Buzz
Explore which cards in your collection could be valuable
Do you have a stack of football cards gathering dust and aren’t sure what to do with them? While basketball and baseball cards often dominate the spotlight, football cards still hold significant value if you know the right ones to spot. Keep reading as we guide you through the highest-valued football cards available and their worth. Additionally, we’ll share tips on identifying valuable cards in your collection so you can cash in on them.
Steps to Follow
Top Football Cards with High Value
2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Rookie Ticket Tom Brady Autograph #144 Tom Brady is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, boasting 7 Super Bowl titles and several MVP awards. Consequently, his autographed rookie card from his New England Patriots days is one of the most sought-after football cards in the market.
- Value: $9,375 USD (ungraded), $295,546 (Grade 10)
1965 Topps #122 Joe Namath Rookie Card Known to fans as “Broadway Joe,” Namath led the New York Jets to an unexpected victory in Super Bowl III. His iconic rookie card featuring a yellow background has become a prized collectible, fetching top prices among enthusiasts.
- Value: $922 USD (ungraded), $264,000 USD (Grade 10)
Patrick Mahomes 2017 Panini National Treasures Black #161 Rookie Patch Autographs Patrick Mahomes is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL today, already leading the Kansas City Chiefs to 4 Super Bowls. His rookie card from 2017 features a patch from his jersey and an autograph, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors.
- Value: $250 USD (ungraded), $235,000 (Grade 10)
1935 National Chicle #34 Bronko Nagurski Bronko Nagurski, a legendary defensive player for the Chicago Bears, is remembered as one of the pioneers of football. This vintage card, hard to come by in good condition, holds significant value due to its rarity.
- Value: $170,000 USD (ungraded)
2005 SP Authentic 1/1 #252 Aaron Rodgers NFL Shield Patch Aaron Rodgers, an elite quarterback for the Green Bay Packers and more recently the New York Jets, holds multiple career and season records for touchdowns and passing yards. His rookie card featuring a patch from his original jersey commands a high price on the market.
- Value: $3,049 USD (ungraded), $107,010 USD (Grade 9)
1894 Mayo Anonymous (John Dunlop, Harvard) This card is considered one of the earliest examples of football cards, with only a few surviving copies. Although the card doesn’t display a name, research has revealed that the player featured is John Dunlop, a former Harvard athlete.
- Value: $7,380 USD (ungraded), $100,000 USD (Grade 9)
1933 Sport Kings Jim Thorpe #6 In 1950, Jim Thorpe was honored as the Best Male Athlete of the first half of the 20th century for his outstanding contributions to early sports as both a player and coach. He also served as the president of the American Professional Football Association in 1920, which later became the NFL.
- Value: $150 USD (ungraded), $100,000 USD (Grade 9)
1958 Topps Jim Brown #62 Rookie Card Jim Brown, a legendary fullback for the Cleveland Browns, was named Rookie of the Year in 1957. Over his career, he would go on to earn 3 MVP awards and be inducted into the Hall of Fame, revered for his dominance in rushing.
- Value: $515 USD (ungraded), $95,641 USD (Grade 10)
1933 Sport Kings #4 Red Grange Rookie Card Red Grange, famously known as “The Galloping Ghost,” was an exceptional runner for the Chicago Bears. Due to the card’s age and rarity, its value has only appreciated over time.
- Value: $2,230 USD (ungraded), $81,000 USD (Grade 9)
1957 Topps #119 Bart Starr Rookie Card Bart Starr made his mark as the star quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, earning MVP honors for Super Bowls I and II. After retiring from play, he continued his legacy as assistant coach and head coach, adding further value to his rookie card.
- Value: $409 USD (ungraded), $80,126 USD (Grade 10)
2000 SP Authentic Tom Brady Rookie Card #118 This Tom Brady rookie card, with a limited print run, is highly sought after and rare to find. Despite lacking his autograph, its value remains high due to Brady’s legendary career in the NFL.
- Value: $8,374 USD (ungraded), $65,207 USD (Grade 10)
1998 Playoff Contenders Ticket Peyton Manning Auto #87 Widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in football history, Peyton Manning had a stellar career with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. His signed rookie ticket from the 1998 playoffs remains highly valuable due to his Super Bowl victories and multiple MVP awards.
- Value: $7,100 USD (ungraded), $53,000 USD (Grade 10)
1957 Topps Johnny Unitas #138 Johnny Unitas set numerous quarterback records during his career, including passing yards, completions, and touchdowns. A 3-time MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler, his rookie card continues to be a prized possession for collectors.
