Review of Topps 2008 (Target Exclusive) Football Retail Box

The Topps 2008 Target Exclusive Retail Box costs $9.99 plus tax. There are 5 packs in each box and 10 cards per pack. Plus, Target has an extra 3 card pack put into the boxes. Hopefully this review will help you decide if this is a box that you would like to invest in. Since 2009 has started, these boxes will probably be on sale.

The bonus pack with 3 cards had all Tom Brady cards. Each card had a different picture of Brady. They are called "Tribute" cards. The three I received were in numerical order: TB11-TB13.

The first regular pack contained 6 base, 3 rookie base, and 1 insert. The insert was a Tom Brady (this seems to be a theme). The three rookies were Justin Forsett, Tashard Choice, and Jonathan Stewart. And there was also a checklist card along with two advertisement cards.

The second pack contained 7 base, 3 rookie base, and 1 insert. The insert was "Green Bay Packers Fane of the Game" Ryan M. Lenser and he is a Marine. The rookie cards were: Eric Ainge, and Chad Henne. Not bad rookie cards to have. This pack included 2 advertisements.

The third pack breaks down almost like the first two. There were 6 base cards, 3 rookie base cards, and 1 insert. The insert was NFL Dynasties L.C. Greenwood (Steelers). The three rookies were: Jeff Otah, Dre Moore, and Phillip Merling. This pack included two advertisements.

The fourth pack was a little bit of a let down. There were 8 base cards and 2 rookie base cards. No insert in this pack. The rookies were Keith Rivers and Geno Hayes. This pack included two advertisements.

The fifth pack followed the same average. There were 7 base cards, 2 rookie base cards, and 1 insert. The insert highlighted Chuck Bednarik for his military service, he played with the Eagles. The rookie cards were Antoine Cason and Kentwan Balmer. there was also a checklist in this one.

Unfortunately, there were no big hits (game-used cards or autographs). I got some nice base, rookies, and inserts. Most retail boxes do not promise a hit so it is not a surprise that I did not get one but sometimes you get lucky.

Buying a retail box is not a bad way to start a set collection. It is fairly inexpensive especially compared to buying a hobby box. I hope this review helps you to decide if you want to buy it. Whatever brand you choose, enjoy your cards and stay in the hobby!