2024 Topps Midnight NFL: A New Unlicensed Topps Release

2024 Topps Midnight Football introduces a new, unlicensed football card product from Topps, featuring a distinctive black Chrome aesthetic with lunar-inspired themes.

While the design is visually striking, the lack of NFL licensing means no official team logos or names appear on the cards, which may affect their appeal to some collectors.

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This release includes autographs from top 2024 rookies like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix, who are exclusive to Fanatics and absent from Panini products. However, the overall checklist lacks many current NFL stars, which may limit its long-term investment value.

2024 Topps Midnight product introduction

2024 Topps Midnight Football is a bold new entry into the football card space, continuing Topps’ effort to carve out a foothold in the unlicensed football market ahead of its anticipated full NFL licensing deal in 2025.

This set leans heavily on visual flair, offering collectors a sleek, black Chrome finish with lunar-inspired theming and insert names that evoke starlight, moon phases, and celestial phenomena. If you’re thinking “that looks a lot like Panini Obsidian,” you’re right. 

While the product delivers on aesthetic appeal and introduces a refreshing alternative to more traditional designs, it’s important to understand what it isn’t: this is not a licensed NFL product.

That means you won’t see team logos or official team names on any of the cards—something that may be off-putting to collectors used to the full branding experience offered by Panini’s NFL products.

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Still, Topps Midnight manages to stand out by capitalizing on what it can offer. Namely, autographs from many of the 2024 NFL Draft’s biggest rookies—players like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix.

All of these players are notably absent from Panini products due to exclusive deals with Fanatics. For collectors looking to add autos of this next wave of stars, Midnight may be one of the only options available in 2024.

With a product configuration centered around 7-card boxes (3 of which are autographs), and a full checklist loaded with inserts, SSPs, and cosmic-themed parallels, Topps is clearly positioning this release as a high-end, boutique-style break.

Whether or not it becomes a staple long-term remains to be seen, but Midnight Football is, at the very least, a conversation starter—and an interesting look at what Topps can do when given creative control, even without the NFL shield.

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Topps Midnight Football 2024 breakdown

This is a hobby only release, and here’s the breakdown:

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Hobby Box Configuration:

• 1 pack per box
• 7 cards per pack
• 3 autographs per box
• 8 boxes per case

Each hobby box offers a concise yet potentially rewarding break, with three autographs and a mix of base cards and parallels.

NFL Football 2024 Midnight checklist review

The base set comprises 100 cards, featuring a mix of veterans, legends, and 57 rookies. Notable rookies include Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix.

However, the absence of many current NFL stars such as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson may diminish the set’s appeal to collectors seeking cards of established players.

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Parallels

Topps Midnight Football offers a variety of celestial-themed parallels, adding depth and chase elements to the product:

• Morning – 1:3 packs
• Zodiac – 1:4 packs
• Twilight – 1:5 packs
• Dusk – 1:6 packs
• Moon Beam – 1:9 packs
• Summer Solstice – 1:9 packs
• Winter Solstice – 1:12 packs
• Moonrise – 1:17 packs
• Equinox – 1:21 packs
• Midnight – 1:35 packs
• Daybreak – 1:83 packs
• Witching Hour – 1:138 packs
• Black Light – 1:410 packs (1/1)

Autographs and inserts in 2024 Topps Midnight

The driving appeal of this set is autographs, and Topps Midnight has quite the checklist. Here’s what to expect. 

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Autograph Sets:

• Horizon Signatures – Over 100 autographs from current and former players.
• Rookie Horizon Signatures – Featuring 33 draft picks from 2024.
• Stroke of Midnight Autographs – Mixing past and present talent.
• Rookie Jersey Autographs – The sole memorabilia offering, covering 33 draft picks.
  

Insert Sets:

• Constellations – 1:7 packs
• Lunar Tide – 1:11 packs
• Nightball – 1:6 packs
• Star Studded – 1:6 packs
• After Hours – 1:32 packs (SSP)
• Dream Chasers – 1:32 packs (SSP)
• Moonfall – 1:32 packs (SSP)
• Twilight – 1:32 packs (SSP)
  

These inserts and autographs provide variety and depth, appealing to collectors who appreciate both modern and nostalgic elements

Preview and investing analysis of 2024 Topps Midnight Football

From an investment standpoint, 2024 Topps Midnight Football presents a mixed bag. The inclusion of autographs from top rookies like Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, who are exclusive to Fanatics, offers unique content not found in other products.

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However, the unlicensed nature of the set, which lacks official NFL logos and team names, may deter some collectors and impact its long-term value.

Additionally, there’s an absence of current NFL stars in the checklist. No Lamar, Mahomes, Josh Allen, etc. That reduces the product’s appeal to fans of established players and really hurts your chances of pulling a high dollar parallel.

While the set offers a variety of parallels and inserts, the potential for overproduction and the lack of licensing constraints could impact the product’s scarcity and value over time.

Collectors focused on acquiring rookie autographs and exploring a product with diverse parallels and inserts may find value here. However, those seeking cards of current NFL stars or concerned with long-term investment potential might consider other products.

Bottom line: Should you rip hold or pass on 2024 Topps Midnight Football?

2024 Topps Midnight Football offers a unique collecting experience with its black Chrome design and celestial themes. The inclusion of autographs from top 2024 rookies exclusive to Fanatics adds value for collectors seeking these specific players.

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However, the unlicensed nature of the product and the absence of many current NFL stars may limit its appeal and long-term investment potential.

For collectors interested in a distinctive design and exclusive rookie autographs, this set provides an intriguing option.

Yet, for those focused on collecting cards of established NFL stars or seeking strong investment returns, other licensed products may offer better opportunities.
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