The early 1990s were a transformational period for sports card design, and few sets reflect that shift better than 1991 Fleer Ultra Football. At the time, most football cards still looked fairly simple—thin cardstock, basic borders, and minimal flair. But Fleer decided to elevate its brand with the new Ultra product line, which had already launched in basketball and was quickly earning recognition for its more premium feel. When Ultra made its debut in football in 1991, collectors immediately noticed a major upgrade in quality, presentation, and overall visual impact.

More than three decades later, the 1991 Ultra Football set remains a nostalgic favorite and a great entry point for collectors who want early ’90s design without the overwhelming print runs and cluttered designs found in many products from that era. Though the set isn’t universally considered high-value, it is undeniably fun to collect, and it offers one of the most sought-after rookie cards of the decade: Brett Favre.

A New Look That Defined the Era

What makes the 1991 Fleer Ultra Football set memorable is its dramatic leap in production quality. Compared to the standard 1991 Fleer Football set—which had a very plain, flat look—Ultra delivered something that felt fresh and modern. The cards featured:

• Full-bleed photography that extended to the edges
  
• Glossy card stock, a significant upgrade at the time
  
• Gold-foil accents for names and the Ultra logo
  
• Sharper, brighter in-game photographs
  

These touches may seem normal today, but in 1991 they represented a shift toward the premium card market. Collectors who were used to simple bordered designs were suddenly holding cards that looked more like magazine photos than traditional cardboard.

Set Details and Structure

The complete base set includes 300 cards, which was a comfortable and manageable size for collectors at the time. The checklist is balanced, offering a consistent mix of star veterans, emerging talent, defensive standouts, and a crop of rookies.

Card Design

On the front, each card uses a clean full-photo design with subtle edge accents that never distract from the action in the image. The gold-foil player name and team logo add just enough flair without overwhelming the design. Card backs include a second photo, detailed stats, and short biographies—again a noticeable improvement over many competing sets in the same year.

The photography itself stands out, with clear mid-action shots, dramatic angles, and the vivid early ’90s color palette that instantly captures the spirit of the era.

Rookies Worth Knowing

While 1991 wasn’t the strongest rookie class in football history, the Ultra set includes several notable players whose careers left lasting impressions.

Brett Favre (Falcons)

The unquestioned centerpiece of the set, Favre’s Ultra rookie card is the main reason many collectors still pursue this release. Decked in a simple portrait pose, the card gained value as Favre became one of the most iconic quarterbacks in NFL history. Although he never played a regular-season game for Atlanta, his Falcons rookies—including the Ultra version—remain essential to any Favre collection.

Other Notable Rookies

• Herman Moore – A Detroit Lions legend and one of the best receivers of the ’90s.
  
• Ricky Watters – A versatile running back known for his production and longevity.
  
• Edgar Bennett – A key contributor to the Green Bay Packers offense later in the decade.
  

While none approach Favre’s stature in the hobby, these rookies remain interesting long-term pieces for dedicated fans.

Insert Sets: Early Premium Chases

In 1991, inserts were still relatively new in football, but Ultra included two small, attractive insert subsets that gave collectors something special to chase beyond base cards.

Ultra Performers

A 12-card set featuring big-name stars. These cards offered more gold foil, standout photography, and a premium feel that set them apart from most inserts of the time. Players like Barry Sanders, Jerry Rice, and Dan Marino make this set particularly appealing.

All-Stars

This subset highlights top players at key positions in a slightly simpler insert design. They’re easier to pull but still add diversity to the product.

While these inserts don’t hold the huge values of modern serial-numbered parallels or autographs, they are fun, affordable, and visually appealing—perfect for collectors who love early ’90s design.

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Value and Collectibility Today

One of the appeals of 1991 Fleer Ultra Football is that it remains extremely accessible. The majority of base cards carry only modest value, which makes them great for set builders, new collectors, or fans of ’90s NFL nostalgia.

What Holds Value?

• Brett Favre Rookie #283 – The top card of the set by a wide margin. High-grade PSA or BGS versions continue to command strong prices.
  
• Insert stars – Especially Ultra Performers featuring Hall of Famers.
  
• Sealed wax boxes – Still reasonably priced and fun to break, though condition issues can occur due to early ’90s printing quirks.
  

While this isn’t a “get rich” set, it is a rewarding one—especially for collectors who enjoy classic designs.

Why Collect 1991 Fleer Ultra Football?

Collectors gravitate toward this set for several reasons:

• Nostalgia: It perfectly captures early 1990s NFL style and design trends.
  
• Key rookie appeal: Favre’s rookie alone gives the set long-lasting relevance.
  
• Beautiful photography: The full-bleed images still hold up today.
  
• Affordable and accessible: Easy to build without breaking the bank.
  
• A true turning point: The Ultra brand helped transition the hobby into a new design era.
  

For veterans of the hobby, this set brings back warm memories of pack-ripping in the early ’90s. For newer collectors, it provides a fun, budget-friendly window into football card history.

FAQs About 1991 Fleer Ultra Football

1. What is the most valuable card in the 1991 Fleer Ultra Football set?

The Brett Favre rookie card (#283) is the unquestioned top card in the set, especially in high-grade condition.

2. How many cards are in the base set?

There are 300 base cards total.

3. Does the set include autographs or numbered parallels?

No. Autographs and serial-numbered cards weren’t yet standard in 1991 products.

4. Are sealed boxes still worth purchasing?

Yes. They’re fun to open and still fairly affordable, but be aware of potential print flaws or off-centering typical of the era.

5. Are the inserts rare?

Not compared to modern inserts. But Ultra Performers and All-Stars remain popular for their design and star power.