Best Football Cards to Invest In

You’ve probably seen football cards traded between friends or tucked in shoeboxes – but what if they could grow your savings? The collectibles market has grown far beyond being just about fandom; it can be a smart play for anyone looking to turn their passion into profit.

Not every card is a winner – certain cards gain value as players rise in their careers, but knowing which ones to target can be a bit difficult. 

Here is a breakdown of cards with strong track records and indicators of future demand. Learn which cards align with your strategy.

5 Best Football Cards to Invest In

If you’re looking to add value to your collection or portfolio, some top football cards often emerge as promising options. Below, you’ll see five cards that could offer strong potential for collectors and investors alike. 

Patrick Mahomes Rookie Card

Patrick Mahomes’s rise to NFL stardom – two MVPs, a Super Bowl title and historic passing records – has made his rookie cards some of the most sought-after in the hobby.

For example, one of the most expensive football cards in history is the 2017 Panini National Treasures Mahomes Rookie Patch Autograph (RPA) /10. Issued as a pre-draft release in March 2017, this card features a piece of Mahomes’s college game-used jersey and his signature. There are just 10 copies in existence.

There’s also a near-flawless Mint 9 grade (card) and a perfect 10 (autograph), which have had impressive sales, with one crossing $173,240 while a unique “1-of-1” variant soared to $4.3 million. With Mahomes still ascending, there’s plenty of interest in this card and lower-tier parallels and early-era patches. 

Jordan Love Rookie Card

Jordan Love offers plenty of potential in the football card market. Now leading the Packers after Aaron Rodgers's departure, Love has shown flashes of talent that could translate to long-term success.

Two rare football cards take the top spot:

• The 2020 Panini National Treasures Jordan Love Rookie Patch Autograph (RPA) /99, a premium card featuring his autograph and a game-used jersey patch 
• The 2020 Panini Prizm Jordan Love RC #363, a more affordable entry point for collectors

Love’s cards are gaining traction, but their future depends on whether he can lock in his spot as a franchise quarterback.

CJ Stroud Rookie Card

CJ Stroud’s rookie cards are heating up after a standout NFL debut, where he won Offensive Rookie of the Year and made the Pro Bowl in 2023. He brings poise, consistency and leadership that have made him one of the league’s most promising young quarterbacks, and his rookie cards have become some of the most appealing choices for collectors.

Two key options are the 2023 Panini Prizm Gold Wave #339 (/10) and the base Prizm #339. The Gold Wave version is a rare and highly sought-after (only 10 were printed), and the 2023 Panini Prizm Base #339 is a more accessible choice for everyday investors. 

The 23-year-old’s strong debut has been driving interest in his cards, and if he continues with his ascent, you can expect his best NFL cards to continue gaining value over time.

Joe Montana Rookie Card

Joe Montana’s legendary career, marked by four Super Bowl titles and multiple MVP awards, solidifies his status as one of the NFL’s all-time greats. Thanks to his lasting legacy, his rookie cards have become a compelling option for collectors and investors. 

The 1981 Topps Joe Montana #216 captures Montana in his rookie season with the San Francisco 49ers, marking the beginning of his Hall of Fame career. High-grade versions, such as PSA 9 or PSA 10, are especially prized due to their scarcity. Back then, cards weren’t stored as carefully as today, so near-flawless examples are rare. 

Jerry Rice Rookie Card

Jerry Rice’s rookie card is one of the most valuable football cards for NFL collectors – after all, he’s the all-time leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns. 

The 1986 Topps #161 is his only official rookie card, capturing Rice during his debut season with the San Francisco 49ers. Its value comes from its rarity and history. While the card’s design may seem simple, high-grade versions (PSA 9 or PSA 10) are highly sought after due to centering issues that make well-preserved copies rare. 

Overview of the Football Card Market

The football card market has quickly grown over recent years as many people have turned to card collecting as a pastime. Here are some trends that have been shaping the market:

• Investment appeal: Many people consider football cards alternative investments, and high-profile sales draw attention to the trade.
• Nostalgia and fandom: Millennials and Gen Z collectors are driving demand for unique and meaningful cards, as many are looking for limited editions that connect them to their favorite players and teams.
• Digital shift: Online platforms like eBay and trading apps have made it easier to buy, sell and connect with collectors worldwide.

Tips for Investing in Football Cards

Jumping into football card investing can be risky – you need the right mix of research, strategy and patience. Staying on top of player performances, following sports news and tracking auction results can help you spot opportunities and uncover undervalued cards.

As a good rule of thumb, you can focus on cards with proven value drivers, such as: 

• Rookie cards: These cards often see the most significant value increases if the player excels.
• Vintage cards: Cards from the 1950s to the 1980s are among the highest-priced football cards but can present a promising investment opportunity.
• Graded cards: When reputable organizations like PSA or BGS grade cards, their value increases because their condition and authenticity are verified.

You also need to get your timing right. Prices typically dip during the off-season – a period that can create opportunities to buy undervalued cards. Conversely, selling around major events – like a player’s Super Bowl win or a huge contract – you can get higher returns as you capitalize on heightened demand. 

Build a Winning Strategy for NFL Trading Cards

With football card investing, you get the best of both worlds: the thrill of the game and the discipline of strategic growth. You might be drawn to the nostalgia of a 1980s relic or the potential of a rising star, but your approach shouldn’t shift too much – curiosity needs to meet solid research. 

The hope of a seven-figure sale can be tempting, but true rewards can come from being patient – holding onto a piece that honors history and can appreciate over time. 

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