Panini America, NFL Players Inc., Release NFLPA Panini Trading Card Index For 2016 Q2

Once a quarter, the NFLPA Panini Trading Card Index ranks the top 15 rookies and top 15 veterans based on several key factors, including secondary-market transactions, overall trading volume and collectability based on on-field performance and expectations (e.g., rookie hype and collector speculation). The second NFLPA Panini Trading Card Index, listed in its entirety below, includes updated rankings for both rookies and veterans based on post-draft reaction and early buzz based on rookie mini camps and OTAs in advance of training camps. The newest Index rankings are based on secondary-market transactions and trading volume that took place during the second quarter of 2016.

Top rookie quarterbacks Carson Wentz (Philadelphia Eagles), Jared Goff (Los Angeles Rams) and Paxton Lynch (Denver Broncos), along with running backs Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys) and Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans), claim the top five spots in the updated rookie rankings. Wentz retains his No. 1 ranking, Goff's No. 2 ranking is up two spots from the inaugural Index; Lynch, meanwhile jumped two spots to No. 4. Houston Texans receiver Will Fuller and Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack appear on the Index for the first time.

"Growing up, you always dream of seeing your face on a trading card. To have that become a reality now, is truly an honor – even more considering some of the names that are on this list from the rookie class," Elliott said. "It's really cool to see how much fans value your cards, and it's humbling to be a part of the legacy that Panini has built."

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, ranked No. 2 on the debut Index, claims the No. 1 spot this time, supplanting Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, who fell slightly to No. 3. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was the biggest mover of the quarter, vaulting seven spots to No. 2. New veteran additions this quarter include Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler, Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles.

"As I begin my third season, it's kind of surreal to see my name listed alongside some of the best players in the game today," Carr said. "When you come into the league, you hope fans recognize the hard work you're putting in. Being a part of the Panini index of veterans is a great moment – that fans would think highly enough about me, and my game to put me amongst some of the top players."

"So much has happened in the few months since the debut edition of the NFLPA Panini Trading Card Index and that has led to some surprising shifts in the rankings," said Jason Howarth, Panini America's Vice President of Marketing. "The top rookies are now with their NFL teams and collector expectations have led to feverish activity on the secondary market. On the veteran side, you're seeing collector sentiment shift from what happened in 2015 to what's being expected in 2016."

Notable second-quarter sales driving rookie rankings include a 2016 Donruss Elite Football Pen Pals card featuring autographs from Wentz, Goff and Lynch that sold for $345. Meanwhile, a 1/1 Gold version of Wentz's Rookie Card from 2016 Donruss Elite Football is currently being offered on eBay for $1,500. On the veteran side, a one-of-a-kind Tom Brady autograph patch card from 2015 Flawless Football sold for $10,000 while three of Luck's 2012 Playoff Contenders autographed Rookie Cards sold for more than $2,000.    

The next NFLPA Panini Trading Card Index will be published in early September (capturing third-quarter results in a season-kickoff edition). Fourth quarter results will consist of two special editions – in early November and early January – capturing mid-season and end-of-season performances, respectively.

The 2016 NFLPA Panini Trading Card Index: Rookies (2Q); previous ranking in parentheses

1. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles (Previous Rank: 1)
2. Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams (Previous Rank: 3)
3. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys (Previous Rank: 2)
4. Paxton Lynch, Denver Broncos (Previous Rank: 6)
5. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans (Previous Rank: 5)
6. Laquon Treadwell, Minnesota Vikings (Previous Rank: 9)
7. Sterling Shepard, New York Giants (Previous Rank: 12)
8. Braxton Miller, Houston Texans (Previous Rank: 7)
9. Josh Doctson, Washington Redskins (Previous Rank: 13)
10. Joey Bosa, San Diego Chargers (Previous Rank: 5)
11. Corey Coleman, Cleveland Browns (Previous Rank: 14)
12. Will Fuller, Houston Texans (Previous Rank: NA)
13. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (Previous Rank: 15)
14. Myles Jack, Jacksonville Jaguars (Previous Rank: NA)
15. Cardale Jones, Buffalo Bills (Previous Rank: 15)

The 2016 NFLPA Panini Trading Card Index: Veterans (2Q); previous ranking in parentheses

1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots (Previous Rank: 2)
2. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts (Previous Rank: 9)
3. Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans (Previous Rank: 3)
4. Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Previous Rank: 5)
5. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks (Previous Rank: 10)
6. Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams (Previous Rank: 4)
7. Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants (Previous Rank: 11)
8. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings (Previous Rank: 15)
9. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers (Previous Rank: 7)
10. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders (Previous Rank: NA)
11. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (Previous Rank: 6)
12. Brock Osweiler, Houston Texans (Previous Rank: NA)
13. Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders (Previous Rank: 8)
14. Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars (Previous Rank: NA)
15. Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers (Previous Rank: NA)

ABOUT PANINI:
The Panini Group, established more than 55 years ago in Modena, Italy, has subsidiaries throughout Europe, Latin America and the United States.  Panini is the world leader in officially licensed collectibles and is the most significant publisher of collectibles in the U.S., with exclusive licenses for the NFL, NFLPA, NBA, FIFA, College and licenses with the MLBPA, NHL,NHLPA and Disney, and other key properties from many other licensors. Panini is also the exclusive trading card and sticker partner of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. Panini has distribution channels in more than 130 countries and employs a staff of over 1,100. For more information visit us at www.paniniamerica.net, www.paninigroup.com or http://blog.paniniamerica.net/. You can also follow Panini America on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

ABOUT NFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
The National Football League Players Association is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players' interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected—including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989. In 1993, the NFLPA again was officially recognized as the union representing the players, and negotiated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL. The current CBA will govern the sport through 2020.

ABOUT NFL PLAYERS INC.
NFL Players Inc. is the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFLPA. NFL Players Inc. has been a trusted resource since 1994, delivering access to the influence, power and personal stories of NFL players. NFL Players Inc. is a "one-stop shop" for businesses seeking licensing rights, access to players through hospitality and events, marketing strategy and player procurement. For more information, please visit nflpa.com/players.

Media Contact:  
Tracy Hackler, Panini America
214-552-3475
[email protected]

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