A Contenders Confidential: Panini America Unveils 2013 Contenders Football RCs
For many of the most dedicated football card collectors on the planet, this glorious Week 3 Sunday of the 2013 NFL season is a day you’ve been eagerly anticipating for months. It’s a day that, in hindsight, might be remembered as something of Christmas in September. It’s the day, after all, that we unveil the new Rookie Card designs for Panini America’s 2013 Contenders Football.
One of the most important and revered football brands in NFL trading card history turns 21 this season, carrying with it another splendid rendition of the landmark Rookie Ticket design and a few new additions to the autograph roster that will surprise even the most tenured Contenders collectors. Get all of the details after the jump.
One of the most pressing questions regarding any new Contenders Rookie Ticket design is a simple one: Vertical or horizontal? In the decorated 15-year history of Contenders’ autographed Rookie Tickets, the cards have sported a vertically oriented design 11 times, with just 2002, 2003, 2009 and 2011 featuring a horizontal design.
(Speaking of rookie tickets, the one to have later today is the one that lets you watch EJ Manuel and the Buffalo Bills battle Geno Smith and the New York Jets. That’s this week’s #PaniniWildCard game so stay tuned to the Panini America Twitter feed beginning today at noon CST for more information.)
For 2013, Panini America keeps with the brand’s vertical-format roots on cards that boast crisp action photography, a bold team-color scheme, subtle foil touches and plenty of short-printed variations (including Cracked Ice, Holofoil and photo variation versions). 2013 Contenders Football also includes a radically reimagined Rookie Ink insert design that instantly ranks among the most unique of the season.
More breaking news for 2013 Contenders Football: Panini America has added two new rookie-dedicated autograph inserts in NFLPA Rookie Premiere Autographs and a Contenders version of Pen Pals.
Without further ado, then, we present the world-premiere unveiling of the 2013 Contenders Football Rookie Ticket designs. Most of what you’re about to see is unsigned at this point, but at the end of the gallery you’ll also find autographed versions of some of the earliest arrivals, including Eddie Lacy and Marquise Goodwin.
Enjoy the gallery and stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for additional coverage of 2013 Contenders Football.
The Knight's Lance 
Big fan of the new design…glad to see the Cracked Ice are returning for another year. Good job, guys!
Hey Tracy, what is the point of the bar code on the front of some cards?
good point, what’s up with that? is it a special promo?
I’m guessing birthday by the numbers underneath.
Looks Great! Must pull the Eddie Lacy Autos!
I like the design and the concept of player’s bar code with birth date. I will buy some packs and hope to hit a Lacy or Michael ticket. My biggest complaint- WHY large font “ROOKIE” if you already have enlarged RC logo??? It is simply an overkill that hurts your brand quality. We collectors are not that stupid so we don’t need to be reminded that the player is a rookie. Do one way or another. My suggestion for the future- do away with large “rookie” fonts on all of your brands. RC logos will suffice. Thanks.
i agree. less fonts and flash. more game action photos shots is needed.
I think I really like these. A little strange, but they’re pretty nice.
Like the design this year. Looks sharp. I’m not really seeing it, so I’m going to ask. Is there any way to tell the photo variation from the base card?
Good question. Not that I know of at this point; but will try to do a complete visual gallery when possible.
Look’s like another GREAT YEAR for Contenders Football! Well Done!
Solid design this year, seems more orderly so players know where to sign on the card. Thanks Tracy!
Very colorful overall!!!
Love it!! Contenders will be a hit like always! Great job Panini!
dont like the side autos
Very solid. Nice job again on this design.
When will the list of Roundtable stores be posted? I need to know who to buy Prizm from
Very creative with the “admit one-(stadium name)” on the side of the card another great set up of football cards!!!
i pulled a Knile Davis thats auto’ed on both sides…any news on how many are like this?
Not sure, but this is the first one I’ve heard of.