2011 Playoff Absolute Retail Matthew Stafford Base Card #36

Matthew Stafford is a great example of a guy that you have to wait on to really see what you have as an NFL team or as a collector. Being the #1 overall pick will always lead to his cards being collected during his first few seasons, but after that you need to start producing (ie: JaMarcus Russell).

Stafford had some injury problems, and he was often getting sacked - but still showed why the Lions drafted him number one. During the 2011 season, it all seemed to come together for Stafford and the Lions - especially his connection with WR Calvin Johnson.

The card shown here is a retail version of his Absolute Memorabilia from 2011. You can tell the difference between the retail & the hobby versions is that the hobby versions have a 'refractor' like sheen over the front  - and the retail versions appear to be much cheaper stock & don't have the shine the hobby cards do. I got this pack at a 99-Cent store, and didn't get much, but I have gotten a serial numbered rookie in the past.

2009 Playoff Contenders Football SP RC Ticket Checklist

If you have been busting boxes of 2009 Playoff Contenders Football then you may want to go check out our review. We have the complete list of SP Rookie Tickets that were inserted in 2009.

Aaron Kelly has a mere 21 copies. Expect huge prices on his card.

Matthew Stafford and Michael Crabtree are on the list as well.

Find our complete list of SP RC Tickets and our review of the set here.