Football
New Buzz: Products out this week (Dec. 20-26) include Bowman's Best, Immaculate College & 14U USA kids
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After a heavy week of releases and some delays this month, this week is a bit lighter -- but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its highlights among the four brands set to arrive.
We have three baseball sets on the schedule and the return of Bowman's Best along with the launch of Topps Strata as a standalone brand. Throw in a USA Baseball set on the schedule and one high-end college brand from Panini America (keep reading) and that's it for the week.
The format for 2015 Bowman's Best will be similar to Finest with two mini-boxes each yielding two autographs (four autos per in every master box). The format for 2015 Topps Strata is all hits -- every box includes one autograph and one Relic and that's it for the acetate-layered cards.
David Johnson, Josh Norman & Danny Woodhead among NFL's most Buzz-worthy players in Week 15
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It doesn't take much for a running back to establish himself quickly these days -- and it doesn't take much for one to fade into obscurity, either -- but one started that two-part journey with a big arrival game of sorts under the Sunday Night Football spotlight.
It's Arizona's David Johnson, who ran for a league-leading 187 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-17 win over the Eagles.
It was his third straight week of 92 yards or more but he'd gone scoreless in those other games, leaving him off Buzz's radar -- also probably since he's a Cardinal, not on a team that gets much hobby attention. You can find his RCs throughout this year's NFL lineup from Panini America and Topps. For the season, he has 517 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
>> Click here to shop for football boxes on BlowoutCards.com.
Keep reading for four more guys who generated some buzz on the field this week.
Buzz List: Five NFL players to watch in Week 15
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As the season winds down (and fantasy season's like Buzz's are flat-out over), some players are in situations where it's just about tallying their stats to see how it ends. Others have postseason potential, but for the stars on those teams -- like the undefeated Panthers and QB Cam Newton -- the expectations are set and they are set high.
With an undefeated team, it goes without saying that Newton is a player to watch this week and you should've been eyeing his Rookie Cards from 2011 for some time now.
Keep reading for four more players to watch ...
First Buzz: 2015 Panini National Treasures football cards
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What: 2015 Panini National Treasures football cards
Arrives: March 2, 2016
Box basics: Eight cards -- three autographs, three memorabilia, two base/parallels -- per box. (Four boxes per case.)What's buzz-worthy: Panini America improves upon the impressiveness of Treasure Chest cards seen in its past NT hockey release with 24-piece memorabilia and 12-autograph booklet cards in this year's edition. These also will have patch and 1/1 NFL Shield versions. Also in this one will be autograph and memorabilia sets for America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys, and The Steel Curtain Pittsburgh Steelers.
Keep reading for more and a full gallery of images.
Sports Illustrated reprints regional college special issue to correct error
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One of Sports Illustrated's regional covers for its 2015 College Football Playoff special issue will be reprinted after it misidentified the coach of the Michigan State Spartans.
Coach Mark Dantonio was incorrectly called Mike on the error version. A corrected version appears here.
Naturally, some collectors might wonder if there's a market for an error and variation combo like this.
NFL & Panini America officially confirm exclusive licensing deal
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One of the hobby's most chattered-about deals is now official.
Panini America and the NFL have signed a multi-year exclusive deal for trading cards and stickers that will begin before next year's NFL Draft. Combined with a previous exclusive with the NFLPA that was announced in August 2014, Panini will be the only company that will make fully licensed football cards beginning next year.
Board Buzz: Five must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (Dec. 17)
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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.
What's Buzzing: Breaks of 2015 Topps Archives Signature Series & 2015 Topps Dynasty along with the mysterious greening Chrome cards from the past.
Full game-used memorabilia may not be as expensive as you think
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Game-used collecting has changed immensely in the last 20 years or so with the memorabilia card -- you know, those little swatches embedded into cards that can still get us going if it's the right player or an impressively designed piece of cardboard.
Relics may not always be expensive these days, but they can add some definite variety and surprise into packs of cards -- and partly because of the need for game-used items for cards it seems memorabilia has become more available than ever.
It's not always expensive. In fact, it can be downright enticing to chase jerseys of players who you might not see all that often on cardboard (or even like!) simply because there are game-used bargains to be found.
Get 2015 Topps football checklists (and more) right here in The Checklist Zone
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For 2015 Topps football and other 2015-16 Topps products that don't get a standalone story here on The Buzz (click on Checklist Zone at right) when a final checklist is released, we'll place a link to a PDF of the set's checklist right here. (Click here if you need 2015 Topps baseball checklists.)
