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Football Rookie Cards

A NFL player is designated a rookie at the time they declare their eligibility for the official NFL Draft and are pictured in their NFL uniform. Thus any football rookie cards that are produced prior to this point, including cards which depict the player in their NCAA uniforms, are not considered official rookie cards.

Skill position players such as quarterback and running back are typically more desirable due to the positions impact on the success or failure of the team. However in recent years even players holding defensive positions like safety, middle linebacker, and even defensive end have seen an increase in popularity as the NFL game as a whole has moved from an offensive to defensive sport as a whole.

High draft pick players in the first round typically garner the most initial attention, however, as is the case in other sports, a player’s on field maturity can later impact the value of their rookie cards significantly regardless of where they were originally drafted.

Browse our database of football rookie card player profiles, top NFL rookie card checklists, buying guides and more:

10 Must-Have Joe Flacco Rookie Cards

10 Must-Have Joe Flacco Rookie Cards

With a Super Bowl victory to his credit, Joe Flacco is finally getting some respect in the hobby. Here are 10 of the quarterback’s best rookie cards, including lists for affordable options and high-end highlights.

2013 Topps Prime Football Rookie Variations Visual Guide

2013 Topps Prime Football Rookie Variations Visual Guide

If you’re a player or team collector, be on the watch for two different versions of all the rookie cards in 2013 Topps Prime Football. Know what to look for and see the different rookie variations available in hobby and retail packs.

2013 Topps Strata Football Rookie Variations Guide

2013 Topps Strata Football Rookie Variations Guide

Did you know 2013 Topps Strata Football has different photos for hobby and retail rookie cards? See side-by-side comparisons of all 50 cards and know exactly what version of the card you’re looking to buy.

2016 NFL MVP! Top Matt Ryan Rookie Cards

2016 NFL MVP! Top Matt Ryan Rookie Cards

“Matty Ice” has a chance to cement his legacy with the Atlanta Falcons. Check out some of the best Matt Ryan rookies to collect.

2018 Super Bowl LII Rookie Card Collecting Guide

2018 Super Bowl LII Rookie Card Collecting Guide

The NFL season is down to the final two teams and the collecting implications can be huge for the winning team. We take a look at the best rookie card options for the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.

Alfred Morris Rookie Cards Checklist and Guide

Alfred Morris Rookie Cards Checklist and Guide

Alfred Morris was one of the NFL’s biggest surprises in 2012. Get complete details on all of the running back’s rookie cards, including a checklist, images, buying guide and more.

Amari Cooper Rookie Card Gallery and Checklist

Amari Cooper Rookie Card Gallery and Checklist

After many ups and several downs to start his career with the Oakland Raiders, Amari Cooper is off to a great start with the Dallas Cowboys. Check out his full rookie card guide.

Andrew Luck Rookie Cards Checklist and Guide

Andrew Luck Rookie Cards Checklist and Guide

The first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Andrew Luck rookie cards have seen many highs and lows over his NFL career with the Colts. Check out his full RC lineup in our detailed guide.

Canton Calls! Top 15 LaDainian Tomlinson Rookie Cards

Canton Calls! Top 15 LaDainian Tomlinson Rookie Cards

LaDainian Tomlinson was the best running back of the 2000s and joins the legends in the Hall of Fame. This list collects the top football card appearances from his rookie year with the San Diego Chargers.

Complete Visual Guide to Teddy Bridgewater Rookie Cards

Complete Visual Guide to Teddy Bridgewater Rookie Cards

The Teddy Bridgewater era has started in Minnesota and the hobby has been waiting for this to happen. Check out a complete look at his available rookie cards, notable pre-rookie cards, college cards and much more.

Derek Carr Rookie Card Gallery and Checklist

Derek Carr Rookie Card Gallery and Checklist

Already a star in the league, Derek Carr has put the Oakland Raiders into contention. Similarly, his 2014 rookie cards are on the upswing, and we take a look at all of them.

Eddie Lacy Rookie Card Checklist and Visual Guide

Eddie Lacy Rookie Card Checklist and Visual Guide

After an impressive rookie season, Eddie Lacy cards are on the move and collectors are again taking notice of the former Alabama running back. Check out our complete rookie card guide, including full checklist, images, buying guide and more.

EJ Manuel Rookie Card Checklist and Guide

EJ Manuel Rookie Card Checklist and Guide

As a surprise first round pick by the Buffalo Bills, EJ Manuel has emerged as an appealing option for collectors. Check out his full rookie card checklist, including images and buying guide.

