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Unboxing the Elite: A Deep Dive into the 2024 Panini One Football Set
In the high-stakes world of NFL trading cards, few products embody the thrill of the gamble quite like Panini One Football. Released on September 4, 2025, as a hobby-exclusive offering, the 2024 edition of this ultra-premium set continues its tradition of delivering one card per box—always a guaranteed autograph, relic, or rare metal insert. Priced around $400 per hobby box, it's designed for collectors who crave instant gratification and the potential for massive payouts, rather than sifting through packs for hits. With cases containing 20 boxes, the set falls roughly one metal insert per case, adding to the chase factor. This year's iteration introduces fresh autograph subsets, oversized patches, and acetate parallels, but it also arrives amid Panini's shifting NFL rights to Fanatics, raising questions about long-term value.
As a reviewer who's cracked open more than a few high-end boxes, I'll break down the set's structure, showcase its variations, inserts, and parallels with real examples, and offer an honest analysis of whether it's worth the wager. Spoiler: It's a rush, but not without risks.
Set Configuration: One Card, Infinite Possibilities
Panini One's minimalist packaging is its signature—each hobby box holds a single pack with exactly one card. That card is always a hit: an on-card autograph (hard-signed for authenticity), a memorabilia relic (often paired with an auto), or a case-level metal insert on premium stock. First Off the Line (FOTL) boxes, released August 26, 2025, guarantee a Rookie Fractal Patch Autograph and include exclusive Pink or Purple parallels.
No traditional base set exists here; instead, the 400+ card checklist is entirely premium, focusing on rookies, veterans, and legends. This keeps the product laser-focused on value, but it also amplifies the all-or-nothing dynamic. Hobbyists report that while standout pulls can fetch thousands, most cards hover around $500–$1,000 on the secondary market, meaning you're playing the odds like a slot machine.
The Autograph Core: Subsets That Define the Chase
At its heart, Panini One is an autograph extravaganza, with subsets emphasizing rookie debuts, franchise icons, and one-of-a-kind moments. All autos are on-card, and many incorporate game-used patches for that tangible connection to the field. Here's a breakdown of key subsets, with examples:
Rookie-Focused Autographs
These highlight the 2024 NFL Draft class, from top picks like Caleb Williams to late-round gems.
| Subset | Card Count | Base Print Run | Example Card | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rookie Patch Autographs | 29 | #/199 | #1 J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings) – Oversized rookie jersey patch | Emphasizes prime swatches; a cornerstone for rookies. |
| Rookie Dual Patch Autographs | 19 | #/199 | #31 J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings) – Dual-color patches | Combines two relic pieces for visual pop. |
| Premium Rookie Patch Autographs | 18 | #/99 or less | #102 Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons) – #/95, premium fabric | Higher-end materials; Penix's card has sold for $2,500+ in parallels. |
| Day One Autographs | 16 | #/99 or less | #132 Brian Thomas Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars) – Debut-themed auto | Clean design celebrating first games. |
| Precision Rookie Patch Autographs | 29 | #/99 | #301 J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings) – Precision-cut patch | Tailored for accuracy in relic alignment. |
Veteran and Legend Autographs
Balancing the rookie hype, these subsets nod to established stars and Hall of Famers, often with jumbo relics.