- Value: $248 USD (ungraded), $48,638 USD (Grade 10)
1951 Bowman Tom Landry #20 Tom Landry played just 80 professional games but made a significant impact with his defense and 32 interceptions. After retiring, he led the Dallas Cowboys to multiple division titles and Super Bowl wins. As his only rookie card, it’s highly sought after by collectors.
- Value: $182 USD (ungraded), $43,922 USD (Grade 10)
1976 Topps #148 Walter Payton Rookie Card Known as “Sweetness,” Walter Payton was one of the most iconic running backs for the Chicago Bears during the 70s and 80s. Upon retiring, he was the league’s leader in rushing and reception yards. This being his sole rookie card, it commands a premium among collectors.
- Value: $179 USD (ungraded), $43,826 USD (Grade 10)
1966 Philadelphia Gale Sayers #38 Gale Sayers made a major impact as a rookie, setting records for most touchdowns and points scored. Despite a severe knee injury, he made a successful return to football. As his only rookie card, it’s valued highly by collectors.
- Value: $143 USD (ungraded), $39,376 USD (Grade 10)
1981 Topps Joe Montana Rookie Card #216 Joe Montana is often regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, celebrated for his 4 Super Bowl victories and multiple MVP awards. Due to his legendary status, his 1981 rookie card is highly sought after, especially in mint condition.
- Value: $80 USD (ungraded), $38,781 USD (Grade 10)
1948 Leaf Sammy Baugh Red Jersey #34 Known as “Slingin’ Sammy,” Baugh was a groundbreaking quarterback for the Washington Redskins, setting numerous records in his rookie season. By the time he retired, he had established 13 NFL records, significantly increasing the value of his 1948 card.
- Value: $140 USD (ungraded), $36,597 USD (Grade 10)
1971 Topps Terry Bradshaw Rookie Card Today, Terry Bradshaw is known as a commentator, but he first gained fame as the top pick in the 1970 NFL draft. During his career, he led the Pittsburgh Steelers to 4 Super Bowl victories and broke several passing records.
- Value: $119 USD (ungraded), $28,080 USD (Grade 10)
1948 Leaf Bobby Layne Rookie Card Known as the “Blonde Bomber,” Bobby Layne was a key quarterback for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s. His rookie card, showcasing him in yellow pants against a bright red backdrop, is a striking piece, making it highly valuable among collectors.
- Value: $96 USD (ungraded), $25,048 USD (Grade 10)
1991 Wild Card 1000 Stripe Brett Favre Rookie Card #119 Brett Favre, renowned for his time with the Green Bay Packers, retired as the NFL leader in both passing yards and touchdowns. The version of his 1991 rookie card featuring the rare “1000” stripe is extremely limited in quantity, making it a coveted item among collectors.
- Value: $9,999 USD (ungraded), $23,398 USD (Grade 10)
1966 Philadelphia Dick Butkus #31 Renowned as one of the fiercest linebackers in football history, Dick Butkus made a massive impact over his 9 seasons, earning 8 Pro Bowl selections and setting numerous records for interceptions and fumble recoveries. His only rookie card is highly sought after, particularly when it's in mint condition.
- Value: $137 USD (ungraded), $22,468 USD (Grade 10)
1962 Topps Mike Ditka #17 Famous for both his coaching career with the Chicago Bears and his skills as a tight end, Mike Ditka’s rookie card from 1962 holds significant value. His legacy as both a player and coach has made this card a prized piece for collectors.
- Value: $137 USD (ungraded), $21,606 (Grade 10)
1952 Bowman Large Jim Lansford Rookie Card Jim Lansford may not have set any major records during his single season with the Texans, but his rookie card stands out for its unique artistic design, making it highly collectible among enthusiasts.
- Value: $140 USD (ungraded), $21,500 USD (Grade 9)
2020 National Treasures Joe Burrow Patch Autographs #156 Joe Burrow, a first-round pick for the Cincinnati Bengals, set the NFL record for career pass completion percentage early in his career. His rookie card, featuring an autograph and a patch from his debut jersey, is a highly sought-after item for both collectors and fans.
- Value: $56 USD (ungraded), $18,466 USD (Grade 10)
1972 Topps Roger Staubach Rookie Card #200 Roger Staubach, who became NFL Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP in his first season with the Cowboys, is now a football legend. Though this rookie card was issued while he was still a backup, his later success makes it extremely valuable today.
- Value: $49 USD (ungraded), $18,253 USD (Grade 10)
1948 Leaf Sid Luckman Rookie Card Sid Luckman, a legendary quarterback for the Chicago Bears from 1939 to 1950, led his team to several championships with high-scoring performances. Due to his achievements, his rookie card remains highly valuable among collectors.