Geno Smith Rookie Card Checklist and Guide

Geno Smith Rookie Card Checklist and Guide

As one of the top quarterbacks selected in the 2013 NFL Draft, Geno Smith is expected to lead the New York Jets back to relevance. Our complete rookie card guide includes info and images for all of Smith’s first-year cards.

Giovani Bernard Rookie Card Checklist and Guide

Giovani Bernard Rookie Card Checklist and Guide

As the new starting running back in Cincinnati, collectors are hoping for a breakout season from Giovani Bernard. Check out our complete rookie card guide, including full checklist, images, buying guide and more.

Mike Evans Visual Rookie Card Guide and Checklist

Mike Evans Visual Rookie Card Guide and Checklist

One of the top players in the 2014 rookie class, Mike Evans looks every bit as good as advertised. View all his rookie cards as well as notable pre-rookie and college cards in our comprehensive guide.

Odell Beckham Jr. Rookie Card Guide and Visual Checklist

Odell Beckham Jr. Rookie Card Guide and Visual Checklist

A breakout star from the 2014 NFL rookie class, Odell Beckham Jr. has quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the NFL. View all the rookie card options for the exciting wide receiver.

Robert Griffin III Rookie Cards Checklist and Guide

Robert Griffin III Rookie Cards Checklist and Guide

One of the most exciting football prospects in years, Robert Griffin III is lighting a fire in the hobby. Get an in-depth look at all of his rookie cards with this comprehensive guide.

ROY! Top Dak Prescott Rookie Cards

ROY! Top Dak Prescott Rookie Cards

From a mid-round pick to Rookie of the Year, Dak Prescott had a tremendous 2016 season with the Dallas Cowboys! Check out the best Dak Prescott rookie cards available in our detailed guide.

Sammy Watkins Rookie Card Guide and Checklist

Sammy Watkins Rookie Card Guide and Checklist

Arguably the best overall talent from the 2014 NFL Draft, Sammy Watkins had a strong rookie year and the hobby has taken notice. Check out a complete look at his available rookie cards, including notable pre-rookie and college cards, and much more.

The Snake Enters the Hall of Fame! Top 10 Ken Stabler Football Cards

The Snake Enters the Hall of Fame! Top 10 Ken Stabler Football Cards

Ken Stabler was the Oakland Raiders’ original elite quarterback and led the team to their first Super Bowl title. His selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016 cements his legacy and this top list brings together the best Ken Stabler card appearances for collectors to pursue.

Todd Gurley Rookie Cards Guide and Checklist

Todd Gurley Rookie Cards Guide and Checklist

A dynamic running back, Todd Gurley has helped the Rams become Super Bowl contenders. This has increased interest in Todd Gurley rookie cards, which are all covered in our detailed guide.

Top 10 Adrian Peterson Rookie Cards

Top 10 Adrian Peterson Rookie Cards

With so many Adrian Peterson rookie cards to choose from, which ones are the best? We count down the running back’s 10 best rookies, providing analysis, images, a shopping guide and much more.

Top 10 Andrew Luck Rookie Cards

Top 10 Andrew Luck Rookie Cards

As his NFL career comes to a close, at least for now, look back at the top Andrew Luck rookie cards to collect.

Top 10 Bart Starr Cards to Collect

Top 10 Bart Starr Cards to Collect

Bart Starr endeared himself to fans of the Green Bay Packers thanks to his two Super Bowl wins and an impressive NFL career. View the top cards for the Hall of Fame quarterback in our detailed guide.

Top 10 Cam Newton Rookie Cards

Top 10 Cam Newton Rookie Cards

The first overall draft pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2011, Cam Newton has proven to be one of the most exciting QBs in the league. Already popular, his play really took off in 2015, making Cam Newton rookie cards a hot commodity. With plenty of choices to pick from, the top list breaks down the key rookie cards for this great quarterback.

Top Eric Dickerson Cards

Top 10 Eric Dickerson Football Cards

Eric Dickerson is one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, especially based on his years with the Los Angeles Rams. Check out our detailed guide to some of his key football cards.

Top 10 Gale Sayers Football Cards

Top 10 Gale Sayers Football Cards

Although Gale Sayers only played four injury-free seasons for the Chicago Bears, he made such an impact in the NFL that he still earned a place in the Hall of Fame. Check out some of his best cardboard appearances.

