Topps Returns to NFL with Drake Maye as Chrome Football Cover Athlete

Patriots QB Maye to grace 2025 Topps Chrome Football trading card set

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:21pm

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Topps has officially returned to the NFL trading card market, with New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye featured as the cover athlete for the 2025 Topps Chrome Football trading card set. Maye, the 2025 AP NFL MVP runner-up, will be joined by Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward as the faces of the upcoming pack release, which is slated for April 15 and marks Topps' first licensed NFL cards since 2016.

Why it matters

Topps' return to the NFL trading card space is a significant development, as the company was previously the league's exclusive trading card licensee until 2016. The 2025 Chrome Football set will feature rookie and veteran players, as well as autographs and NFL Honors recognition, providing collectors with a highly anticipated new product.

The details

The 2025 Topps Chrome Football trading card set will include rookie and popular veteran players, with collectors able to obtain autographs from players such as Buffalo Bills former MVP Josh Allen, 2025 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan, and New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. The set will also feature NFL Honors Gold Shield, recognizing the league's award winners from the previous year.

  • Topps' return to the NFL trading card market was finalized on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • The 2025 Topps Chrome Football trading card set is slated for release on April 15, 2026.

The players

Drake Maye

The New England Patriots quarterback, who was the 2025 AP NFL MVP runner-up and led the Patriots to the Super Bowl in 2026.

Cam Ward

The Tennessee Titans quarterback, who will also be featured as a face of the 2025 Topps Chrome Football trading card set.

Matthew Stafford

The Los Angeles Rams quarterback, who was the 2025 AP NFL MVP.

Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills quarterback, who is a former NFL MVP and will have autographs featured in the 2025 Topps Chrome Football set.

Tetairoa McMillan

The 2025 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, who will have autographs featured in the 2025 Topps Chrome Football set.

Jaxson Dart

The New York Giants quarterback, who will have autographs featured in the 2025 Topps Chrome Football set.

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What they’re saying

“Topps made their return to the NFL trading card sphere official on Friday with New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye featured as their newest cover athlete.”

— Jim Wyatt, Tennessee Titans beat reporter

What’s next

The 2025 Topps Chrome Football trading card set is slated for release on April 15, 2026, providing collectors with a highly anticipated new product featuring top NFL players and rookies.

The takeaway

Topps' return to the NFL trading card market is a significant development, as the company was previously the league's exclusive trading card licensee. The 2025 Chrome Football set will offer collectors a diverse array of player autographs and NFL Honors recognition, marking an exciting new chapter for the iconic brand's partnership with the league.