Anyone who was watching football last weekend couldn’t dispute the impact this year’s rookie class made on the gridiron. Chris “Beanie” Wells, Jeremy Maclin, Shonn Greene and Mark Sanchez all turned in memorable performances in their respective playoff games. The 2009 NFL season has been an exciting one with standout performances virtually every week from up-and-coming rookies. From Sanchez securing a victory in his first game to Maclin’s breakout game in Week 5, it’s clear this rookie class is for real!

Throughout the season Upper Deck has been selecting a rookie of the week on the company’s NFL website. Now Upper Deck is bringing the first 10 rookies selected to collectors through a wrapper-redemption program beginning in early February. The cards will be available at “Diamond Dealer” hobby shops throughout the United States. Collectors can visit these locations to receive one of the limited rookie cards for free with the purchase of $10 or more of 2009 Upper Deck NFL packs.

Cards will ship out in two weeks to Upper Deck’s network of “Diamond Dealers” throughout the U.S. The content for Upper Deck’s “Own the Rookies” set is unique as the set spotlights the top rookie performance from the first 10 weeks of the NFL season. From Matthew Stafford recording his first win with the Lions to Minnesota’s Percy Harvin redirecting the spotlight away from the Brett Favre-Aaron Rodgers saga, this unique set is a great way to chronicle what makes these players the next generation of superstars.

“As rookies drive the NFL trading card business, we felt this would be a program football fans could appreciate,” explained Chris Carlin, sports marketing manager for Upper Deck. “This is a great way to help drive passionate football fans to hobby shops when there is a full slate of Upper Deck NFL product on shelves that fans can choose from. Collectors are always after the best rookies and Upper Deck can deliver that like nobody else can.”

The 2009 Upper Deck NFL “Own the Rookies” cards are limited and only available while supplies last. For more information on Upper Deck’s NFL “Own the Rookies” program, please visit http://sports.upperdeck.com/football. For a list of Certified Diamond Dealers in your area, please visit http://sports.upperdeck.com/collectorszone/storelocator.aspx.




About Upper Deck
Upper Deck is the leading sports and entertainment trading card and collectibles company. For more information on Upper Deck and its products please visit www.upperdeck.com.