Top 10 Jim Kelly Football Cards

Top 10 Jim Kelly Football Cards

A Buffalo Bills legend, Jim Kelly was also one of the most best quarterbacks of his era. We look at the key card options for Kelly including USFL rookie cards and NFL autographs.

Top 10 Kurt Warner Football Cards

Top 10 Kurt Warner Football Cards

Kurt Warner’s road to the NFL was almost as exciting as his Hall of Fame career. See some of the best cards from the popular quarterback, with a focus on his earliest football releases.

Top 10 Lawrence Taylor Football Cards

Top 10 Lawrence Taylor Football Cards

An all-time NFL legend, Lawrence Taylor brought two Super Bowl titles to the New York Giants. This list collects Taylor’s best football cards including his iconic 1982 Topps rookie.

Top 10 Mike Ditka Football Cards

Top 10 Mike Ditka Football Cards

Mike Ditka was a Chicago Bears legend and the NFL’s first Hall of Fame tight end. We have gone through his various cards to identify some great choices to target for your collection.

Top 10 Paul Hornung Football Cards

Top 10 Paul Hornung Football Cards

Paul Hornung was a scoring dynamo and helped the Green Bay Packers become a legendary franchise as they won five championships during his time with the team. View ten of the best Paul Hornung football cards from his playing days and beyond.

Top Terrell Davis Football Cards

Top 10 Terrell Davis Football Cards

Only given a few healthy years, Terrell Davis is still arguably the best running back in Denver Broncos history. The Hall of Fame RB has plenty of great football cards and we review some of his earliest options.

Top 10 Topps Chrome Football Rookie Autographs

Top 10 Topps Chrome Football Rookie Autographs

Every year, Topps Chrome Football Rookie Autographs are some of the hobby’s most popular cards. Count down the 10 best released between 2006 and 2013.

Top 10 Y.A. Tittle Football Cards

Top 10 Y.A. Tittle Football Cards

Y.A. Tittle brought a new kind of passing game to the NFL and became a fan favorite of the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants. Looking to his top options, this guide features some of the most valuable Bowman football cards ever made.

Top 1990s Football Rookie Cards

Top 1990s Football Rookie Cards

The 1990s were a transformative period for football collectors, but the many rookie cards still offer some of the top overall options. Join us as we look at the 15 most valuable football rookie cards from the decade.

Top 2000s Football Rookie Cards to Collect

Top 2000s Football Rookie Cards to Collect

The 2000s helped supply the NFL with many of the top stars currently in the league. Check out the top ten football rookie cards from 2000 to 2009 in our detailed guide.

Top Brock Purdy Rookie Cards to Collect

Top Brock Purdy Rookie Cards to Collect

While his initial card selection is not as deep as some of the other first-year NFL QBs, the Brock Purdy rookie cards are seeing considerable interest in the hobby.

Top C.J. Stroud Rookie Cards to Collect

Top C.J. Stroud Rookie Cards to Collect

C.J. Stroud rookie cards are off to a fast start as the franchise QB for the Houston Texans makes his mark. Check out some of his best NFL cards available now.

Top Calvin Johnson Rookie Cards to Collect

Top Calvin Johnson Rookie Cards to Collect

One of the best receivers of the modern game, Calvin Johnson also remains popular in the NFL card hobby. As he enters the Hall of Fame, view the best Calvin Johnson rookie cards for collectors to pursue.

Top Cooper Kupp Rookie Cards to Collect

Top Cooper Kupp Rookie Cards to Collect

Putting wide receivers back on the hobby map, Cooper Kupp rookies are very popular thanks to his historic season. Check out some of the best base cards and autographs from his first NFL season.

Top Dallas Cowboys Rookie Cards of All-Time

Top Dallas Cowboys Rookie Cards of All-Time

A preferred option for fans and collectors, the Dallas Cowboys are one of the most popular teams in the wide world of spots. Join us as we count down the top modern and vintage rookie cards for the Cowboys.

Top Drew Brees Rookie Cards to Collect

Top Drew Brees Rookie Cards to Collect

As one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Drew Brees and his rookie cards make a collecting favorite. Check out some of the best rookie choices for the New Orleans Saints’ franchise QB.

Ezekiel Elliott Rookie Cards

Top Ezekiel Elliott Rookie Cards

The Dallas Cowboys appear to have a superstar running back on their hands with Ezekiel Elliott. Review his key rookie cards in a detailed checklist and gallery.

Top J.J. Watt Rookie Cards to Collect

Top J.J. Watt Rookie Cards to Collect

A dominant force on defense for many years, J.J. Watt has seen his stock rise with collectors. Check out the list of the top J.J. Watt rookie cards in our detailed guide.

