If you're looking to tear into some packs this year, the 2023 select hobby football checklist is pretty much the centerpiece of the collecting season. There's just something about the shiny, metallic finish and those tiered base sets that keeps people coming back. Whether you're a seasoned veteran who's been around since the early days of Panini or someone just trying to snag a decent C.J. Stroud rookie, Select is always one of those releases that creates a ton of buzz. It's got that specific mix of high-end feel and "gambler's itch" that makes it stand out from the standard Prizm or Optic sets.
The 2023 season was particularly wild for the NFL, and that energy definitely carries over into this set. We saw some massive breakout stars and a rookie quarterback class that actually lived up to the hype for once. Because of that, the checklist feels a bit more "loaded" than some previous years where you were basically hunting for one or two guys.
Decoding the Tiers and Levels
One of the first things you've got to wrap your head around with Select is the tier system. It's not like other sets where you just have a base card and that's it. No, Select likes to make things a bit more complicated—and way more interesting. The 2023 select hobby football checklist is split into four distinct levels: Concourse, Premier Level, Courtside, and the elusive Field Level.
The Concourse cards are your "standard" base. You'll find plenty of these in every box. They look great, don't get me wrong, but they're the easiest to find. Then you move up to Premier Level, which has a slightly different design and is a bit rarer. Courtside takes it a step further with a distinct look that usually features more action-heavy photography.
But the real hunt is for the Field Level cards. These are the short prints of the base set. If you pull a Field Level rookie of a top-tier quarterback, you're looking at something significantly more valuable than the Concourse version. It's a fun mechanic because even a "base" card can be a massive win if it's the right tier.
The Parallel Chase Is Real
Let's be honest: we're all here for the parallels. Panini went all out on the colors and patterns this year. When you're looking through the 2023 select hobby football checklist, the "Prizm" parallels are where the real eye candy is. You've got your standard Silvers, which are always a staple, but then it gets crazy.
You've got the Tri-Colors, the Tie-Dyes (which look incredible this year), and the Gold Prizms numbered to 10. And of course, we can't forget the 1-of-1 Black Prizms. If you're lucky enough to hit a Black Prizm Field Level rookie, you've basically won the hobby lottery.
One thing I've noticed about the 2023 parallels is how the light hits the die-cut versions. Select is famous for those "cut-out" shapes that aren't your standard rectangle. While they can be a bit of a nightmare to grade because the corners are so sensitive, they look amazing in a display case. The "Zebra" and "Tiger" parallels are back too, and they remain some of the most sought-after non-numbered cards in the entire hobby.
Tracking the 2023 Rookie Class
The main reason anyone is digging into the 2023 select hobby football checklist is the rookie talent. It's no secret that C.J. Stroud is the headliner. After the season he had, his cards have skyrocketed, and his Select rookies are no exception. But he's not the only one people are chasing.
Anthony Richardson has that massive "boom or bust" potential that collectors love to speculate on. Even if he's off the field, his physical tools keep his card prices high because everyone is dreaming of what he could become. Then you've got Bryce Young, who had a rough start, but collectors are still hedging their bets on a Year 2 turnaround.
Don't sleep on the non-QBs either. Puka Nacua came out of nowhere to break records, and his cards in the Select set are highly coveted. Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs also have a huge following. The nice thing about Select is that because there are so many tiers and parallels, there's a version of these rookies for every budget—from the basic Concourse Silver to the high-end Tie-Dye Field Level.
Case Hits and Inserts to Watch For
If you're ripping a full hobby case, you're looking for those rare "case hits." The 2023 select hobby football checklist features some of the most iconic inserts in the business. The "Stained Glass" cards are back, and they look as church-window-chic as ever. These are super short-printed and usually feature the biggest names in the league.
Another one to watch for is the "Color Wheel." These are vibrant, loud, and incredibly hard to pull. They've become a bit of a modern classic among high-end collectors. There's also the "Snapshots" and "Phenomenon" inserts which, while not as rare as a Stained Glass, still hold decent value if you snag a top-tier player.
I personally love the "XRC" cards. These are redemption cards for the following year's rookies, and they've been a Select tradition for a while. They allow you to get a head start on the 2024 class before their official cards even hit the shelves. It's like a little mystery gift tucked inside your 2023 box.
Autographs and Memorabilia Content
Hobby boxes are usually where the "hits" live. Typically, a hobby box of Select gives you two autographs and one memorabilia card on average. The 2023 select hobby football checklist for autos is pretty deep. You've got the Rookie Signatures, which are your standard on-card or sticker autos for the new guys.
The most popular ones, though, are the "Rookie Patch Autographs" (RPAs). These feature a slice of a jersey alongside an autograph. In Select, these are often die-cut, which gives them a really unique look compared to the standard National Treasures or Immaculate RPAs.
Then you've got the "Jumbo Rookie Signature Swatches." These have much larger jersey pieces, and if you hit a "Prime" version, you might get a piece of a logo, a patch, or a laundry tag. For the retired legends, the "Signatures" and "Select Signatures" sets include some all-time greats, which is a nice safety net if your rookie pulls don't pan out.
Is It Worth the Rip?
Deciding whether to buy a box or just go after singles is the age-old hobby dilemma. The 2023 select hobby football checklist is definitely top-heavy, meaning the big hits are massive, but you can also end up with a box full of "decent" cards that don't quite cover the cost of the rip.
That said, Select is one of the most fun products to open. The variety of colors, the different tiers, and the chance at a Zebra or a Stained Glass makes every pack feel like it has potential. If you're a fan of the 2023 rookie class, this is arguably one of the best ways to collect them.
If you aren't into the high price tag of a full hobby box, "breaks" are always an option, though they come with their own risks. Or, you can just wait a bit and pick up your favorite players as singles once the initial hype dies down and the market stabilizes.
Regardless of how you choose to collect, there's no denying that this year's Select set is a banger. The designs are sharp, the checklist is deep, and the rookie class is one for the history books. Whether you're hunting for a 1-of-1 or just trying to finish a team set, there's plenty to get excited about when you start digging into those packs. Just remember to keep those penny sleeves and top-loaders ready—you're going to need them.