Although Playoff Contenders was introduced in 1993, the brand's biggest contribution to the hobby came a few years later. Debuting in 1998, Contenders Rookie Ticket autographs have become one of the most popular rookie card lines in the entire industry.
As the name suggests, the card designs follow a ticket theme. Some years are a little looser than others, but the name has remained constant since 1998. Most years have also seen the cards go without serial numbers, and the print runs (or ranges) revealed later. This has led to varied production rates for the many first-year players, even within the same set. As a result, some lesser players have high demand as set builders drive prices up for the rarest cards.
Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Randy Moss are among the memorable Rookie Ticket autographs from the line's early years. However, the Contenders Rookie Ticket brand has produced two clear icons in the modern collecting world: the 1998 Peyton Manning and the 2000 Tom Brady.
When Panini purchased Donruss Playoff in 2009, they continued to use the Playoff brand through 2011. However, in 2012, the name switched subtly to Panini Contenders.
Below is a visual history of the Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph designs over the years. We've also included some of the highlights from each year, showcasing some of the great players who have had rookie cards. Click on the links to shop for cards from that year. You can also see some of the most popular Rookie Ticket auction listings on eBay at any given moment.
What's your favorite design? Let us know in the comments below.
Contenders Football Rookie Ticket Autographs Gallery
1998 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
Highlights:
1999 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
1999 Highlights:
2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
2000 Highlights:
2001 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
2001 Highlights:
2002 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
Highlights:
2003 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
Highlights:
2004 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
Highlights:
2005 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
2005 Highlights:
2006 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
2006 Highlights:
2007 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
2007 Highlights:
2008 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
2008 Highlights:
2009 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
2009 Highlights:
2010 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
2010 Highlights:
2011 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket
2011 Highlights:
2012 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket - Full Set Profile
2012 Highlights:
2013 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket - Full Set Profile
2013 Highlights:
2014 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket - Full Set Profile
2014 Highlights:
2015 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket - Full Set Profile
2015 Highlights:
2016 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket - Full Set Profile
2016 Highlights:
- Dak Prescott
- Carson Wentz
- Jared Goff
- Ezekiel Elliott
- Michael Thomas
- Tyreek Hill
- Adam Thielen
- Joey Bosa
2017 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket - Full Set Profile
2017 Highlights:
- Deshaun Watson
- Alvin Kamara
- Mitchell Trubisky
- Kareem Hunt
- Leonard Fournette
- Christian McCaffrey
- JuJu Smith-Schuster
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