Topps And NFL Players Association Launch Topps HUDDLE, A Casual Social Game For Football Fans

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Topps Company, Inc. and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) announced the release of Topps HUDDLE, the first Topps football app officially licensed by the NFLPA.

In April, Topps launched Topps BUNT and Topps PENNANT, two iOS applications for baseball fans that have since attracted more than 100,000 users. Building upon this success, Topps and the NFLPA are partnering to create a fun, casual social gaming experience for everyday NFL fans.

Topps HUDDLE blends the ease-of-use of a casual social game with the real-time, real-world action of fantasy football. In Topps HUDDLE, users declare their football allegiances, collect and trade real NFL players, and earn points based on their on-the-field performance. The app highlights the stars of the National Football League – the players – and allows fans to stay more connected with the sport through rewards and achievements.

Features include:

• Real-Time Roster Optimization: Did your QB just get injured? Move NFL players in and out of your starting lineup in real-time—during games—to maximize your points.
• Expanded News Feed: What's your QB saying on Twitter? Get the latest NFL news with more editorial coverage, Twitter feeds, and "shout outs" from fellow fans.  
• Multi-Zone Leaderboard: Have fantasy league fatigue? Compete against your Facebook friends and all other app users to crown football's greatest fan.

"For more than 60 years, Topps has been committed to connecting fans with their favorite athletes. With the release of Topps HUDDLE, we are building on this legacy and extending this iconic brand even deeper into the casual, social, and mobile space," said Michael Bramlage, Vice President at The Topps Company, Inc. "It is very exciting to be partnering with the NFLPA to connect new, digital-first fans with their favorite football players."

"Topps is a key partner, and we're excited to work with them in bringing NFL players closer to fans on the iPhone and iPod touch," said Kathie Vu, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development for NFL PLAYERS INC., the marketing and licensing subsidiary of the NFLPA. "Showcasing the great players of the NFL in a beautifully-designed, compelling new app is good for fans, players, and the sport. And the partnership is an important proof point in our on-going efforts to give app and game developers broader access to the intellectual property rights of NFL players."

"We're confident fans will enjoy this creative mobile and social experience," said Nicole Pozzi, Senior Manager of Multimedia Licensing for NFL PLAYERS.  "Topps continues to find new and exciting ways of showcasing our players while providing innovative engagement opportunities for fans wherever and whenever they want."

Topps HUDDLE is now available for free in the App Store for iPhone and iPod touch, and can be found here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/topps-huddle-football-game/id563027226?ls=1&mt=8. For more information, please visit: http://www.toppshuddle.com.

ABOUT THE TOPPS COMPANY, INC.

Founded in 1938, The Topps Company is the preeminent creator and brand marketer of sports cards, entertainment products, and distinctive confectionery. Topps leading sports and entertainment products include Major League Baseball, National Football League, English Premiere League, Bundesliga, Indian Premiere League, WWE, UFC, Wacky Packages, Garbage Pail Kids and other trading cards, sticker album collections, and collectible games. The Company's top confectionery brands include "Ring Pop," "Push Pop," "Baby Bottle Pop", "Bazooka" bubble gum, "Sharkies" and "Juicy Drop Pop" products. Topps' newest division is Topps Digital, which is focused on bringing the iconic Topps brand to new users through digital media.

About the NFL Players Association

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is a non-profit, professional sports union that protects the best interests and welfare of all NFL players.  It serves as the exclusive bargaining agent for all NFL players in collective bargaining.  Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players' interests.  The NFLPA is governed by a Board of Player Representatives, acting in accordance with the NFLPA Constitution and federal labor laws. The NFLPA's responsibilities include: Representing all players in matters concerning wages, hours and working conditions and protecting their rights as professional football players; ensuring that the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement are met; negotiating and monitoring retirement and insurance benefits; providing other member services and activities; providing assistance to charitable and community organizations; enhancing and defending the image of players and their profession, on and off the field. For more information, visit www.NFLPlayers.com.

SOURCE The Topps Company, Inc.