The return of Topps Chrome Football in 2024, after nearly a decade away, sparked both excitement and doubt among collectors.
Released on February 19, 2025, the set promised to challenge Panini’s dominance in the licensed football card market. However, for many, it fell far short of expectations. Here’s a deep dive into the backlash.
“Unlicensed Garbage” – A Branding Disaster
The absence of NFL licensing has ignited fierce criticism. Without team logos, jerseys, or official names, the cards feel incomplete and cheap to many collectors.
Social media posts have branded them “half-assed,” while users on Reddit’s r/footballcards decry the “whack graphics” and “generic” designs. Blank helmets and city-only labels (like “Chicago” instead of “Bears”) give the set a “bootleg knockoff” vibe, alienating fans who crave authenticity.
“Sticker Autos Instead of On-Card? Lame.” – Broken Promises
Topps hyped on-card autographs, even showcasing a slick commercial with Caleb Williams, but collectors report that most autographs are stickers instead. This bait-and-switch has sparked outrage, with some calling it “a lazy cash grab.”
At $300–$450 per hobby box, the letdown hits hard, undermining the set’s premium chrome reputation.
“Underwhelming Breaks” – Poor Value and Predictability
The pack-opening experience has disappointed, particularly with Mega Boxes and hobby cases. Reports highlight repetitive pulls and a mapped hit system—where the last pack predictably yields the numbered card—stripping away the thrill of the chase.
For a high-priced product, the lack of excitement stings.
“Failed to Connect with Rookies” – A Rookie Class Letdown
Despite touting a stellar 2024 rookie class, including stars like Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, the set fails to spotlight them effectively. Collectors anticipated a rookie-driven relaunch but got a 300-card base set bloated with “irrelevant old-timers,” as one critic put it.
This disconnect from the current NFL hype has left many underwhelmed.
