover a series of stunners: 1/1 Flywire Booklets, NFL Shield Booklets, a fantastically disgusting Robert Griffin III Down & Dirty Booklet, a few Playbook Coaches Booklets, the first certified autograph of Seattle Seahawks CB Richard Sherman and a hand-drawn Signature Plays Booklet 1/1 from Colin Kaepernick.
Judging by the shaky nature of some of the images, It was obvious that Ecklar was as moved by these cards as I was. But what some of the pics below might lack in crystal-clear quality they make up for with maximum impact. You’ll see what I mean shortly.
Soon after I copied Ecklar’s photos (for the sake of intrigue, let’s call them the “Almost-Lost Playbook Archives”) to my desktop, NFL Brand Manager Joseph Mackey was emailing me the complete product checklist. Like I said, sometimes news and new images find you.
But before we get to Ecklar’s Almost-Lost Playbook Archives and the checklist, now seems like the perfect time to showcase a little making-of video we put together that shows how one extremely game-worn Alfred Morris jersey became several Down & Dirty Booklets.
Now, to the images and the checklist:
The 2013 Playbook Football checklist: Panini America 2013 Playbook Football Checklist
These are absolutely incredible. Always thought dirty jersey cards would be cool, they’re better than I thought! And the Manuel card is sweeeet!
those are ridiculous,think the legendary coaches books are gonna be a big hit too
Love there look. Something about a black and white photo with a cut signature that makes it look more like a piece of history and less of a hobby item.
wow. incredible. what is that richard sherman doing there?
It’s his first certified autograph — and it’s in Playbook.
Holy hobby hard-on, Hackler… behold the majesty of filth! Never has dirt looked so damn good!
This is a game-changer IMO…and the inclusion of the cut-autos only further bolsters the “can’t freaking wait for this to release-ness!”
These ALMOST make the NT issues look pedestrian by comparison. The bar has been raised…wow.
I think the Down N Dirty game used inserts are a cool/fresh (albeit dirty) new take on the genre of jersey/patch card. I remember the blog post when they came in-it’s interesting to start seeing the finished cards now.
Wow, love the Kaepernick playbook card! Amazing, my favourite team too!
to me, its the appreciation to those workers, for hard work in making these cards. seems like a crazy process.
this has to be the best playbook year yet….cant wait to see the trifolds live
Is there going to be a contest for a box of Playbook? This product looks AMAZING!
We’ve heard rumors of a “Find It! Friday” contest. Stay tuned.
Thanks for the video, i always enjoy watching how the cards are made. One thing i am still curious that actually how exactly the (different)printing plates are used in the process.
What are the Down and Dirty cards approximately numbered to? I assume low, do you have a good guestimate? I also assume it might be differently numbered for each guy. Good looking stuff!
Glad you like it. From looking at the checklist, it looks like the base version is numbered to 32, the Prime is numbered to 25 and there are Nike Swoosh versions numbered to 2.
Fantastic gallery and video, I’m especially excited to see the Weeb Ewbank cut auto booklet in there. Thanks Tracy!
There needs to be more coaches auto in these high end products. Love the additions. Now if we can get some other people in the NFL to have autos. Owners, Commish, GMs, hell I would be happy to get a multi auto of a game day referee crew. Imagine an Ed Hochuli jumbo patch. Or even a game coin card. Would like to have the actual coin used in the coin flip.
this looks by far like the best panini product this year.
Very nice
What is up with that Manning? The flyleaf pattern is horizontal when it should be a slanted vertical (the same direction as the Kaepernick).
I dont know if i like the collar one more or down and dirty..
These are SWEET!!
Im looking for the 2013 Panini Playbook Philip Rivers Flywire 1/1 Booklet of this card.I want it so bad.
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