| Subset | Card Count | Base Print Run | Example Card | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quad Patch Autographs | 10 | #/99 | #51 Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) – Four-patch quadrant | Rare multi-relic design; Lawrence's base has hit $3,000. |
| Square One Autographs | 13 | #/99 | #66 Brian Thomas Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars) – Square relic frame | Geometric relic placement for a modern twist. |
| Franchise Future Fabric Autographs | 19 | #/99 | #81 Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons) – Franchise jersey swatch | Ties players to team legacies. |
| Big One Signatures | 14 | #/10 | #211 Brett Favre (Green Bay Packers) – Jumbo Nike swoosh patch | Ultra-low numbered; Favre's card is a veteran whale. |
| Shield Signatures | 23 | #/1 | #231 J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings) – Autographed NFL Shield logo patch | True 1/1s; the ultimate rarity for rookies. |
| Once in a Franchise Autographs | 25 | #/99 | #331 Adam Vinatieri (New England Patriots) – Career-highlight auto | Legend-focused; Vinatieri's clutch kicks immortalized. |
| Wonderful Ones Autographs | 15 | #/99 | #361 Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns) – Defensive standout theme | Celebrates singular achievements. |
Multi-Auto and Themed Sets
For collectors seeking collaboration or narrative depth:
| Subset | Card Count | Base Print Run | Example Card | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plus One Signatures | 3 | #/49 | #186 Bijan Robinson / Jamal Anderson (Atlanta Falcons) – Dual auto | Player-mentor pairings; low count adds exclusivity. |
| One Up Autographs | 6 | #/10 | #201 Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts) – Elevated design | Clean, acetate-like window for the signature. |
| One of a Kind | 13 | #/1 | #271 Emmitt Smith (Dallas Cowboys) – Unique relic/auto combo | True singles; Smith's rushing record etched in. |
| The One and Only Autographs | 10 | #/1 | #287 Kurt Warner (St. Louis Rams) – Greatest comeback story | Narrative-driven 1/1s. |
| One Moment in Time Autographs | 17 | #/99 | #381 Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts) – Iconic play auto | Snapshot of career-defining plays. |
These subsets form the backbone, with rookies like McCarthy and Penix Jr. dominating early pulls due to draft buzz.
Parallels: Layering Rarity with Color and Serials
Parallels elevate the base autos into collector catnip, using color-coded serial numbering and premium finishes like acetate or foil. Print runs tier down dramatically, creating a pyramid of scarcity. Common parallels include Red, Green, Bronze, Gold, Platinum, and Black (1/1), with some subsets adding unique twists like Fractal or Vinyl.
| Parallel Type | Typical Print Run | Example Card | Value Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | #/75 (Rookie Patch) or #/49 (most others) | Red #1 J.J. McCarthy Rookie Patch Auto (/75) | Doubles base value; McCarthy's Red sold for $1,200. |
| Green | #/49 or less | Green #102 Michael Penix Jr. Premium Rookie Patch (/25) | Mid-tier chase; eco-themed green foil. |
| Bronze | #/25 or less | Bronze #51 Trevor Lawrence Quad Patch (/15) | Metallic sheen; rare for multi-relics. |
| Gold | #/10 or less | Gold #211 Brett Favre Big One Signature (/10) | High-end gold stamping; Favre's Gold hit $4,500. |
| Platinum | #/5 or less | Platinum #301 J.J. McCarthy Precision Rookie (/5) | Mirror-like finish; ultra-rare pulls. |
| Black | 1/1 | Black #231 J.J. McCarthy Shield Signature (1/1) | True one-of-one; auction floors at $5,000+. |
| Fractal (Rookie Exclusive) | Base #/50; Brand Logo #/5; Nike Laundry Tag #/5; NFL Shield 1/1 | Fractal #391 J.J. McCarthy Brand Logo (/5) | Holographic pattern; FOTL exclusives add Pink/Purple. |
| Acetate/Vinyl | Varies (e.g., Gold Vinyl 1/1) | Gold Vinyl Patrick Mahomes 2018 White Jersey Patch (1/5) | Windowed design; Mahomes' sold for $7,200 PSA 9. |
Parallels aren't just cosmetic—they're where the real money hides, with 1/1 Blacks and Shields commanding five figures for stars like Mahomes or Burrow.