You'll be able to find all of them in PDF form as released by the company and all in one spot. (If traffic statistics show us you guys like this format, we'll expand it in other directions. If not, Buzz will focus on other stuff.)
Keep reading to see the checklists posted so far.
Jameis Winston autographs join Upper Deck Authenticated lineup
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Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston's autographs will be found in a series of memorabilia pieces being offered by Upper Deck Authenticated.
The division of Upper Deck revealed The James Winston Collection on Monday.
The No. 1 pick in this year's draft has signed both Buccaneers memorabilia as well as Florida State Seminoles items. He led FSU to the BCS title game last season and has thrown for 3,059 yards and 18 touchdowns so far as a rookie this season.
Will Ferrell, NFL greats among those found in 2015 Topps Dynasty baseball card checklist
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When 2015 Topps Dynasty baseball cards begin arriving in hobby shops on Wednesday, collectors who rip in might have a surprise or two inside the pricey one-card-per-pack boxes.
Dan Marino, Russell Wilson, Ichiro Suzuki, John Elway and Will Ferrell to be precise.
Sure, four of them never played in an MLB game that counted -- but their appeal will carry them well in the secondary market. Dynasty is Topps’ highest-end baseball product with just one signed patch card or cut autograph per pack.
Topps released the final checklist on Monday so let's take a peek at what's inside.
New Buzz: Products arriving this week (Dec. 13-19) include two Star Wars sets, Eminence & even more
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If you haven't felt the awakening yet, you will by Friday.
That's the day that Star Wars: The Force Awakens arrives and that's also the day that the galaxy right here right now gets a new set of Star Wars cards -- one that includes full scenes from the film and the most-important thing of them all.
Autographs from the new faces of the franchise. (If you thought Star Wars was a force on cardboard before, you haven't seen anything yet. Guaranteed.)
In fact, Friday's release of 2015 Topps Star Wars: The Force Awakens is merely a first series of cards. In fact, it won't even be the only Star Wars set of the week ...
Russell Wilson, Doug Baldwin & A.J. McCarron among NFL's most Buzz-worthy players in Week 14
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Russell Wilson may be a tad overlooked with the perfect season and MVP campaign of Cam Newton under way, but the Seattle Seahawks QB has been hard to miss in the last four weeks.On Sunday, he threw for 292 yards and five touchdowns. In the last month? Well, he's now got 16 touchdowns and zero picks. That suddenly makes his season look a lot better with 3,289 yards and 26 TDs and seven picks. Ultimately, we all know about the prowess of his 2012 Rookie Cards but there are likely to be more casual collectors looking his way with another strong week.
Buzz would expect movement -- if not in price, certainly volume -- on his cheapest RCs. (Buzz would expect some action on his autos but still has a tough time calling that an autograph.)
>> Click here to shop for football boxes on BlowoutCards.com.
Keep reading for four more guys who generated some buzz on the field this week.
Panini prepares Thomas Rawls Rookie Cards & certified autographs
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Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls' first Rookie Cards will be coming soon from Panini America.
The company teased his 2015 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket on Sunday. That set is scheduled to arrive on Dec. 30, while it appears he's among the players in 2015 Panini Crown Royale arriving this week.
Buzz List: Five NFL players to watch in Week 14
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Buzz-worthy or bust-worthy -- those might be the labels thrown around this week depending on what Cleveland's Johnny
BenchFootball does as starter for the Browns.Johnny Manziel has probably been a disappointment to many considering where his cardboard ranked among his rookie peers last year but this week's game could end up being a coming out
partyshowing or one where the moralists and scouts say "I told you so" before they bail on his cardboard.Love 'em or hate 'em, Manziel is one to watch against the San Francisco 49ers. Keep reading for four more ...
Jacksonville Jaguars Bold Rush gamers at auction through Sunday
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Jerseys from the Jacksonville Jaguars' Bold Rush game where the team wore striking gold uniforms are on the auction block benefitting charity with the sales ending later this weekend.
All proceeds from the jerseys worn during the team's 19-13 win over the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 19 will go to the the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, which "supports programs benefiting economically and socially disadvantaged youth, families and other NFL and team charitable initiatives."
Minimalist Ballparks & Ballpark Princesses are focus of sports fan and sports artist S. Preston
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They're two distinctly different styles of art probably catering to different types of sports fans, but you should have no doubts about one thing -- the works of S. Preston are the work of a sports fan.
"I won piano competitions, art competitions and mathematics competitions, but that didn't matter because all I wanted to do was be in sports," he writes on his website. "But as we all know too well, the dream of being a professional athlete is not for everyone, including me."
