Topps Launches John Elway Card Campaign with Humor

Topps has launched a new promotional campaign for its 2024 Bowman Draft trading card set, featuring Pro Football Hall of Famer John Elway and comedian Larry David. The campaign includes a commercial where Larry David reprises his 'Seinfeld' role as George Steinbrenner, humorously reenacting the New York Yankees' 1981 decision to draft Elway over baseball legend Tony Gwynn. Elway, who briefly played in the Yankees' minor league system, is celebrated in this card set, which includes autographed cards with humorous inscriptions like 'drafted ahead of Gwynn.' The campaign plays on the 'what-if' scenario of Elway pursuing a baseball career instead of football. This follows last year's successful Topps campaign featuring Tom Brady's 'What if?' Montreal Expos card. The ad also features sports commentator Stephen A. Smith and highlights Elway's brief yet impactful baseball stint before he chose a storied NFL career.