Football cards will give you excellent returns on your investment because of the NFL’s’ growing popularity. From valuable franchises like the Dallas Cowboys to the glamor of the Super Bowl, the NFL has all the aspects of a superstar league. With such a massive base of supporters, demand for football rookie cards will only increase as more global fans join the hype.
Plus, a lot of exciting young talent is making its mark on football. From Puka Nacua Rookie Cards to CJ Stroud, many rookies look set to have long and fruitful careers. Investing in their cards would be a long-term strategy that could pay off handsomely when they hit their peaks!
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Best Football Card Investments
Here are my top football cards of all time to invest in. Look for the below cards at PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 grades. Please do not go any lower than PSA 9; I would not purchase any at a BGS 9 grade.
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2023 Panini Prizm Football Checklist
What about SGC 10 grades? I would consider an SGC 10 grade if it is a newer grade. Please email a photo of the SGC 10 grade you are considering buying for my opinion.
Without further ado, here are the top football cards to buy in 2024.
1. 2023 CJ Stroud Prizm RC #102
- Ungraded Average Price: $42
- PSA 10 Average Price: $310
- Highest Sale Price: $5,150 FOTL Green Shimmer /5
- PSA 10 Supply: N/A
This trading card shows C.J. Stroud in the Houston Texans jersey. He has the rock in both hands, looking as if he’s ready to pass it forward.Â
The “RC” logo, marking it as a Rookie Card, is visible on the top right. Meanwhile, the Prizm logo at the bottom highlights the series to which this card belongs.Â
The color scheme features the Texans’ dark blue and red, with a futuristic design framing the player. This card captures Stroud’s potential as an explosive newcomer to the NFL.Â
With 23 touchdowns and 4108 passing yards this season, including game-winning throws against the Browns in Wild Card Weekend, Stroud is going strong!
Tearing the other teams’ defense was a common theme for CJ during the 2023 NFL season. This will only continue with excellent efficiency as he matures.
CJ Stroud is your NFL ROY unless you have lived under a rock for the last five months. And I can make the case for NFL MV as well.
But I won’t go there today.
His Prizm base rookie card is a must-have for collectors and has gone nothing but straight up since being released. Numbered #102, the card shows Stroud dropping back as he prepares to pick the opposing defense apart.
Bold Prediction: NFL HoF 1st Ballot, 4 Super Bowl Wins (2 MVPs), and 2 NFL regular season MVPs. Am I crazy? Slightly? Card collecting is supposed to be fun, and these predictions aren’t too far off.
2. 2018 Lamar Jackson Prizm RC #212
- Ungraded Average Price: $60
- PSA 10 Average Price: $360
- PSA 9 Average Price: $65
- Highest Sale Price: $4,000 White Sparkle #212 SP PSA 10
- PSA 10 Supply: 504
- My favorite 2018 Prizm Parallels are White Sparkle, Silver, Disco, Light Blue, Camo, and Gold.
The card features Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens in a dynamic in-game action shot. He is in the team’s vibrant purple uniform, holding the football as he runs a possible quarterback keep.Â
Boom goes the dynamite! Lamar Jackson’s rookie cards are on fire. Numbered #212, the Jackson Prizm shows him rolling out to his left. His decision to pass or run is imminent. LJ rookie cards are a smart buy during or off-season, as he is that good.
The borders are a patterned gray, giving the card a metallic feel. The “Prizm” logo at the top right and the “RC” symbol in the top left corner indicate it’s a Rookie Card. The player’s’ and franchise names are visible at the bottom of the card.
Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities as a quarterback instill fear in opposition defenses. He’s known for his exceptional speed and agility and often outmanoeuvres defenders.Â
Bold Prediction: Lamar was the NFL MVP in 2023 and 2024!
His stats have been remarkable, including breaking records for rushing yards by a quarterback in a season. With 24 touchdowns and a passer rating of 102.72 in the 2023 campaign, the Ravens #8 continues to show what he’s’ all about.
#3. 2017 Patrick Mahomes Panini Prizm RC #269
If he wins the Super Bowl this Patrick Mahomes rookie card will move up to number one!
I recommend buying this card in a PSA 10 or BGS 9.5. You could also buy this card raw as part of a lot as Panini Prizm football cards grade extremely well.
#4. 2020 Jordan Love Prizm RC #363
- Ungraded Average Price: $21
- PSA 10 Average Price: $202
- Highest Sale Price: $2,026 No Huddle Gold Prizm Auto /10 PSA 9
Jordan Love, drafted as a potential successor to the legendary Aaron Rodgers, holds promise with his strong arm and mobility. His performances this season have been nothing short of impressive, especially in how he led the Packers to a thumping win against the Cowboys this past Sunday.
