The Promise: Gold Mine or Fool’s Gold?
Hey, collectors, get ready to be “wowed” by the 2023 Panini Donruss Elite NFL Trading Card Box—oh wait, actually don’t. With promises of 2 autos, 1 memorabilia, and a bunch of rookies and inserts, you’d think we found the Willy Wonka Golden Ticket of sports cards. Spoiler alert: we didn’t.
2023 Elite cost $300 a box when it released, Whoa Nellie!
Per Box:
20 Packs Per Box
5 Cards Per Pack
12 Boxes Per Case
Look for 2 autos, 1 memorabilia, 3 rookies, 6 parallels and 11 inserts per box according to Panini.
“Something for All Collectors”? More Like “Nothing for Most!”
Sure, the box teases a “newly designed base and rookie set” and “flashy inserts,” but flashy doesn’t always mean classy. The design might as well have been done with clip art from 2005. And as for variety? Hope you like getting cards of that third-string punter!
A Fresh Class or Just Fresh Trash?
Oh boy, the first rookie cards of the 2023 class in NFL uniforms! Except let’s face it, not all rookies are born equal. Some of these cards are going to be about as exciting as a plate of unsalted crackers.
On the sell sheet the 2023 rookies are incorrectly listed as 2003. Collectors would be pissed to see Carson Palmer instead of Bryce Young.
CJ Stroud, Young and Will Levis, all are rumored to be Fanatics autograph exclusives, so that’s bad news if you are on the hunt for those guys.
Looks like Elite also has 2022 rookies in the product too. Which is kind of confusing.
First On-Card Autographs: Save the Ink!
We’re talking “first on-card autographs of the new rookie class in NFL uniforms” in the Pen Pals series, but let’s be real: some of these ‘autographs’ look like they were scribbled by someone riding a roller coaster.
And many of the rookies will be wearing “00” as their uniform number. This isn’t basketball, the double zero looks like trash.
Disclaimer: Sports Card Radio might be your go-to for spicy takes, but remember, we’re not financial advisors. Spend those bucks at your own risk and consult with Packman and Backyard Breaks for your rigged needs.