- Value: $66 USD (ungraded), $17,200 USD (Grade 10)
1935 National Chicle Knute Rockne As one of the most iconic college football coaches in history, Knute Rockne led Notre Dame to numerous victories in the early 1900s. His untimely death during his prime has made his memorabilia, including this card, particularly sought after by collectors.
- Value: $250 USD (ungraded), $16,500 USD (Grade 10)
2017 Panini Flawless Patrick Mahomes Rookie Card #4 Featuring a white background with elegant gold foil, this limited-edition Mahomes rookie card is a standout piece. While other Mahomes cards may fetch higher prices, this rare gem still commands a considerable value.
- Value: $15,400 USD (Grade 9.5)
2000 Bowman Chrome Tom Brady Rookie Card #236 With holographic text and a shiny background, the Bowman Chrome rookie card of Tom Brady is distinct from other early cards of the NFL star. Though it may be one of the more common Brady rookie cards, its unique appearance makes it highly valuable to collectors.
- Value: $1,037 USD (ungraded), $14,500 USD (Grade 10)
1957 Topps Dick “Night Train” Lane Rookie Card Known for holding the record for most interceptions in a single season during his rookie year, Dick Lane’s record-breaking debut season has made his rookie card an enduringly valuable collectible.
- Value: $30 USD (ungraded), $11,500 USD (Grade 10)
How to Determine the Value of Football Cards
Identify the star players in your collection. Go through your football card collection and search for players who have received multiple accolades, had long careers, or consistently performed at a high level. As players gain recognition and notoriety, the value of their cards typically rises.
- Pay attention to players having standout performances in the current season and consult football stat books to learn who holds records for passing, rushing yards, touchdowns, and playoff victories.
Evaluate the condition of your cards. Football cards in pristine condition generally fetch higher prices than those with visible damage. While reviewing the cards you plan to sell, check the following areas for quality.
- Card centering: Cards with well-centered images and designs tend to be more valuable. If the borders are uneven or the image is misaligned, it can lower the card's value.
- Corners: Sharp, pointed corners indicate good condition. Cards with creases, dents, or folds near the corners usually have a lower resale value.
- Edges: Straight and smooth edges are a sign of a high-quality card. Cards with nicks, tears, or frayed edges will likely be worth less.
- Card face: Make sure the front of the card is free from scratches, marks, or indentations. Cards with stains or visible damage will sell for less.
Look for numbered print runs or unique card features. Check the card for a set of numbers, usually separated by a slash (/). If the number after the slash is large, it indicates there are many copies in circulation, which can reduce the card’s value. A smaller print run may suggest a rarer card.
- Additional features like autographs or jersey patches can also increase a card’s worth.
Research recent sales of similar cards in your collection. If you're uncertain about a card's value, search on platforms like eBay or websites such as SportsCardsPro. Compare the asking prices and recent sale prices for identical cards to get an idea of the current market value. If you notice high prices, your card could sell for a similar amount.
Get your football cards professionally graded to determine their true value. Professional grading is the most reliable method to assess the exact condition of your cards and their market value. You can typically send your cards to a grading service, or in some cases, visit a sports memorabilia or trading card shop for in-person grading.
- PSA is one of the most reputable grading services and widely regarded as the gold standard for sports cards.
- Beckett uses more stringent grading criteria, meaning that higher grades are more challenging to achieve, but a high score could significantly increase your card's value.
- SGC Grading offers a distinctive black background that enhances the appearance of your card while keeping it securely protected.
Where to Buy and Sell Football Cards
eBay Selling on eBay is often the most convenient platform for listing football cards since it allows multiple buyers to place bids. When listing, include the card's name, year, and condition to give potential buyers a clear idea of what they are getting. Make sure to set competitive prices based on recent sales to ensure your cards sell quickly.
Sports card or memorabilia stores Many card and memorabilia stores might offer to buy your cards directly or they may help facilitate an auction to secure a higher sale price. Reach out to your local sports card shops to inquire about their inventory and whether they’re interested in purchasing your cards.
Card conventions Keep an eye out for upcoming sports memorabilia or card conventions in your area. These events typically draw numerous vendors and private collectors who are eager to purchase rare cards, providing an excellent opportunity to find a buyer who’s interested in your collection.
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If you have rookie cards from players who are just beginning their careers, it's wise to hold on to them and keep them in good condition, as they might become valuable in the future.
Warnings
- Be wary if you come across football cards being sold at prices significantly lower than expected, as it could be a scam.
