This is lame’ – NFL fans absolutely ‘hate’ new initiative brought in ahead of 2026 season

Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

A noticeable change is being made to all NFL uniforms this season for the rookies as a result of Topps returning as the league’s official trading card licensee.

Over recent days, there have been a number of teams to unveil their all new ‘Rivalries’ uniforms, which will be worn in specific games this season.

However, Topps and the NFL are introducing a new patch for all rookies to wear on their debut in the league.

Rookies will be made to wear a ‘Debut’ patch on their jersey, which will then be used in a Topps one-of-one trading card.

Although the patch will only be worn in the rookies’ first game in the league, this new initiative has not gone down too well among fans.

Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images

NFL fans criticise Topps’ rookie patch initiative

Ultimately, this will be viewed by many as another money-making ploy from the likes of Topps, as they look to get a slice of the 2026 rookies.

After the news was shared on social media, the reaction from the supporters became very clear.

‘Yay! Another way they’re going to squeeze money out of the fans!’ replied one fan on X.

Another said: ‘This is just pointless to me’.

The trading card market continues to go from strength to strength, with Tom Brady enjoying a big slice of that now through his investment into the industry.

One disgruntled fan replied: ‘This is stupid. I know these trading cards are all the rage right now, but it’s still stupid.’

Another very simply said: ‘This is lame’.

Clearly, there is a strong belief among fans that there will only be one real winner from this development, and that is Topps.

‘Everything is a money scheme,’ replied another fan.

One fan even said: ‘Wow, I really hate this.’

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