Love was a thing of beauty vs. the Dallas Cowboys, and his QBR reflected. Jordan Love and the Packers hung 48 points on the Cowboys. Love had 3 TD passes through the air and a 157.2 QB rating!
I can’t help but hope this kid can make a Super Bowl run after all he went through in 2023.
His top RC is his 2020 Prizm base. This card displays Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers in mid-game action. He is holding the football in his right hand, making a determined quarterback run. The card’s holographic blue and green background sparkles and adds to the dynamism of the image.Â
The “RC” symbol on the top left signifies his rookie status, while the familiar Prizm logo sits at the bottom. The young QB’s and team names are visible at the bottom.
Jordan Love had a second half for the books in 2023. Just about every NFL pendant had written this kid off by week 6 or 7 in 2023.
#5. 2020 Tua Tagovailoa Prizm RC #339
I’ll be honest here. I thought Tua was a bust and Miami would be a joke. Not only was I wrong, but I couldn’t have been more wrong, like embarrassing wrong.
I just purchased a dozen 2020 Prizm Hobby boxes, hoping to pull a Tua, Herbet, Burrow, or Hurts RC. The 2020 Prizm football set may go down in history as one of the best of all time, and Tua could be Super Bowl-bound in 2023.
The card features Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins. It radiates with iridescent teal and orange hues, reflecting the team’s colors. Tua is shown ready to pass the football, displaying his quarterback poise.Â
The “RC” badge is in the top left corner, while the “Prizm”” logo identifies the series.
Tua, celebrated for his accuracy and quick release, emerged as a critical player for the Dolphins. His ability to read defenses and make decisive throws is evident in his growing stats. With 4624 passing yards and a passer rating of 101.07 in 2023, the Dolphins #1 continues to shine.
#6. 2016 Tyreek Hill Prizm Rookie #296
The fastest man in the NFL is one of the best offenses in the league and has one of the best young quarterbacks throwing him the pigskin. Hill is an excellent buy for the next three years.
The trading card displays Tyreek Hill, clad in the Kansas City Chiefs’ crimson-red uniform, featuring the number 81. He’s in mid-stride, cradling the ball securely in his right hand.Â
The card’s borders have a futuristic, metallic design that complements the “Prizm” series logo at the top. The “RC” symbol in the top right corner indicates it’s a Rookie Card, highlighting the early stages of Hill’s’ career at the Chiefs.
At the Miami Dolphins, Hill continues proving he is an asset for every team. His explosive speed and play-making ability are a huge part of what makes the Dolphins’ offense so electrifying to watch.Â
Currently ranked top for receiving yards and joint-top for receiving touchdowns, Hill is having another epic season.
#7. 2020 Justin Herbert Prizm Rookie #325
The card features Justin Herbert, quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, in a poised position to throw the football. The dominant colors are the Chargers’ blue and white, with a futuristic silver design accenting the borders. The QB’s’ #10 is visible on the jersey.
The “RC” symbol on the top left denotes his rookie status, while the Panini Prizm logo sits in the middle of the top border.
Justin Herbert quickly made a name for himself with his powerful arm and intelligent play-calling. His profile shows a rapid ascent, marked by impressive passing yards and touchdowns. His composure under pressure on the field has made him one of the standout quarterbacks in the league.
Herbert is a different story as I love his long term. I was on him from day one, and he has not been a disappointment but hasn’t hit that elite QB title.
This will change in 2023, and the Chargers will make a deep run in the 2023 playoffs. Even if they don’t, Herbert will have huge numbers.
#8. 2022 Brock Purdy Prizm Rookie #353
The card showcases Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers in the team’s white jersey with red detailing. The #14 is visible on the front of the jersey. He has the football in his left hand, looking as if he’s scanning the field for a pass.Â
One of the most underrated QBs in the league. Yes, he is the QB under the top offensive mind in the game, but don’t overlook this kid. I see him winning many playoff games in San Fran over the next few years.
Sleek, metallic grey borders frame the picture. The “RC” logo on the top right signifies a rookie card, and the “Prizm” branding is at the top.
Brock Purdy rookie cards are a superior investment and he has proven that he can be a crucial playmaker. His presence on the field signals growth for himself and the team. In the current season, he is ranked third in the league for passing touchdowns, highlighting his hot form in 2023
#9. 2023 Anthony Richardson Mosaic RC #282
What is the old saying on Wall Street?
Buy low, sell high.
That perfectly explains my thoughts on Mr. Richardson. I feel he will rebound and have a huge sophomore year in the NFL.