Top Jalen Hurts Rookie Cards to Collect

Top Jalen Hurts Rookie Cards to Collect

Get a rundown of some of the best Jalen Hurts rookie cards available, including notable base rookies, autographs and inserts.

Top Jim Brown Football Cards of All-Time

Top Jim Brown Football Cards of All-Time

The top player in NFL history for many fans and experts, Jim Brown made his mark with the Cleveland Browns and left the sport while still in his prime. Check out some of the best Jim Brown cards to collect in our detailed guide.

Top Joe Burrow Rookie Cards to Collect

Top Joe Burrow Rookie Cards to Collect

Featuring key base cards, inserts and autographs, take a look at some of the very best Joe Burrow rookie cards to collect in our detailed guide.

Top Joe Montana Cards to Collect

Top Joe Montana Cards to Collect

Joe Montana has a reputation for staying cool under pressure and that carries over to his hobby appeal. View the top Joe Montana cards available for collectors, including his rookie card and autographs.

Top Josh Allen Rookie Cards to Collect

Top Josh Allen Rookie Cards to Collect

Josh Allen has led the Buffalo Bills back into contention and his notable rookie cards are seeing a lot of attention in the hobby.

Top Julian Edelman Rookie Cards

Top Julian Edelman Rookie Cards

From a college quarterback taken as a late-round draft selection to Super Bowl MVP, Julian Edelman took a unique path to football glory. Review his full rookie card lineup that includes key autographs for the Patriots star wide receiver.

Top New England Patriots Rookie Cards of All-Time

Top New England Patriots Rookie Cards of All-Time

One of the top collecting options of the modern era, the New England Patriots also boast a strong vintage selection. View a detailed look at both eras of rookie card collecting for the Patriots in our comprehensive guide.

Top Nick Foles Rookie Cards

Top Nick Foles Rookie Cards

The ride was bumpy but Nick Foles is a Super Bowl MVP and his rookie cards for the Philadelphia Eagles are seeing renewed interest! Check out some of the very best choices in our detailed guide.

Top Patrick Mahomes Rookie Cards to Collect

Top Patrick Mahomes Rookie Cards to Collect

Already one of the best QBs in the league, the Patrick Mahomes rookie cards are picking up steam. Check out the best Patrick Mahomes rookie cards and autographs.

Top Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Cards of All-Time

Top Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Cards of All-Time

The Pittsburgh Steelers have featured an impressive assortment of elite players and enjoy one of the biggest and most passionate fan bases in the NFL. Take a look at the top vintage and modern Pittsburgh Steelers rookie cards of all-time.

Top Rob Gronkowski Rookie Cards

Top Rob Gronkowski Rookie Cards

Gronk is a touchdown machine and he is regarded as one of the very best tight ends in NFL history. Check out some of the key Rob Gronkowski rookie cards to collect.

Top Russell Wilson Rookie Cards

Top Russell Wilson Rookie Cards

With so many Russell Wilson rookie cards and inserts to choose from, we count down some of the very best.

Top San Francisco 49ers Rookie Cards of All-Time

Top San Francisco 49ers Rookie Cards of All-Time

As one of the top franchises in NFL history, the San Francisco 49ers present collectors a wide mix of top options. Join us as we count down the best modern and vintage San Francisco 49ers rookie cards of all-time.

Top Seattle Seahawks Rookie Cards of All-Time

Top Seattle Seahawks Rookie Cards of All-Time

As one of the best teams of the last few years, collecting interest is building across the board for the Seattle Seahawks. We take at look at the team’s top rookie cards of all-time in our detailed guide.

Top Steve Young Cards for All Budgets

Top Steve Young Cards for All Budgets

Steve Young was one of the top quarterbacks of the 1990s and remains a popular collecting option. Look at key options across all budgets for the Hall of Fame QB from the San Francisco 49ers.

Top Tom Brady Rookie Cards

Top Tom Brady Rookie Cards

A lock for the Hall of Fame, Tom Brady continues to perform at a high level. With so many great Tom Brady rookie cards available, we highlight some of the best.

Ultimate Brett Favre Rookie Cards Checklist and Key Early Cards

Ultimate Brett Favre Rookie Cards Checklist and Key Early Cards

Immortalized in the Hall of Fame, take a full look at the top Brett Favre cards from early in his career. This includes all his rookie cards and the other initial releases of note from his time with the Falcons and Packers.