Discover how Topps NOW NFL Draft cards are changing the hobby in 2026. Learn how fans can enter the lottery for “My 1st NFL Auto” cards and why this process is different.
The No.1 pick Fernando Mendoza wrote “My 1st NFL Auto” on his first ever NFL 1/1 🤯✍️
Personal touches like this make cards hit different 💥 pic.twitter.com/iFwxOnNbnT
— Mania Cards (@ManiaCollect) April 25, 2026
Event: 2026 NFL Draft (Round 1)
Brand: Topps (Fanatics)
Program: Topps NOW
Card Type: “My 1st NFL Auto” 1/1
Entry Cost: ~$11.99 per base card
Availability: 72-hour purchase window
Topps NOW NFL Draft Cards Market Overview
The 2026 NFL Draft marked a major shift in the trading card industry. For the first time in over a decade, Topps returned as the exclusive licensed manufacturer of NFL trading cards, replacing Panini. This change is already reshaping how rookie cards are created and collected.
During Round 1, several top draft picks signed their first official NFL cards live on stage immediately after being selected. These cards feature the inscription “My 1st NFL Auto!” and are being treated as true one-of-one collectibles tied directly to the moment each player entered the league.
Even more impressive, Topps produced these cards in near real time. In some cases, cards were designed, printed, and prepared within minutes of the draft moment. This is not just a product release. It is a new way of connecting live sports moments to physical collectibles.
2. New York Jets – David Bailey Topps Nowhttps://t.co/Ix5PYsLK5A pic.twitter.com/D60j7yjiX1
— Ricanking (Restock Tracker) (@ricanking6) April 24, 2026
What Makes This Process Different
The Topps NOW program is built around speed, exclusivity, and fan participation. Unlike traditional card releases that take months to reach the market, these cards are created instantly and sold directly to collectors during a limited window. Players are signing cards on stage, moments after being drafted. In one case, a top pick even signed remotely, with the card immediately added to the program.
Topps is also expanding what qualifies as a collectible. New relic programs now include items like game-used cleats, footballs, and even stadium elements. The result is a product that feels more like a live event than a standard card release.
How Fans Can Get a “My 1st NFL Auto” Card
Fans do not buy the autograph directly. Instead, they enter a lottery through the Topps NOW platform during a limited window following each Draft pick. To participate, collectors purchase a base version of a player’s card (typically around $11.99) within the 72-hour release window. Each purchase acts as an entry into the draw.
After the window closes, Topps prints the exact number of cards ordered. From there, a small number of buyers are randomly selected to receive the 1/1 “My 1st NFL Auto” card in place of the standard version. Others may receive limited numbered parallels, including cards numbered to /5, /10, or /25.
Cards are then shipped within 10–15 business days, at which point the first wave of these Draft-night collectibles begins to surface publicly. For now, the focus is not on market value—but on access, timing, and participation in the moment.
Francis Mauigoa's first ever New York Giants RC Card is available now! You will have a chance to get his first NYG 1/1 auto with your purchase. Obviously, I'm getting at least one for my personal collection. https://t.co/PjH8ZylZjf #fanaticspartner #Giants #bigblue #theu
— Big Blue United (@BigBlueUnited) April 24, 2026
Estimated Value: What Could These Cards Be Worth?
While the 2026 Topps NOW “My 1st NFL Auto” cards have not yet reached collectors, early expectations can be shaped by similar releases from the 2024 NFL Draft. Top rookie autograph cards tied to a player’s first professional moment have already shown strong demand. For example, Caleb Williams’ 1/1 “First Pro Card” autograph sold for over $37,000, while Drake Maye’s version reached approximately $14,000 shortly after release.
Based on those benchmarks, top 2026 picks like Fernando Mendoza could see similar or higher valuations, especially given the added hype around Topps’ return to the licensed NFL market. It is important to note that these are one-of-one collectibles. Their final value will depend heavily on player performance, market demand, and timing once the cards are delivered. For now, these cards represent a high-risk, high-reward opportunity tied directly to a historic moment in the hobby.
How Fans Could Win Cards Through StatementGames
Right now, the only way to land one of these cards is through luck. Fans purchase a base card and hope they are selected. But as the hobby evolves, there is an opportunity to bring skill into the process. On play.statementgames.com, fans can compete by making predictions on our alternative fantasy sports platform. Instead of relying purely on chance, users can earn rewards based on performance and knowledge of the game.
As collectibles continue to merge with fan engagement, platforms like StatementGames offer a glimpse into how trading cards could be distributed in the future. The next evolution may not just be about buying cards—but earning them.
Topps NOW NFL Draft Cards – How Fans Can Get “My 1st NFL Auto”! Explore more sports collectibles and fan engagement insights on my StatementGames author page.. You can read more of my sports betting content on my SG Team Author Page. Feel free to connect with me on X (@MarcSaulino) and follow @StatementGames to stay informed about everything relevant sports cards.
