Texas Collector Michael Keller Strikes First Gold, Claims Mark Sanchez Golden Ticket

Longtime collector Michael Keller became the first person in the country to claim one of the 52 Golden Ticket 14-karat gold trading cards seeded in 2010 Playoff Contenders Football when he visited Panini America headquarters Thursday morning.

Keller, who lives in Lewisville, Texas, pulled the Mark Sanchez Golden Ticket redemption card during a group break of Playoff Contenders at SMP Sportscards in Grapevine, Texas, Wednesday night. Understandably, he couldn’t wait to get his hands on his prize.

Stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance later today for exclusive video of Keller taking ownership of his new prized possession.

At least three other Golden Ticket redemption cards have surfaced since 2010 Playoff Contenders Football released yesterday, including the Aaron Rodgers that’s currently listed on eBay and has been bid up to $800 with still four days remaining.

In addition, the Brett Favre card was pulled from a shop in New York and the Troy Aikman surfaced in New Hampshire. Panini America officials are still waiting to be notified by the owners of those cards.

Stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for complete coverage of the Golden Ticket phenomenon.