2024 Panini Encore Football Set Review and Checklist

Overview of the 2024 Panini Encore Football Set

The 2024 Panini Encore Football set is a hybrid product that evokes the spirit of Panini’s Chronicles and Archives lines. It’s not just another run-of-the-mill release; Encore aims to bridge the gap between past and present by incorporating multiple brand identities (notably Pinnacle) into a single set, all while offering a robust checklist of veterans, rookies, and legends. Released in hobby box format, each box promises one autograph, one memorabilia card, 10 inserts, and four serial-numbered parallels alongside a 200-card base set. This configuration positions Encore as a mid-tier product—accessible yet packed with chase potential.

What sets Encore apart is its nostalgic bent. Rather than focusing solely on current NFL stars, it leans heavily into retro aesthetics, pulling design cues from the early ‘90s Pinnacle Football debut. This isn’t a full-on throwback like Donruss Retro, but a fusion that appeals to both older collectors who remember cracking packs in the ‘90s and newer hobbyists chasing the latest rookie sensations like Caleb Williams or Marvin Harrison Jr. Let’s dive into the details.

Base Set: Design and Composition

The cornerstone of the 2024 Panini Encore Football set is its 200-card base set, branded under the Pinnacle name—a nod to the 1991 Pinnacle Football release. The design isn’t an exact replica but mirrors its predecessor with a clean, structured layout: bold player images framed by subtle borders, accented with team colors and a minimalistic logo placement. The photography is action-oriented, capturing players mid-stride or mid-throw, which gives the cards a dynamic feel despite their retro roots.

• Composition: The base set splits evenly between veterans and rookies, with approximately 100 cards dedicated to each. Veterans include perennial stars like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, while the rookie class highlights the 2024 NFL Draft standouts—think Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders), and Drake Maye (New England Patriots).
• Card Quality: Printed on standard card stock (not opti-chrome like Prizm or Mosaic), the base cards prioritize affordability over flash. They’re sturdy and visually appealing but lack the premium sheen of higher-end releases.

Review: The base set is a solid foundation—nothing revolutionary, but it delivers what collectors expect: a broad representation of the NFL landscape. The Pinnacle branding feels like a love letter to ‘90s collectors, though some might argue it’s a missed opportunity to push design boundaries further. For set builders, the 200-card checklist is manageable, but casual collectors may find the lack of flash underwhelming compared to chrome-heavy alternatives.

Variations

Encore doesn’t lean heavily into traditional base variations like image swaps or short prints (SPs), which is a departure from sets like Donruss or Prestige. Instead, the variation comes through its parallel and insert structure (more on that below). However, there’s a subtle twist in the base set:

• Rookie Subset: The 100 rookie cards occasionally feature alternate poses or jersey numbers, though these aren’t explicitly marketed as “variations.” They’re more like Easter eggs for sharp-eyed collectors rather than a formal chase element.
• Potential SPs: While not confirmed, Panini’s history suggests a handful of base cards (likely top rookies or legends) could be short-printed, appearing less frequently in packs. These would be identifiable by slight design tweaks—perhaps a different border color or foil stamp—but details remain sparse.

Review: The lack of overt variations might disappoint collectors who thrive on hunting SPs or photo swaps. It keeps the set straightforward, which is fine for beginners, but feels like a missed chance to add depth for seasoned hobbyists.

Parallels: The Serial-Numbered Rainbow

Parallels are where Encore flexes its collectibility muscle. Every hobby box guarantees four serial-numbered parallels, all tied to the 200-card base set. These parallels borrow from Pinnacle’s legacy while introducing modern flair, and they’re the primary chase element for rarity seekers. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Base Serial-Numbered Parallels:
   • Red Parallel (/199): A vibrant, team-color-inspired option that’s relatively common but still limited enough to feel special.
   • Blue Parallel (/99): A cooler tone with a sleek, metallic sheen—perfect for players with blue-heavy uniforms like the Giants or Colts.
   • Green Parallel (/49): A rarer pull with a bold, emerald finish that pops against the base design.
   • Gold Parallel (/25): The collector’s darling—scarce, flashy, and a centerpiece for any PC (personal collection).
   • Black Parallel (1/1): The holy grail—one-of-one cards that turn a casual pack rip into a bragging-rights moment.
2. Specialty Parallels:
   • Pinnacle Flash (/75): A nod to ‘90s Pinnacle’s experimental foil cards, featuring a reflective, almost holographic effect.
   • Pinnacle Edge (/10): An ultra-rare parallel with sharp, angular borders and a matte finish—exclusive and eye-catching.

Review: The parallel lineup is robust without being overwhelming. The serial-numbered focus ensures every pull feels premium, and the variety—from accessible Reds to elusive Blacks—caters to different budgets and collecting styles. The Pinnacle Flash and Edge parallels add a nostalgic twist, though their scarcity might frustrate casual collectors. Compared to Prizm’s sprawling rainbow, Encore’s approach is more restrained but equally rewarding.

