Two of the biggest stories this offseason has been the signing of Peyton Manning to the Broncos, and the subsequent trade of Tim Tebow to the New York Jets. In commemoration of these two moves, both Topps and Panini engaged in a media blitz by showcasing their cards of each player. Topps’ cards were posted in the New York Post and other places, and Panini’s were featured on NFL.com and ESPN, both for being the first of both Manning and Tebow in their new digs.

When 2012 Bowman Signature was released, the new Manning and Tebow cards were SP base cards, but are available as advertised. Many of the collectors who chase the Broncos and the Jets have tried to get these cards for their collection, leading to some very high prices for a card that isnt autographed.

2012 Bowman Signature Peyton Manning Broncos Base SSP

2012 Bowman Signature Tim Tebow Jets Base SSP

Now that 2012 Prestige is live, we have not yet seen the cards that Panini plastered all over the internet and twitter. Tebow’s card does show a Jets logo, and Manning’s card does show a Broncos logo, but they are still pictured in their previous jerseys. Panini also inexplicably used an entire insert set to further cash in on Tebow’s popularity, but we have no Jets uniform on any of them.

Where are these cards that Panini previewed? I have a feeling they may be included in another set, maybe a giveaway at the National Card Show in august, but as far as I can tell, the Prestige cards from the preview are no where to be found as of now. Lots of the members of various message boards have cited false advertising, but I am not going to take it that far. I just think it is in poor taste to blast these cards to anyone who would listen, and then not put them in. It is possible to include them in a set this early, so that isnt the problem, as we saw Bowman from Topps come out prior to Prestige with similar examples and a flawless delivery.

Its really an interesting situation.