I continue to be in shock as to how much influence basketball success can have over products in football. The success of Panini Select and Prizm Football is so dependent on basketball’s precedent that it is insane. With Fleer Retro, I think the same can be said, as the first edition of the UD product was easily the most successful basketball release of the year in 2012. As a result, 2012 Fleer Retro football enjoyed a coat tails style ride into the hobby.

The product is back for another year, and for the most part looks to be headed in a MUCH better direction. The retro designs chosen for the autograph content look to be improved significantly. Designs from Fleer Ultra, Greats of the game and others trigger a huge nostalgic reaction from me. Its just one of those things that card companies should ALWAYS be capitalizing on.

I am especially happy that there are on card autos based on these cards:

2004 Fleer Greats of the Game Franco Harris Auto

2004 Fleer Greats of the Game Fran Tarkenton Auto

2004 Fleer Greats of the Game Earl Campbell Auto

Greats of the Game is especially awesome because of the history of the brand. It has always been a set that I love, and I have quite a few of the cards in my collection. Although I am most familiar with the set from Baseball, the football cards work too.

On the other hand, I have hated late 1990s inserts with a passion for a very long time. The gaudy foil and overstated design elements continue to be ugly to me, but I recognize their place in the lexicon. The precious metal gems have been a huge part of the success of that era, and it makes a lot of sense that people like them in a similar way to my feelings on 1991 Ultra and Greats of the game. I just wish they had autographs.

Will fleer retro be more successful in its second go around? No, it wont. There is no RGIII to support the set this year. However, with Andrew Luck a part of things, it might get some nice action on the rare inserts. I might buy a pack or two to check it out.

Here are the pics: