First Look: Topps Chrome Football Makes Its Long Awaited Return

The return of Topps Chrome Football has collectors excited, especially with rookie QBs like Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix leading the way. Drawing comparisons to legends like Montana, Marino, and Manning, these young stars are driving demand. With Topps Chrome's iconic refractors and parallels, their cards hold immense potential, blending nostalgia with investment opportunities for football fans and hobbyists alike.
2024 Topps Chrome - Cover Image
2024 Topps Chrome - Cover Image / Topps via X (formally Twitter) | https://x.com/Topps/status/1879925542339977725

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As a longtime Topps Chrome collector and a football fanatic, the return of Topps Chrome Football is nothing short of awesome. For years, Topps Chrome has been synonymous with quality, innovation, and an unparalleled shine that makes every card feel like its very own treasure.

Now that it’s officially back, and collectors throughout the hobby world are already buzzing about the possibilities, especially with this year’s crop of exciting rookie quarterbacks, including such names as Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix.

What to look for in 2024 Topps Chrome Update

These young QBs remind me of the legends I grew up admiring, such as Joe Montana, Dan Marino, and Peyton Manning. Like Montana, Jayden Daniels has a dual-threat capability that makes him electric to watch. Drake Maye, with his pinpoint accuracy and poise under pressure, evokes memories of Marino’s passing brilliance. And Bo Nix, with his gunslinger mentality and knack for big plays, channels the excitement of Peyton Manning brought to the field. Each of these rookies carries the potential to shape the future of the NFL, and collectors are taking notice.

Caleb Williams - 2024 Topps Chrome Future Stars Auto
Caleb Williams - 2024 Topps Chrome Future Stars Auto / Topps via X (formally Twitter) | https://x.com/Topps/status/1879925542339977725

One reason collectors are flocking to these rookie QBs is the sheer talent and hype surrounding them. The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and these players have already demonstrated their star potential at the collegiate level. Jayden Daniels has wowed fans with his mobility and leadership at LSU, while Drake Maye and Bo Nix have delivered highlight-reel performances week after week. For collectors, these traits make their rookie cards a must-have.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws during the second quarter of a NFC wild card playoff
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws during the second quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images


One of the things that's stood out to me when Topps made the announcement was the sharp nature of the cards featured in this year's set and some samples include the Drake May Red Wave Autograph (which could be as low numbered as /5) and the Caleb Williams Future Stars Base Auto which is highlighted by its sharp, bursting colors and low numbered variations (the image provided by Topps shows the insert autograph numbered 18/25, which also reflects Williams' jersey number).

Drake Maye - 2024 Topps Chrome Football - Red Wave Autograph
Drake Maye - 2024 Topps Chrome Football - Red Wave Autograph / Topps via X (formally Twitter) | https://x.com/Topps/status/1879925542339977725

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Another reason is the re-emergence of Topps Chrome Football itself. The brand has always been a staple in the hobby, offering a perfect mix of artistry, technology, and rarity. The iconic refractors, autographs, and parallels are what set Topps Chrome apart, and with the NFL’s newest stars featured, the demand is already skyrocketing. There’s an element of nostalga as many collectors remember chasing cards of legends like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in some of Topps Chrome’s earlier days.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Payton Manning (18) throws over the middle against the Tennessee Titans
Oct 27, 2008; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Payton Manning (18) throws over the middle against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at LP Field. The Titans beat the Colts 31-21 Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-Imagn Images / Don McPeak-Imagn Images

Looking ahead, the value of these rookie cards will likely hinge on their on-field performances. If Daniels, Maye, Nix, or even Caleb Williams emerge as Pro Bowlers or lead their teams on deep playoff runs, their cards could see a significant uptick in value. Additionally, the scarcity of low-numbered parallels and refractors will always drive demand among serious collectors. For those willing to take a chance, investing in these cards now could pay off handsomely in the future.

For me, the return of Topps Chrome Football isn’t just about chasing value; it’s about celebrating the game and the players who make it special. The thrill of pulling a refractor of an emerging star is unmatched, and with this year’s rookie class, the possibilities are endless.

Welcome back, Topps Chrome Football. We’ve missed you.


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Matt Schilling
MATT SCHILLING

Bio: Matt Schilling, a lifelong sportscard collector and a proud graduate of Towson University (Class of 2006) who currently resides in Queens, New York, is one of the newest contributing authors to the Collectibles segment now featured on http://SI.com