Inserts: Metal Magic and Thematic Flair
Inserts drop as case hits (about 1 per 20 boxes), often on metal stock for a luxurious feel. They're non-auto but visually stunning, focusing on explosive plays or duos.
| Insert Set | Card Count | Parallels/Notes | Example Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blank Slate | 15 | None specified; metal stock | #1 Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears) – Clean slate design for fresh starts. |
| Color Blast | 15 | None specified; vibrant foil | #11 Joe Montana (San Francisco 49ers) – Explosive color bursts. |
| Night Moves | 15 | None specified; dark mode aesthetics | #10 Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) – Nocturnal action shots. |
| One Originals | 50 | Red /49; Green /25; Gold /10; Platinum /5; Black 1/1 | #1 Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons) – Original artwork parallels. |
| Team Titans | 15 | None specified; duo cards | #1 Travis Kelce / Patrick Mahomes II (Kansas City Chiefs) – Power couple theme. |
| One Original Patches | 25 | Red /49; Green /25; Gold /10; Platinum /5; Black 1/1 | #1 Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons) – Patch version of Originals (/99 base). |
These inserts add unpredictability—pulling a metal Kelce/Mahomes Titans can turn a case into a windfall.
Relics and Variations: Tangible Treasures
Relics are woven into most autos, with variations like oversized patches, quad swatches, or branded tags (e.g., Nike swoosh, NFL Shield). Standouts include:
- Oversized Patches: In Rookie Patch Autos, like McCarthy's #1 with a shoulder yoke swatch.
- Jumbo Relics: Big One Signatures feature massive pieces, e.g., Favre's #211 with a full swoosh.
- Multi-Patch Variations: Dual (two swatches) or Quad (four) for complexity; Lawrence's Quad #51 mixes colors for a quilt-like effect.
- Branded 1/1s: Laundry tags or Shields, as in McCarthy's Fractal #391.
Variations keep pulls fresh, with no two relics identical due to game-used sourcing.
Analysis and Review: High Roller or House Edge?
Pros: The design is impeccable—clean photos, bold autos, and innovative relics like Shield patches make every card a display piece. It's more accessible than National Treasures ($800+ boxes) yet delivers comparable hits. Rookie class shines with McCarthy and Penix, and chase cards like Mahomes' Gold Vinyl (>$7k) justify the hype for big spenders. The one-card format eliminates pack-filling frustration, perfect for breakers or live streams.
Cons: It's a gambler's paradise with casino-like odds—only ~1% of boxes break even or better, per collector forums. The checklist feels dated, heavy on 2024 rookies amid a shifting season, and lacks A-listers like Burrow in key autos. At $400, it's a tough sell when resale often dips below MSRP, and the Panini-Fanatics transition looms like a dark cloud.
Value and Appeal: For thrill-seekers, it's a 9/10—pure adrenaline. Casual collectors? Skip it; 6/10. Standout pulls like Burrow's Quad Patch Bronze PSA 10 ($5,375) prove the upside, but expect variance. In a market craving scarcity, Panini One delivers, but timing hurts its longevity.
Final Verdict: Bet Big or Bust?
The 2024 Panini One Football set is the ultimate adrenaline shot for NFL card aficionados—a sleek, hit-heavy product that rewards the bold. With its autograph depth, relic innovations, and parallel pyramid, it's a collector's fever dream. Yet, like any high-stakes play, it demands deep pockets and thicker skin. If you're chasing that Shield 1/1 McCarthy, dive in. Otherwise, wait for the resale dust to settle. Panini bows out of football with a bang—question is, will you hear the echo?
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Here are the top deals on Hobby boxes currently listed on eBay.
| Seattle Seahawks 2024 Panini One NFL Football Hobby 6 Box Opening *Description | $52.50 | |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024 Panini One NFL Football Hobby 6 Box Opening Hits Ship | $65.00 | |
| 2024 Panini One Hobby Football Factory Sealed Unopened Box - 1 Encased Autograph | $58.00 | |
| 2024 Panini One Hobby Football Factory Sealed Unopened Box (1) Encased Autograph | $61.00 | |
| New England Patriots 2024 Panini One NFL Football Hobby 6 Box Opening Hits Ship | $85.50 | |
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