Working with a broadcasting team led to a lot of time in stadiums and one day an old doodle led to an idea of drawing stadiums in the simplest ways possible -- but noting the details sports fans can Identify with. "Minimalist Ballparks" was born. On the other end of the spectrum are his hand-penciled "Baseball Princesses" sketches of iconic characters little girls love with a simple twist and the simple idea that "girls can be baseball fans, too."
Browns TE Gary Barnidge can't buy two things with his new contract
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Gary Barnidge is in the midst of a career year with the Cleveland Browns -- and he might be the team's only weapon on offense considering the craziness that is the quarterback spot for that 2-10 disaster.
The tight end is eight years into his NFL career -- he was a fifth-round pick out of Louisville in 2008 -- and has 60 catches for 817 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Before this year? Just 44 receptions for 603.
He signed a new contract with the team today, but there are two things he can't buy with that new cash.
Buffalo Bills QB Tyrod Taylor gets his first game-used football cards
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Panini America took a few minutes to examine and snap the images of a game-used Tyrod Taylor gamer that arrived in its door on Thursday because it's going to make a little history after it goes through some de-construction.
Despite its 2014 tagging, the jersey is from Sunday's 30-21 win over the Houston Texans - a game where the Buffalo Bills quarterback threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more.
Why is this a big deal? He's never had a memorabilia card despite playing time in each of the last five seasons.
Former rugby star Jarryd Hayne a hit on Panini America's NFL cardboard
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The story of Jarryd Hayne is a unique one that reached a peak back in September when he made the roster of the San Francisco 49ers.
Why? His previous sports experience was as a player in Australia's National Rugby League.
But now there's another peak for the running back -- he has NFL cards that have recently arrived and his newest ones are to be found in 2015 Panini Crown Royale, which hits stores next week. Those that are available have been peaking pretty well as his career waits to see what's next.
Chiefs RB Charcandrick West finally gets a Rookie Card next week
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Nobody really expected un-drafted Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Charcandrick West to do a whole lot in the NFL this season.
Why? Well, a four-time Pro Bowl selection Jamaal Charles was ahead of him on the depth chart -- he of five 1,000-yard seasons in the last six years.
But then Oct. 11 happened.
Board Buzz: Five must-read threads on the Blowout Forums (Dec. 8)
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The Blowout Cards Forums are where thousands of collectors converge daily to discuss, well, a little bit of everything. Here are five threads about collecting and more that you should check out right now.
What's Buzzing: This one includes perhaps the craziest case break ever recorded ... where nearly every card in the case is a case hit.
Do mistakes make you mad or make you want that card even more?
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Your trading cards are made by people. Your trading cards aren't always perfect. Your trading cards are taken seriously by you -- and those who make them.
But mistakes can happen.
Most collectors haven't really thought about all the steps that go into making their trading cards -- a process that takes months with many people involved in several different locations before a single pack is shredded. As cardboard has become more complicated over the years with technology and inclusions such as autographs and memorabilia, there are even more chances at errors. And with more products and more deadlines, the chances for those errors grow, too.
Every single company has had errors of some type.
The card above? It's a 2015 Topps Triple Threads gem of Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota. It's a sweet card -- a 1/1 even -- and a pricey pull, but the autograph sticker is placed on the card upside down. It was pulled by group-breaker Prestige World Wide and shown off on Twitter Sunday without a mention if its extra-odd feature.
Javorius Allen, Marcus Mariota & Ryan Fitzpatrick among NFL's most Buzz-worthy players in Week 13
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Take a look at the NFL's stat sheets for running backs and it's not a pretty sight these days in terms of production that would wow anyone.
At least not on the Emmitt Smith Standard.
However, with the game continuing to change so, too, are the roles that RBs play. Take a look at the stat sheet for catches on Sunday and there was a new name right at the top -- and it wasn't a receiver. Ravens RB Javorius Allen had 12 catches for 131 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. Tack on 17 carries for 63 yards and the fourth-round pick out of USC looks even more impressive.
Could it be a fluke? Could it be an arrival? Only time will tell. For the season, Allen now has just 367 yards rushing and 242 yards receiving with just two touchdowns total on the year. Buzz bets there are some bargains to be had.
>> Click here to shop for football boxes on BlowoutCards.com.
Keep reading for four more guys who generated some buzz on the field this week.
Panini readies White Sparkle Prizm football packs only on Rewards site
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Panini America's Rewards program is the home for an entire parallel of one popular football card set, according to a company announcement made on Saturday.