Valor has had a past that isnt without its bumps. In 2012, the product was a late release with a lot of experimental elements, from the box to the format. Due to a number of things, including a high box price, the product was a relative failure. It was revamped for 2014, where it was released around the middle of the season, with a much better performance overall.

Here are some of the 2015 cards up so far:

2015 Topps Valor Jameis Winston Auto Patch /50

2015 Topps Valor Terry Bradshaw / Jerome Bettis / Antonio Brown Triple Auto

2015 Topps Valor Amari Cooper Patch Auto Green /25

2015 Topps Valor Odell Beckham Patch Auto Green /25

For 2015, the set is back in relatively the same format as last year, with four hits per box and a price tag under 90 bucks. The design is similar to what we saw for 2014, with sticker patch autos and a sticker auto base per box. I think the cards actually look really nice in person, as the player is glossy against a matte background, making everything stand out. The battle of the gridiron theme, akin to the 300 movie from a few years back, still rings as relatively out there, but the set works.

The only problem is that this set still doesnt have the following or loyalty of the collector base, and will likely never have that chance because of the exclusive. Im starting to wonder how many of these mid year products the population of collectors will latch onto, as the four hits for 100 bucks is just getting really boring, no matter how cool the cards look. The original Valor had on card autos and a unique format, whereas the last two years have just been another product with sticker autos and a cool design. Not much to write home about, especially if you are a casual collector who doesnt really buy many boxes unless its Chrome or Contenders.

Two cool elements to the set look to have been done at the 2015 Rookie Premiere, with eye black inscription cards and battle anthem cards. Although they are rare hits, they do offer some on card type of autographs that stand out among the stickers. I really like the design of the eye black ones, especially if the inscriptions are interesting.

With Finest out next week, I would enthusiastically say to wait before opening this, as those cards will be much more buzz worthy and hold value over the course of the season. Although the design and concept is cool and the cards are nice, its just not going to hold up over the season.