Card of the Day: Mike Ditka 1992 Pro Line Profiles #495

Card of the Day: Santa Claus 1995 Pro Line Classic #1

Card of the Day: Milton Berle 1992 Pro Line Portraits Team NFL #2

Card of the Day: Mike Ditka 1992 Pro Line Profiles #494

Card of the Day: Becky Lynch 2015 Topps WWE Undisputed NXT In Line Auto

Card of the Day: Ronnie Lott 1992 Pro Line Profiles NSCC #1

Card of the Day: Ken Stabler 1992 Pro Line Portraits #441

Card of the Day: Mrs. Claus 1992 Pro Line Portraits Spirit Wives #1992

Card of the Day: Don West 2008 TRISTAR TNA Cross The Line #23

Is Goal Line Art Officially Over?

Did anyone realize that Goal Line Art didn’t release a “Class of 2017” set last year?  With the Pro Football Hall of Fame getting ready to announce the 2018 class it got me wondering, is Goal Line Art officially over?  A statement on their website reads “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we were unable to continue this series for the “Class of 2017″.  If anything changes or additional information becomes available, it will be posted on this site.”

Between 1989 and 2016 Goal Line Art released an annual set featuring members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  From 1989 to 1994 sets focused on past Hall of Famers.  Starting in 1995 and up to 2016 they were based on that specific year’s induction class.  Although they only produced one set per year, you have to admit these 4″ x 6″ artistic masterpieces have always been eye appealing.  Artist Gary Thomas painted all of them.  If you’ve ever attended an induction ceremony they are ideal for getting autographed.

So what happened?  That’s a good question.  I contacted them and received the same message they posted on their website.  Nothing more.  A few ideas do come to mind though.

Gary Thomas has been doing artwork for the Hall of Fame since the early 60’s.  Perhaps his age and health became an issue.  I reached out to him and got no response.

In April 2016 Panini’s NFL exclusive went into play.  Maybe that had something to do with it.  Goal Line Art released their “Class of 2016” set in June of that year.  Even though Panini’s exclusive was already in play they may have been allowed to squeeze out one more set.

I’d like to think that this was a one year fluke, but I’ve got a feeling it has to do with licensing.  That’s a shame.  Goal Line Art had a good 27 year run, and a loyal following.  You can still purchase past sets.  But it doesn’t look like they’ll be issuing anything new for awhile.  Nobody is talking.