LaDainian Tomlinson
Running Back · San Diego Chargers
2023 Panini Score Football #FB-12
Year & Era
2023 — Modern Era
Card Type
Insert — First Ballot
Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint to Mint (PSA 9 estimated)
Rarity
Common insert from a retail/hobby modern product; high print run with substantial pop numbers.
Overall Assessment
A clean, attractive insert card celebrating a legendary Hall of Fame running back, ideal for set builders and Tomlinson fans rather than high-end investors.
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint to Mint (PSA 9 estimated)
Centering Assessment
Front appears fairly well-centered with slight top-heavy tendency, back is well within acceptable tolerance for modern Panini issues.
Surface Condition
Clean gloss surface with no visible scratches, print defects, or fingerprint smudges under normal lighting.
Corner Condition
All four corners appear sharp and square with no visible dings, fraying, or softening.
Edge Condition
Cleanly cut edges with no chipping or rough factory edging apparent.
Print Quality
Standard modern Panini print quality with sharp typography, good color saturation, and a crisp Pro Football Hall of Fame logo stamp.
Estimated Value
1.00 USD to 3.00 USD raw; graded copies generally do not command a premium unless hitting a PSA 10 gem mint multiplier.
Comparison to Known Examples
Representative of standard retail pulls from 2023 Score, showing typical modern factory centering and sharp corners out of the pack.
Authentication Tips
Verify standard card stock thickness, crisp micro-text on the back, and official Panini copyright notices. Counterfeiting modern inserts of retired running backs is virtually non-existent.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless part of a bulk submission, as the grading fees would exceed the market value of the card.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; standard modern card with authentic factory characteristics.
Provenance Notes
Pulled directly from a 2023 Panini Score Football retail or hobby pack and placed immediately into protective storage.
Historical Context
LaDainian Tomlinson is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, holding numerous records including single-season touchdowns, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
Market Trends
Stable market for modern inserts of Hall of Fame legends; prices remain low and accessible for player collectors.
Investment Potential
Low financial investment potential due to high modern print runs, but serves as a solid, affordable pickup for player PC (Personal Collection) builders.
Similar Cards
2023 Panini Score official rookie cards, other modern inserts featuring LaDainian Tomlinson, and parallel versions from the same set.
Display & Preservation
Store in a penny sleeve inside a top-loader or semi-rigid card holder, kept away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Interesting Facts
The 'First Ballot' insert set specifically highlights legendary players who entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.