2024 Topps Chrome Football: A Strong Return… But With A Major Catch?

Topps Chrome Football is back in 2024 after a long hiatus, offering a fresh take on the football card market.

With a robust 300-card base set featuring rookies, veterans, and legends, plus a variety of refractors and autographs, the product brings nostalgia and excitement to collectors.

However, one major difference that collectors need to consider: this product is unlicensed, meaning there are no official NFL team logos or team names. This could impact the overall desirability for some collectors, especially when compared to Panini’s officially licensed football products.

That said, Topps Chrome has something Panini doesn’t—autographs from most of the biggest rookies in the 2024 class. So, is this product worth ripping or holding? Let’s break it down.

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An introduction to 2024 Topps Chrome Football

Scheduled for release on February 19, 2025, 2024 and pre-ordering for around $450, Topps Chrome Football comes in a variety of configurations:

• Hobby Boxes – 12 packs per box, 8 cards per pack, 2 autographs per box.
• Mega Boxes – Includes 1 Prism Refractor and 10 exclusive refractors.
• Value Boxes – Includes 1 Prism Refractor and 4 exclusive refractors.

This wide range of formats gives collectors different entry points, whether they’re looking for high-end hits or just a fun rip.

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A few caveats with 2024 Topps Chrome Football

Like every product, there are pros and cons. Here are two key issues that collectors should be aware of:

1. No NFL logos or team names

Since Topps Chrome is not officially licensed by the NFL, all cards will lack team logos and team names, making them look more bare compared to Panini’s product lineup.

Historically, unlicensed cards don’t hold as much long-term value as their licensed counterparts. For collectors who prefer official team branding, this could be a major downside. But there’s a catch…

2. An attractive autograph checklist

While Topps Chrome doesn’t have logos, it does have something Panini doesn’t—autographs from many of the top rookies. Due to exclusive autograph deals with Fanatics, many of the biggest names in the 2024 class aren’t signing for Panini, but they are signing for Topps Chrome. This includes:

• Caleb Williams
• Jayden Daniels 
• Drake Maye
• Rome Odunze
• Xavier Worthy
• Malik Nabers
• Brian Thomas Jr.
• AD Mitchell
• Brendan Rice

If you’re chasing rookie autos from particular members of this draft class, Topps Chrome Football is one of the only places to get them. But check with the Topps Chrome checklist before opening your wallet.

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A breakdown of cards in 2024 Topps Chrome Football

Base set and parallels

The 300-card base set includes a mix of 200 veterans/legends and 100 rookies. The design follows the classic Topps Chrome look, with a clean, full-bleed format and shiny refractor finishes. Parallels include:

• SuperFractors (1/1) – The ultimate chase card
• Refractors and Color Refractors – Multiple tiers of numbered parallels

While the lack of logos hurts visual appeal, the refractor chases will still excite collectors who enjoy Topps Chrome.

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Autographs

This is where Topps Chrome shines in 2024. The autograph checklist is stacked with top rookie quarterbacks and offensive playmakers, many of whom did not sign for Panini. The lineup includes:

• Base Rookie Autographs
• Rookie Patch Autographs
• Future Stars Autographs

Given that Panini’s football releases will lack many top rookie autos, Topps Chrome offers a unique opportunity to get key signatures from the 2024 draft class.

Inserts

Topps loaded this set with multiple inserts, including:

• 1974 Topps Football – A nostalgic throwback
• Future Stars & Dazzling Debuts – Featuring rising rookies
• Legends of the Gridiron & All-Chrome Team – Honoring the greats
• Let’s Go! & Helix – Short-printed chase inserts

While inserts are a fun addition, the biggest draw will still be the top rookies’ autographs.

Investing in 2024 Topps Chrome Football

Topps Chrome Football has investment potential because of its strong rookie autograph checklist, but the lack of licensing may cap its long-term upside.

Collectors may hesitate to buy sealed wax at high prices, knowing that Prizm and Optic (licensed products) will still command more long-term value. If you’re planning to hold, consider waiting to see how the market reacts after release before making big purchases.

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Investing in sealed boxes

How will these boxes fair as a long term investment? The short answer is… we don’t know. It’s hard to say given that this is the first time it’s been back on the market in a decade. Plus, of course, we’ve never seen an unlicensed release, especially during an “autograph war,” of sorts.

In short, Topps Chrome Football has investment potential because of its strong rookie autograph checklist, but the lack of licensing may cap its long-term upside.

Collectors may hesitate to buy sealed wax at high prices, knowing that Prizm and Optic (licensed products) will still command more long-term value.

If you plan to hold, the safe bet is waiting to see how the market reacts after release before making big purchases. Topps Chrome basketball, which was built around Wemby, fell from the original release price after collectors pushed back against the product. 

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In conclusion: Should you rip, hold, or pass on 2024 Topps Chrome Football?

2024 Topps Chrome Football is a unique product with major pros and cons. On one hand, it has one of the best autograph checklists in football for 2024. On the other, the lack of NFL licensing makes the cards visually weaker and historically less valuable.

So, what’s the verdict?

• Rip? – Yes, if you’re chasing rookie autos from Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye.
• Hold? – Maybe. If the market reacts positively to the product, sealed wax could hold value.
• Pass? – If you prioritize team logos and official licensing, you may want to wait for Prizm or Optic instead.

Ultimately, Topps Chrome Football brings big names but with a major licensing catch—so choose wisely before jumping in,

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What’s your take Topps Chrome Football 2024?

Will you be ripping 2024 Topps Chrome Football, or are you waiting for Panini’s licensed releases? Let us know on X @card_lines and subscribe to our newsletter for more hobby insights!

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