Hallmark stores in Wisconsin "already are stocking their shelves and supply rooms with one of the card-and-gift company's first Christmas ornaments" of '14, which features the likeness of Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, according to Paul Gores of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. Hallmark is "featuring the Rodgers ornament nationally this year as the 20th 'numbered' figure in the company's Football Legends series, which the company has been producing" since it minted a figure of Joe Montana in '95. Hallmark Associate Merchandise Manager of Keepsake Ornaments Beth Dorr said the Rodgers figurine is "doing really well so far." Gores noted while Hallmark "makes other NFL player ornaments each year, the featured numbered ornament of a standout player is important to collectors of the Football Legends series." Dorr said that there is "no set criteria for the player picked for the Football Legends series," adding that in Rodgers' case it "was his popularity and the fact he has won a Super Bowl and has been an NFL most valuable player." Gores noted it "doesn't hurt that the Packers have a strong following." Former Packers QB Brett Favre "was the Football Legends numbered ornament" in '01. The player "has to approve the ornament throughout the process." The athlete and NFL are "compensated by Hallmark, but the company doesn't disclose how much it pays." Hallmark also "doesn't say how many of each ornament it produces, nor which NFL player ornament has been the all-time bestseller" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 8/17).