Inserts: Nostalgia Meets Modernity

Encore delivers 10 inserts per hobby box, split between standard inserts and four serial-numbered chase cards. These inserts are where the set’s personality shines, blending retro themes with modern hits. Here’s the detailed rundown:

1. Pinnacle Inscriptions Autographs:
   • Description: On-card autographs modeled after the 1997 Pinnacle Inscriptions set, featuring flowing signatures over a textured background.
   • Parallels: Base (/99 or less), Gold (/25), Platinum (1/1).
   • Players: A mix of rookies (e.g., Marvin Harrison Jr.), stars (e.g., Justin Jefferson), and legends (e.g., Joe Montana).
   • Review: These are a standout—crisp autographs paired with a classic design make them instant keepers. The limited print runs add urgency to the chase.
2. Pinnacle By the Numbers Autographs:
   • Description: Autographed cards highlighting a player’s jersey number in bold, oversized font, reminiscent of ‘90s stat-driven inserts.
   • Parallels: Base (/50 or less), Gold (/10), Black (1/1).
   • Players: Heavy on rookies and young stars like Brock Bowers or Malik Nabers.
   • Review: A fun, quirky addition that ties into Pinnacle’s analytical roots. The low numbering ensures rarity, though the design might not resonate with everyone.
3. Pacific Penmanship Autographs:
   • Description: A nod to the Pacific brand’s elegant autograph cards, featuring clean signatures on a glossy, wave-patterned background.
   • Parallels: Base (/75 or less), Gold (/25), Platinum (1/1).
   • Players: Includes veterans (e.g., Aaron Rodgers) and retired greats (e.g., Jerry Rice).
   • Review: These exude sophistication—perfect for collectors who value autographs over flash. The Pacific tie-in is a nice touch for brand enthusiasts.
4. Standard Inserts:
   • Pinnacle Moments: Highlights iconic plays from the 2023 season (e.g., a game-winning touchdown). Simple design with a metallic border.
   • Rookie Spotlight: Showcases top 2024 rookies in a full-bleed photo layout—think Rome Odunze or Brian Thomas Jr.
   • Legends of the Game: Honors NFL greats with a sepia-toned, vintage look—expect names like Barry Sanders or Lawrence Taylor.

Review: The insert lineup is a strength, balancing autographed hits with affordable, thematic cards. The Pinnacle Inscriptions and Pacific Penmanship steal the show, offering premium pulls that justify the box price. The standard inserts are solid but lack the wow factor of Kaboom! or Color Blast from other sets—still, they’re trade-worthy and visually appealing.

Memorabilia Cards

Each hobby box includes one memorabilia card, typically featuring game-used jersey swatches. These aren’t as intricate as Absolute’s multi-relic hits, but they hold their own:

• Pinnacle Relics: Single-swatch cards with a clean, bordered design. Variants include Prime (/25, larger or premium swatches) and Tag (1/1, laundry tag pieces).
• Rookie Premiere Materials: Ties into the autograph subset, pairing a signature with a relic—think Caleb Williams with a Bears jersey piece.

Review: The memorabilia cards are a nice bonus, though they’re not the set’s focal point. The Prime and Tag versions elevate the stakes, but the base relics feel standard—functional rather than thrilling.

Overall Analysis and Critique

Strengths:

• Nostalgia Factor: The Pinnacle branding and retro-inspired designs hit the mark for collectors craving a throwback vibe.
• Value Proposition: One autograph, one relic, 10 inserts, and four parallels per box is a generous yield for a mid-tier product (likely priced around $150-$200).
• Rookie Focus: The 2024 class gets ample love, making Encore a go-to for prospectors betting on future stars.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Innovation: The base design and insert themes play it safe—there’s no groundbreaking insert like Stained Glass or Manga to set it apart.
• Variation Scarcity: Without clear SPs or image variations, the base set lacks the depth of competitors like Illusions or Mosaic.
• Market Saturation: With so many 2024 football releases, Encore risks getting lost in the shuffle unless its hits overdeliver.

Collector Appeal: Encore is ideal for mid-budget collectors who want a mix of nostalgia and modern hits without breaking the bank on Prizm or National Treasures. It’s less flashy than Mosaic but more rewarding than Score, striking a sweet spot for hobbyists who value variety over rarity.

Final Verdict

The 2024 Panini Encore Football set is a well-executed blend of past and present, delivering a satisfying rip experience with its autograph, memorabilia, and parallel-heavy structure. It won’t redefine the hobby, but it doesn’t need to—its charm lies in its simplicity and reverence for football card history. For collectors, the chase is in the parallels (especially Golds and Blacks) and the autograph inserts, while the base set offers a nostalgic anchor. At its core, Encore is a love letter to the ‘90s wrapped in a 2024 package—imperfect but endearing.

Would I buy it? If I’m chasing rookies or love Pinnacle’s legacy, yes. If I want jaw-dropping innovation, I’d look elsewhere. Either way, it’s a worthy addition to the 2024 lineup—solid, dependable, and quietly compelling.