Collector Club
For the first time in more than five years, the one and only Patrick Mahomes is signing new autographed NFL cards, and they’re coming exclusively to Panini’s 2025 releases.
Panini America broke the news today, confirming that the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback will appear in upcoming NFL products with freshly signed autographs for the 2025 collecting season. It marks Mahomes’ first return to licensed autographed cards since 2020, and collectors across the hobby are already buzzing.
“Panini has been with me since my NFL Draft party in 2017,” Mahomes said. “I’m excited to be working with them on these new autographed trading cards.”
A major comeback in the card world
Mahomes’ absence from new autographed Panini cards since 2020 has been a noticeable gap in the NFL hobby scene. While plenty of his rookie and early career cards remain grails for collectors, fresh ink from the Chiefs star has been long overdue.
The new deal brings Mahomes back just in time for Panini’s final season producing fully licensed NFL cards — with Topps taking over the licence in 2026. According to Panini, the cards will be featured across multiple 2025 NFL products, and Mahomes will also be involved in broader marketing and strategy initiatives with the brand.
“Patrick is one of the NFL’s marquee players,” said Panini senior vice president Jason Howarth. “We are proud to continue our partnership and bring fans these new autographed cards.”
The Mahomes effect on the hobby
Mahomes remains one of the most in-demand names in trading cards across all sports. His 2017 Panini National Treasures Platinum Shield autographed 1-of-1 sold for $4.3 million in 2021 — the most expensive football card ever recorded. To date, eight Mahomes-signed cards have sold for over $500,000, a figure that reflects just how influential his presence is in the market.
With autographed cards widely considered the most prized elements of any set, Mahomes’ return is expected to lift both collector demand and product value across the 2025 Panini NFL line.
Timing is everything
Panini’s 2025 NFL range will be its final season with official league logos and team names, making these Mahomes autographs a part of hobby history. The timing of this comeback couldn’t be more fitting, a final dance with one of the game’s most iconic modern players.
A true 1-of-1. Icons don’t copy or imitate, they build and innovate.
— Panini America, 22 April 2025
Final thoughts: A fitting farewell
Bringing Mahomes back into the autograph spotlight feels like a statement move from Panini in a make-or-break year. Whether you’re chasing hits or holding long-term, the 2025 NFL sets will now carry even more weight, and a little more magic.
Expect hobby boxes to fly once release season begins. This time, the MVP is signing.