Alfred Morris Rookie Cards Checklist and Guide
Alfred Morris rookie cards have been one the hobby's biggest surprises for the 2012 season. A sixth round pick, there weren't a lot of expectations for the running back. Couple that with the fact that he was playing on the same team as Robert Griffin III, it's easy to see how Morris could slip under the radar.
By the end of his rookie season, Morris rushed for more than 1,600 yards, making him one of the NFL's most potent runners. He was named NFL Rookie of the Week three times. During the final game of the season, Morris ran for 200 yards in a playoff-clinching victory against the Dallas Cowboys. The performance was also good enough for NFL Offensive Player of the Week honors.
When it comes to Alfred Morris rookie cards, he doesn't have nearly as many as other top rookies. That's because he didn't participate in the NFL Rookie Premiere, which gave Topps and Panini access to the year's biggest prospects to gather autographs and player-worn memorabilia. Besides missing out on some sets entirely, many of the rookie cards Morris does have are basic cards. This has kept prices for most Alfred Morris rookie cards in check and relatively affordable.
It wouldn't be surprising to see more pricier options come from some of the season's final releases, which are traditionally the most high-end sets of the year.
Alfred Morris Rookie Card Guide
Please note, this is an ongoing list that will be added to as more 2012 football card sets are released and Alfred Morris has more rookie cards.
2012 Absolute Alfred Morris RC #103 #/399
Printed on foil board, the 2012 Absolute Alfred Morris comes with a lot of flash. Numbered to 399, it walks the balance of rarity and attainable. There's also a retail version that is also numbered to 399 but without the foil.
2012 Elite Alfred Morris RC #185 #/999
The trend of foil rookies continues with 2012 Elite. The Alfred Morris rookie is numbered to 999. Parallel versions include a limited number for autographs.
2012 Panini Black Alfred Morris RC #102 #/349
At the time of its release, with 349 copies, the 2012 Panini Black Alfred Morris is his rarest numbered rookie card. It's distinct dark design sets it apart from his other rookie cards.
2012 Panini Certified Alfred Morris RC #251 #/999
Part of the New Generation subset, the 2012 Panini Certified Alfred Morris is another foil-heavy entry on his rookie card checklist. Numbered to 999, it's an affordable option for those looking for something somewhat limited.
2012 Panini Contenders Alfred Morris RC #101 Autograph
Just the second autographed Alfred Morris rookie card, this card comes with the popular Rookie Ticket tradition, giving it an added level of desirability and prestige. Besides the regular version, there is also a variation with a confirmed print run of 50 copies.
2012 Panini Crown Royale Alfred Morris RC #151 #/399
Boasting the trademark die-cut design, the 2012 Panini Crown Royale Alfred Morris is one of his most distinct rookie cards. The hobby version is numbered to 399. A retail version is unnumbered and does not have the die-cut look either.
2012 Panini Gridiron Alfred Morris RC #201
Without a serial number or any really pizzazz, the 2012 Panini Gridiron Alfred Morris is a nice looking option for budget-minded collectors. Basic rookie cards, like Morris, are slightly short printed with one falling in every pack. That said, the card isn't difficult to find.
2012 Panini Limited Alfred Morris RC #152 #/299
Part of the basic Phenoms subset, the 2012 Panini Limited Alfred Morris is not autographed. It is limited to 299 copies, though. The card features Morris running with the ball against a fairly busy background.
2012 Panini Momentum Alfred Morris RC #137 Autograph #/799
The big draw of the 2012 Panini Momentum Alfred Morris rookie card is that it's his first (and, so far, only) autographed rookie card. While the running back has several autographed inserts, this is an official rookie card. While the numbering to 799 is much higher than other key rookies in the set, the lack of other options for Morris make this a must-have for rookie autograph collectors.
2012 Panini Prizm Alfred Morris RC #236
Panini's answer to Topps Chrome, 2012 Panini Prizm Football rookies remain affordable to every budget. For high-end rarities, the Refractor-like parallels are extremely popular, especially the Gold cards that are numbered to 10. Besides the regular Alfred Morris rookie card, there's also a variation that comes with a slightly different photo.
2012 Panini Rookies & Stars Alfred Morris RC #151
2012 Panini Rookies & Stars is headlined by autographed rookie cards of those who participated in the Rookie Premiere. Because Morris wasn't one of them, his rookie card is part of the main set. No fancy gimmicks -- just a straight-up rookie card. This is great for those without a large budget or beginning collectors.
2012 Prestige Alfred Morris RC #216
A nice entry-level rookie card, 2012 Prestige Football comes with a revamped design. This was the first official Alfred Morris rookie card to hit the market. For those simply looking for a rookie and aren't worried about future values, this is one of the top choices.
2012 Score Alfred Morris RC #386
The Score brand has long been about offering affordable cards to those who simply like to collect. It's unlikely that the 2012 Score Alfred Morris rookie card will ever bring large monetary returns. But that also means anyone can one, whether it's with their regular card budget or their weekly allowance.
2012 Topps Magic Alfred Morris RC #227
Despite having a stellar first season, it wasn't until the season concluded that Alfred Morris got his first Topps-branded rookie card. The retro-styled card is a short print, making it a little tougher than other base cards, but certainly not impossible.
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