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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:
With more than 40 to choose from, we count down the ten best Peyton Manning rookie cards. Includes images, card analysis, a handy buying guide and more for the all-time great quarterback.
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.
Panini announces the print run of Tim Tebow’s Rookie Ticket and Rookie Ink inscription variations from 2010 Playoff Contenders Football.
Here’s all you need to know about the 2012 Panini Contenders Football Rookie Ticket RPS Autographs. We’ve got a full checklist, images, team info, buying guide, redemption details and notes on whether the signature is on-card or on a sticker.
Here’s all you need to know about the 2012 Panini Crown Royale Football Rookie Silhouette cards. We’ve got full details, a visual checklist and much more.
2012 Panini National Treasures Rookie Signature Materials are among the top rookie cards of the year. Take a comprehensive look at the set including checklist, images, redemption info, hot list, buying guide and much more.
Get an in-depth look at all of the 2012 Topps Five Star Football rookie cards including a full image gallery, print run info, detailed checklist, buying guide and more.
Want to know how to tell 2012 Topps Prime Football retail rookie card variations from hobby rookies? Our visual guide makes it easy. See all 50 of the retail versions and know what you’re looking for.
Find out which players have rookie card variations in 2012 Topps Triple Threads Football. We’ve also compiled a list of suspected short prints. Includes comprehensive details, images, buying guide and more.
Check out all of the 2013 Topps Five Star Football Rookie Autographed Patch cards, the rarest rookie cards of the year, in one handy spot. Get full set details, a complete checklist, team info and more.
Get a detailed look at all of the 2013 Topps Inception Rookie Autographs with with comprehensive guide. Includes full checklist, gallery and buying guide for the entire set.
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.
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.
2014 Panini Contenders Football has a lot of Rookie Ticket Autograph Variations. Find out about them all, how to spot them, side-by-side comparisons and more.
The 2014 Panini National Treasures Football Rookie RPS Century Materials Signatures are bound to be some of the top rookie cards of the year. Get full info, a detailed gallery and more.
“Matty Ice” has a chance to cement his legacy with the Atlanta Falcons. Check out some of the best Matt Ryan rookies to collect.
Keep track of the College Ticket variation autographs in 2017 Panini Contenders Draft Picks with our detailed checklist and gallery.
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.
Collectors have quite a few Aaron Rodgers rookie cards to pick between. We offer a detailed look at the best of the best for the Packers quarterback.
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.
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.
Find out about all five 2012 Panini Prominence Football rookie variations. See firsthand what each version looks like. Also includes a checklist of all 35 players who have five different rookie cards.
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.
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.
After struggling for years, Blake Bortles and the Jacksonville Jaguars are trending up! View a complete guide to his rookie cards, notable pre-rookie cards, college cards and much more.
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.
Get a detailed look at all DeAndre Hopkins rookie cards with this simple guide. Includes card info, images and more.
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.
Get complete details on all of Doug Martin’s rookies cards. Includes detailed card info, buying guide, images and more.
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.
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.
Are you ready for some football? Get a head start on the 2015 NFL rookie class with our detailed autograph guide for the top incoming players, including all the first round selections.
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.
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.
Guide to collecting Joe Montana’s football cards. Includes a rookie card checklist, card gallery, and more.
Guide to collecting John Elway’s football cards. Includes a rookie card checklist, card gallery, and more.
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.
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.
It didn’t take long for Panini to reveal their first rookie cards of the top 2014 NFL Draft Picks. Find out who’s headed to 2014 Score Football and take a look at their upcoming cards.
Panini wasted no time in showcasing the first NFL rookie cards of players taken in the first round of the 2013 draft. The company was quick to release card images of the majority of the top picks slated for 2013 Score Football.
A tribute to the memory of the former Arizona Cardinals Safety who believed in things larger than fame & money. Rarely are real American heroes captured on Cardboard.
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.
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.
Russell Wilson rookie cards are very popular with NFL collectors. Review the full selection for the Seahawks’ superstar QB.
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.
Guide to collecting Steve Young’s football cards. Includes a rookie card checklist, card gallery, and more.
Matthew Stafford helped guide the Rams to a Super Bowl win. Check out some of the best Matthew Stafford rookie cards available.
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.
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.
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.
As his NFL career comes to a close, at least for now, look back at the top Andrew Luck rookie 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.
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.
We count down the 10 best Colin Kaepernick rookie cards to watch and collect.
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.
We count down baseball’s 10 best rookie cards from the 1960s. Includes analysis, images and links to purchase. Players include Joe Namath, Mike Ditka and Dick Butkus.
We count down football’s 10 best rookie cards from the 1970s. Includes analysis, images and links to purchase.
We count down football’s 10 best rookie cards from the 1980s. Includes analysis, images and links to purchase.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While Hall of Fame rookie cards can get really expensive, they are not all like that. We highlight 20 budget HOF football rookie cards from the 1970s.
Not all Hall of Fame rookie cards cost a fortune. We look at the top 20 budget HOF football rookie cards from the 1980s.
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.
Check out the top NFL rookies to collect for 2020 along with a real-time hot list featuring the most-watched 2020 football rookie cards.
Curious about the top NFL rookies for 2021? This guide highlights key rookie card names and a real-time auction hot list, including Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones.
Featuring top rookie names and a real-time auction hot list, check out some of the hottest 2022 NFL rookie cards.
Led by a strong QB class, take a look at some of the hottest 2023 NFL rookie cards with top rookie names to collect and a real-time auction hot list.
Count down the top rookie cards football had to offer in the 1950s. Names include Bart Starr, Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Deshaun Watson continues to make big plays for the Houston Texans. Check out some of his key rookie cards from 2017.
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.
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.
Few teams command the collecting respect given to the Green Bay Packers. We count down the top modern and vintage Packers rookie cards of all-time.
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.
Get a rundown of some of the best Jalen Hurts rookie cards available, including notable base rookies, autographs and inserts.
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.
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.
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.
Josh Allen has led the Buffalo Bills back into contention and his notable rookie cards are seeing a lot of attention in the hobby.
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.
Justin Herbert rookie cards are very hot with NFL collectors. Check out some of his notable base cards, inserts and autographs.
Mac Jones has emerged as the top rookie in the 2021 class and his NFL rookie cards are taking off.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With so many Russell Wilson rookie cards and inserts to choose from, we count down some of the very best.
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.
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.
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.
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.
See all of the 2013 Panini National Treasures Football Rookie Patch Autograph. Numbered to 99, these are among the most valuable rookie cards of the year.
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.
There are many different Tom Brady rookie cards to collect. See them all with the detailed rookie card guide for TB12.
Guide to collecting Walter Payton’s football cards. Includes a rookie card checklist, card gallery, and more.
