1971 Topps Football Cards

In 1970, the AFL and NFL finally merged, and aligned into the AFC/NFC conferences used ever since. To note this change, Topps featured a couple of things in its 1971 football card set.

Fronts feature a player photo. Most follow the standard helmetless pose used on set since 1956, but a few actually used game-action shots that were then airbrushed. The player's name runs along the top of the card. The lower left corner features a cartoon that pictures the player's position, with the position named below, and the team beside it. In the lower right corner, the player's conference is named. The backs are vertically oriented. A small box contains a card number, and a larger box has the player's position, team, name, and vital stats. To the right of that is a cartoon about the player. The rest of the card features a biography, along with a list of yearly statistics for most players. For Topps, it would be the very first time year-by-year stats showed up on their football cards.

There are three variations in the front design. AFC players have a solid red border. NFC players get a solid blue border. Finally, the All-Pro players (called All-Star on the cards themselves) are given a border that has both red and blue. It would also be the first year Topps identified All-Pro players in its set.

Once again, two series were issued, with the second series checklist (card #106) being printed with each series. The bright borders show wear easily and are difficult to find in top condition.

The two most notable rookie cards in the set feature two of the more popular members of the Steelers' 1970 dynasty, Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene. Other notable rookies include Willie Lanier, Ken Houston, Roger Wehrli, Charlie Sanders and Marty Schottenheimer.

Key 1971 Topps Football Cards:

• Terry Bradshaw RC #156
• Joe Namath #250
• Joe Greene RC #245
• Johnny Unitas #1
• O.J. Simpson #260

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

1971 TOPPS FOOTBALL JOHN UNITAS CARD#1 BALTIMORE COLTS-QB PSA NM 7 $35.75

1971 Topps #117 Errol Linden PSA 7 $6.00

1971 Topps #14 Roy Gerela PSA 7 $6.00

1971 Topps #153 John Elliott PSA 6 $5.00

1971 Topps #172 Gary Garrison PSA 8 $21.00

1971 Topps #182 Royce Berry PSA 7 $6.00

1971 TOPPS FRAN TARKENTON # 120 $7.85

1971 Topps #23 Billy Walik PSA 7 $6.00