6 Best Fanatics NFL Football Cards Worth Collecting

Are you looking for the best Fanatics NFL football cards? Our list will give you a detailed breakdown of which cards are worth buying and what Fanatics offers. It outlines the types of cards they have, what makes them valuable, and what you can expect to see in the future. 

For those who have not heard of Fanatics before or are new to collecting NFL cards – Here’s some additional context and why Fanatics product is becoming a competitive player in the card space. 

The Changing Landscape of NFL Cards: A Deep Dive

NFL cards have always held a significant place in the world of memorabilia. As passionate collectors seek to find the rarest and most valuable pieces, the industry constantly evolves to meet their demands. 

With companies like Fanatics stepping into the limelight, there’s much to unpack.

Our New York Jets ‘Sauce’ Gardner Fanatics Exclusive Funko Pop came in the mail recently as it’s among the first wave of collectibles fanatics pushing to their long loyal fanbase. 

As Fanatics continues to see a holistic view of better serving the sports fans and getting them involved with the sports card and collecting hobby, we will see more innovation moving forward. 

Fanatics: The New Kid on the Block within the Hobby

Fanatics, while not entirely new to the merchandise game, is poised to change the NFL card industry substantially. With recent licensing agreements in place, many wonder: What exactly can collectors expect?

What’s in Store with Fanatics?

What can you expect from Fanatics when it comes to NFL football cards? The landscape of NFL football cards is undergoing a transition. There’s a lot on the horizon as fanatics get the license situation taken care of; however, some of the most coveted items include:

1. Beckett Fanatics Witnessed Rookie Cards

2. Fanatics Exclusive Parallel Panini Instant Cards 

For the avid collector, here are some of the best Fanatics NFL cards to look out for—especially those big names with high promise or potential. 

Here’s a list of the top six NFL fanatics cards you can find directly on their website: 

• Trevor Lawrence Jacksonville Jaguars
• Tua Tagovailoa Miami Dolphins
• Rhamondre Stevenson New England Patriots 
• Pat Friermuth Pittsburgh Steelers 
• Peyton Manning Denver Broncos
• Patrick Surtain II Denver Broncos

Here’s a closer look at the Fanatics NFL football cards:

1. Trevor Lawrence Jacksonville Jaguars Autographed 2021 Panini Select Concourse White Ink 

Trevor is a Quarterback and pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021. As of 2023, he would have played quarterback for roughly two years, counting from his rookie season. He won the National Championship with Clemson in the 2018-2019 season and was one of the best quarterback prospects to come out of college in years.

2. Tua Tagovailoa Miami Dolphins Autographed 2020 Panini Prizm #339 Beckett

Tua is a Quarterback and pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2020. As of 2023, he would have been playing in the quarterback position for roughly three years. He played college football at the University of Alabama and led them to a National Championship victory during the 2017-2018 season after a memorable overtime win against Georgia.

3. Rhamondre Stevenson New England Patriots Fanatics Exclusive Parallel Panini

Rhamdondre is a Running Back and played college football at Oklahoma, where he showcased his power running and versatility.

4. Pat Friermuth Pittsburgh Steelers Fanatics Exclusive Parallel Panini

Pat is a Tight End who played college football at Penn State and was often referred to as “Baby Gronk” due to his playing style resembling Rob Gronkowski.

5. Peyton Manning Denver Broncos Fanatics Exclusive Parallel Panini

Peyton is a Quarterback who played in the NFL from 1998 to 2015. He played for the Indianapolis Colts from 1998-2010 and then for the Denver Broncos from 2012-2015. Thus, he played quarterback for 18 seasons in total. Manning is a two-time Super Bowl champion, winning one each with the Colts (Super Bowl XLI) and the Broncos (Super Bowl 50). He’s also a five-time NFL MVP.

6. Patrick Surtain II Denver Broncos Fanatics Exclusive Parallel Panini

Patrick is a Cornerback, played college football at Alabama, and is the son of Patrick Surtain, a former NFL Pro Bowl cornerback.

Other cards can include players in the new rookie class or have made an impression as a ‘goat’ or ‘legend’ of the game. Remember, a proven record in touchdowns, passes, or sacks dramatically impacts the overall value of these cards. 

The Shifting Sands of the Trading Card World

Topps’ recent loss of its baseball card contract is a seismic event, akin to Thanksgiving without turkey. 

Major League Baseball and the MLBPA opting for a new venture with Fanatics has not only surprised many but has also reshaped the hobby significantly.

This consolidation isn’t isolated. Similar shifts are happening in other industries. 

Nike, for instance, manufactures jerseys for multiple leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB. But such a dramatic change in the collectibles industry is unprecedented.

Fanatics’ Game-Changing Role

With exclusive rights for the major US sports leagues, Fanatics will redefine how seasoned and novice collectors interact with the hobby. 

The potential opportunities, from a business and collector standpoint, are vast. For example, Fanatics are setting standards and rules for dealers to participate in when doing live streaming to avoid and help reduce scams. 

Benefits of Consolidation

The three most significant sports leagues for trading cards under one banner simplify the collection process. It provides a one-stop shop and reduces costs for enthusiasts who won’t have to bear multiple shipping fees.

The Historical Perspective

The shockwave felt across the hobby world with Topps’ announcement highlights the changing dynamics. 

For 70 years, Topps was the go-to for baseball cards. Their licenses, which allowed the use of team and player likenesses, will now go exclusively to Fanatics. This shift poses questions for the industry’s future, particularly in light of unconfirmed speculations about Fanatics securing deals with NFL and NBA player unions.

How Did This Happen?

Exclusive manufacturing rights for licensed baseball cards have been in Topps’ domain since the 2010 season. However, the dynamics changed when Panini, an unlicensed manufacturer, entered the scene in 2011. Despite their “airbrushed” photos and design aesthetics, Panini cards didn’t quite achieve the same stature as Topps.

The transition to Fanatics has surprised many, especially since MLB recently announced Topps as the exclusive distributor of baseball NFTs.

Why Collects Shouldn’t Worry About Fanatics Panini Uncertainty

There will always be a place for collectors to collect, and there will always be a market for it where businesses can survive. 

While much remains unknown about the future dynamics of the industry, some certainties exist. MLB’s license with Topps continues till 2025, with Fanatics taking over in 2026. As for the next two seasons, 2022 and 2023, the status quo is expected.

Under Fanatics’ leadership, the company may venture into various directions, acquiring existing brands or establishing a unique identity.

The trading card industry is undergoing a transformative phase. As collectors and enthusiasts, this period offers an exciting glimpse into the future of NFL cards and sports memorabilia. Whatever unfolds, the passion for collecting will always remain intact.

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