Bold Prediction: Anthony Richardson tosses for more than 30 touchdowns in the 2024-25 NFL season.
Numbered 282 the card features Anthony Richardson of the Colts, poised to throw the football, showcasing his quarterback readiness. The card glimmers with a kaleidoscopic, holographic pattern that reflects light in various colors, making this a stunning design.
The “RC” logo on the top left indicates a rookie card, and the “Mosaic” branding is present, suggesting the card series.
Richardson, known for his strong arm and athleticism, has the raw talent that makes him a player to watch. He can dial up jaw-dropping velocity and distance with one swift motion. He is one to keep an eye on moving forward.
#10. 2023 Puka Nacua Prizm RC #357
The card portrays Puka Nacua of the LA Rams in what looks like an intense in-game moment. The bold blue and yellow colors reflect the Rams’ uniform. The Rams wide receiver appears to be running a route with determination.Â
The “Rated Rookie” label in the bottom left corner suggests high expectations for his impact as a newcomer. The Donruss logo in the top left corner denotes the card series.Â
The 2023 draft pick impressed many people early on, including teammate Cooper Kupp. According to Kupp, Nacua has “a great feel for attacking leverage,” which tells you everything you need to know. With the rookie WR’s’ 1486 receiving yards ranked fourth in the league, Kupp was definitely on to something!
I had never heard of this guy before I started researching this article. But he is on my radar now. We could see insane numbers from Nacua in the next couple of years, assuming he and McVay are on the same team.
#11. 2017 Christian McCaffrey Donruss Rated Rookie #318
The card presents Christian McCaffrey in the Carolina Panthers’ uniform. The team’s signature colors are blue and black, and the backdrop features a subtle pattern of vertical stripes. McCaffrey stands confidently and portrays his readiness for the game.
It’s obvious, but I won’t pass up easy money. He is in a great system and has one hell of a work ethic. He will win the big one at some point and maybe even an SB MVP.
The “Rated Rookie” label highlights his status during his debut season, and the card bears the Donruss logo, indicating the manufacturer.
Christian McCaffrey is known for his versatility as a running back. His agility and strength make him a formidable opponent on the field. He has been a boon for the 49ers this season, leading the league in rushing yards.
#12. 2016 Jared Goff Prizm Rookie Card #208
The card presents Christian McCaffrey in the Carolina Panthers’ uniform. The colors are the team’s signature blue and black, with the backdrop featuring a subtle pattern of vertical stripes. McCaffrey stands confidently and portrays his readiness for the game.
The “Rated Rookie” label highlights his status during his debut season, and the card bears the Donruss logo, indicating the manufacturer.
Christian McCaffrey is known for his versatility as a running back. His agility and strength make him a formidable opponent on the field. He has been a boon for the 49ers this season, leading the league in rushing yards.
I love what the Detroit Lions have done. They are a fun team, and Goff is a constant professional. I bet the Rams could get Goff back now. Maybe a league MVP.
#13. 2020 Joe Burrow Contenders Rookie 101
The trading card depicts Joe Burrow, quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals. He can be seen holding the ball, ready to pass it forward. The design mimics a game ticket, a creative nod to his rookie season entry. Burrow’s autograph at the bottom adds more value to this card.
Joe Burrow’s impact on the league has been profound. Starting with a standout rookie season, his skillset—accuracy, pocket mobility, and leadership—has won over the fans. He led his team to a Super Bowl appearance in his second year, displaying a remarkable comeback after his first year was cut short due to injury.
Burrow’s rough start in 2023 is good news for sports card buyers as it means you can purchase his cards much cheaper than they would have assumed an excellent start. He is, without a doubt, an elite QB and will be for years. Buy his Prizm RC whenever his play on the field dips over a few weeks and his card prices go down.
Values
The most valuable football card of all time sold for a mind-blowing 4.3 million dollars.
Who was the player and card?
The 2017 Patrick Mahomes National Treasures NFL Shield Auto Rookie Card sold for 4.3 million. It was a one-of-one card and was sold by PWCC.
Numbers 2 and 3 on the list were 2000 Tom Brady rookie cards. Number 2 was the Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket, which sold for 3.1 million, and the same card sold for 2.2 million via Lelands in 2021.
Final Thoughts
And there you go. I tried making a list of no-brainer players/cards to go with some not-so-obvious. Buying a player’s card is similar to making a bet, and I love it.
Be sure to purchase PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 grades and never buy a single raw card, i.e., not graded. Avoid PSA 9 and lower.
Also, buying hobby boxes is usually not a wise investment, but sometimes they can pay off, and they are so fun to rip open.
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