Super Bowl Champion! Top Matthew Stafford Rookie Cards to Collect
Despite being one of the more statistically accomplished NFL quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford did not see much team success with the Detroit Lions. Now with the Los Angeles Rams, Stafford has added a Super Bowl LVI win to his résumé. This new title means Matthew Stafford rookie cards are seeing renewed interest from collectors.
As the top pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, Matthew Stafford has been known to collectors for a long time. However, given that championships ultimately dictate hobby love, at least among the elite, Stafford was easier to overlook with the Lions. That changed with the 2021 trade that sent Stafford to the Rams in exchange for Jared Goff and several future draft picks. The change of scenery was beneficial and Stafford immediately established strong chemistry with Cooper Kupp.
Given all the hobby differences since then, the Matthew Stafford rookie cards feel like they were released decades ago. At that time, multiple card companies issued licensed rookies and some beloved brands were still in operation for NFL cards. Totaling over 40 rookie choices, this includes official rookies from Topps and Upper Deck.
Fans can also get a real-time look at the most popular Matthew Stafford card auctions currently on eBay.
Top Matthew Stafford Rookie Cards Base
Shop for cards or check completed sales values using the eBay links.
2009 Bowman Chrome Matthew Stafford RC #111
Collectors have long appreciated Topps' chromium NFL releases and the base rookie from 2009 Bowman Chrome Football is a popular choice for Stafford fans.
The main card is still relatively affordable and in good supply. Refractor parallels naturally up the prices and rarity.
If you want to go really big, there are signed cards for Stafford, as well, including an autograph and autograph relic.
2009 Topps Chrome Matthew Stafford RC #TC210
2009 Topps Chrome NFL is more popular than Bowman Chrome, at least among Matt Stafford rookie collectors.
While the base price has not gotten out of hand yet, the parallels are another story.
The autographed version is also appealing and pricey.
2009 Topps Finest Matthew Stafford RC #100
For those looking for something more unique as far as the design, 2009 Finest Football may offer the best of Stafford's chromium options.
The field-styled background gives the card a little more character. Of course, collectors have multiple Refractors to chase, as well.
The autograph relic card, numbered to only 109 copies, is another key choice.
Top Matthew Stafford Rookie Cards Autographs
With the Matthew Stafford rookie cards, his autographs tend to produce the highest prices. Several key cards are covered below but there are many more out there.
2009 Exquisite Collection Matthew Stafford RC #183 Autograph Relic #/99
If you want the very best Matthew Stafford rookie card, 2009 Exquisite Collection NFL is home to arguably the top card. The ornate RPA has only 99 copies and pairs an on-card signature with a jersey swatch.
2009 National Treasures Matthew Stafford RC #121 Autograph Relic #/99
While some might put NT at the top, at worst, it's his second-best rookie card. It matches Exquisite in nearly every attribute but the design does feel a little more awkward.
2009 Playoff Contenders Matthew Stafford RC #101 Autograph
For some, the Rookie Ticket line is the best place to look for Matthew Stafford's top first-year cards. While the hard-signed card is not numbered, the announced print run is 540 copies, which keeps the supply more reasonable.
Please note that many of these signatures have not aged well so inspect the signing area closely.
2009 SP Authentic Matthew Stafford RC #403 Autograph Relic #/499
Another card of note with a higher print run is found in 2009 SP Authentic Football. Other than the higher print run and smaller jersey piece, it matches up with some of the high-end options on the list. This is also one of the best-looking Matthew Stafford rookie cards.
2009 Ultimate Collection Matthew Stafford RC #201 Autograph #/99
On top of Exquisite and SP Authentic, Upper Deck issued a rare Ultimate Collection release for Stafford. The Ultimate Rookie Signatures card has only 99 base copies.
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Kelly
What most people don’t know about Stafford is that while in Detroit he threw for 20,000, 30,000, and 40,000 yards faster than any other QB in NFL history and he did that in DETROIT. Many argue that he is not a HOF QB but if you look at what he has done in his career I say he should be in HOF without question. I also think his RCs are undervalued and I think there will be a time, probably sooner than later, people realize that and you see prices take off. I have a several of his RCs and always looking for more if I can get a good deal as I believe they are good investment.