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2025NFLRookies

NFL Announces Major Jersey Change For Every Rookie Beginning This Season

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

NFL logo (Photo via Imagn Images)

With the new NFL season starting in less than a couple of weeks, incoming rookies will have a chance to don a special patch commemorating their debut on the field.

Preseason is kicking off, and with each team deciding which 53 strong they’d take into the season, everybody is busier than ever. Some big names will be cut, and others might be shelved. Other talented yet underwhelming players might be traded as well.

No matter the circumstances, the rookies will have their moments, at least on opening week.

NFL Rookies Will Wear Debut Patches

Rookies will wear debut patches in their on field debuts in the NFL.
NFL logo (Photo via Imagn Images)

Game-worn rookie patches are present in the MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS. Now, the NFL joins in on the trend. 

“Beginning this season, all NFL rookies will wear a Debut Patch on their jersey,” according to a post from Topps.

“After players make their on-field debut, the patch will be removed from their jersey and placed into a 1-of-1 autographed trading card. These cards will be inserted into sealed packs releasing in 2027,” the report added.

This will definitely increase the number of NFL player card memorabilia in the near future. Fans will try to get their hands on the cards of incoming rookies like Fernando Mendoza, David Bailey, Jeremiyah Love, Carnell Tate, Arvell Reese, and more. 

If a rookie had a stellar on-field debut, that would drive up the price of these patches.

Topps Under Fire For Blunder On Mendoza Rookie Card

Fernando Mendoza in practice
Fernando Mendoza (Photo via Imagn Images)

While the debut patches might be a good idea for Topps, the company is already facing some sort of backlash before the release of Fernando Mendoza’s rookie card.

It’s important to note that the alleged seller may have used AI to generate the image of the Raiders’ rookie. That might be the most likely reason because the picture doesn’t resemble Mendoza.

Let’s just hope that the final version of these trading cards, plus the patch, will be one of a kind. 

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