The Topps Company Announces Long-Term Agreement with NFLPA

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Daniel Johnson, Missouri Sports Magazine) – The Topps Company, a leading creator and marketer of sports cards, today announced a long-term trading card licensing agreement with NFL PLAYERS, the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association. The deal will allow Topps to continue the tradition of showcasing NFL players in unique ways making Topps’ products the industry’s most sought-after football cards.
“We are excited to continue our deep, long standing partnership with the NFLPA,” said Ryan O’Hara, CEO of The Topps Company.  “For more than 50 years, these two iconic brands have continued to be at the forefront of innovation with the goal of providing the best products to our growing consumer base.”
“The NFLPA is pleased to extend our partnership with The Topps Company, a cornerstone partner for nearly 20 years,” said Keith Gordon, President of NFL PLAYERS INC. “We look forward to a continued tradition of product innovation, industry enrichment and a healthy assortment of player product.”
Topps is set to unveil its first product of the season, Bowman Football, just prior to the start of the 2012 NFL season. This will be the first time fans will have the opportunity to see the likes of Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Trent Richardson and Justin Blackmon to go along with all of today’s NFL superstars.
“As the market leader, Topps will continue to drive innovation in the category and look to deliver even more this year with new products such as Bowman Football and Topps Strata,” said Doug Kruep, VP General Manager – Sports and Entertainment.  “Additionally, we are focused on enhancing and extending the collector experience beyond physical cards and will be unveiling a new online marketing campaign later this year.”
About The Topps Company, Inc. Founded in 1938, Topps is the leading creator and marketer of sports and related cards, entertainment products, and distinctive confectionery. Topps entertainment products include the National Football League, MLB, UFC, WWE and other trading cards, sticker album collections, and collectible games. The Company’s confectionery brands include “Bazooka” bubble gum, “Ring Pop,” “Push Pop,” “Baby Bottle Pop” and “Juicy Drop Pop” lollipops. For additional information, visit www.topps.com.
About NFL PLAYERS: NFL PLAYERS INC. is the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association. Representing more than 1,800 NFL players, NFL PLAYERS INC. “takes the helmets off” the players and markets them as personalities as well as professional athletes. Through an exclusive sponsorship agreement with the NFL, players are integrated into NFL sponsor activations. NFL PLAYERS INC. activities include retail licensing, corporate partnerships, player marketing, special events, broadcast and publishing. For more information, please visit NFLPLAYERS.COM.
© 2012 NFL Properties LLC. Team names/logos are trademarks of the teams indicated. All other trademarks are trademarks of the National Football league.
SOURCE The Topps Company


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