A Panini America Sneak-Peek Sunday: Early Returns from 2012 Black Football’s QC
Facts are facts, and it’s hard to argue with this one: Panini America’s 2012 Black Football is one of the most anticipated new products to hit the gridiron in quite some time (although the recent announcement of Prizm could give Black a run for its money; but that’s a post for another day). From the seemingly controversial subject of the product name to the stunning designs previewed so far, there’s been a buzz surrounding Black for months.
The following preview gallery should only continue to fan the flames. Late last week, Panini America NFL brand developers spent a good chunk of their week quality controlling 2012 Black Football in advance of the product shipping tomorrow and hitting hobby shops on December 19. The following gallery provides an appetizing sneak preview of that QC process.
We’ll have tons more Black images to share with you in the coming days right here on The Knight’s Lance. But for now, enjoy this special Sunday preview and then make way Wednesday for the celebrated release of 2012 Absolute Football.
The Knight's Lance 
Great looking stuff, the silver and gold sigs on the black background really poppity-pop-pop-pop!
Awesome cards. One question, on the “Captians” insert, is that an actual captians patch on the card?
Not, it’s not a patch. It’s just designed as part of the card. We have experimented with captains patches but they’re too big to fit on a card. Having said that, we are working on ways to incorporate the actual patches from game-worn jerseys into our sets. Stay tuned!
They still look great! Good to hear you’re looking to get the patches into some product, can’t wait to see what’s in store!
I like it. I just hope there is no significant problems with chipping. I also think the Man2Man card of Dez Bryant and Nnamdi A. should show Dez bowling him over. Sorry, that was the disgruntled Eagles fan in me speaking.
I like the Nick Foles pointing card as well, as he is pointing to his future (at least short term) as the Eagles QB!!
Might have to save some of my Christmas money for this!!
PS-I really like the gold ink signatures ont he black background. Really sharp looking!!
What’s the SRP/box config?
Personally, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the lack of chipping so far.
The gold autographs really pops out and a very nice touch. Another great gallery of superb cards!
Thanks Tracy!
Just beautiful. Showing the other guys how it’s done.
That Doug Martin looks so beautiful. Nice job Panini!
hey tracy would be awsome if you guys could get a game worn jersey, and actually print on the card what actual game it was from ( for example this was a tom brady game worn jersey from week so and so vs the ravens were he threw X amount of yards and X amount of touch downs ) that would be awsome
We’ve done that a lot in the past; we’ll continue doing it and, hopefully, increase that practice.
Good to know! I was wondering the exact same thing. I pulled a Tim Tebow prime jersey relic Stars of the NFL in 2012 Prestige Football, and I was curious to know if Tim Tebow wore that during his upset against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs? The card does not state anything except the enclosed relic was worn by Tim Tebow. Just wondering if you knew anything about that. Thanks again-
Fantastic looking product, love the Ballard auto! Thanks Tracy!
I do like that a lot of kinda crummy cards are shown, not just RG3 and Luck autos. But it also worries me that they’re redemptions..
Worry not. Both RG III and Luck are live in the product. You’ll see them in the next gallery.
Jeff Demps!
What is Curtis Martin doing on the same card as McCourty and Brady?!
Other than he played for the Pats, Martin wasn’t on the team while Brady or McCourty were there?! So confused.
So Black is now coming out the 19th? I thought Crown Royale was the 19th?
wow, super excited for this release! that doug martin in the gallery is beautiful! one of my many pc guys so thats one of my fav cards to see of his so far! love the osweiler too! and if the captains cards are manu patches…sign me up for my nest insert set building project! awesome job guys as always! tracy, you guys out do yourselves with every release! the whole team deserves a raise for this product!
thanks for adding that brian cushing auto, it looks so sick
I love that Moss. Will he have any autos in this?
Just stunning!! Been talking to a fan on Twitter who is going to break some and is very excited about this product. They were hoping to break at least 5 boxes. I am looking forward to their results. I just hope to get my hands onto one. Still have yet to break a high end product. This would be a great way to start 🙂
And I know the complaints about sticker autos will go on, I don’t mind sticker autos. I would take them any day, but you can’t tell me those gold sticker autos above are just not absolutely sick against the black card.
These cards look great. One question though- Are the Rookie Jerseys shown here game worn or from the rookie premiere? Just curious:) Thanks again-
The ones used in Black of the Rookies were worn during the NFLPA Rookie Premiere.
Thanks Tracy- do you know if Panini will incorporate game worn jerseys of rookies this year? I don’t have anything against the Rookie Premiere ones- it’s just player worn has a better ring to it:) Thanks again-
This looks like the product of the year, in my opinion. Hopefully this product sticks around and future releases contain only on-card autographs.