Marcus Mariota Rookie Cards Guide and Checklist

Rookie Cards

Following a 2014 college season that saw Marcus Mariota compile an impressive list of accolades with Oregon, the collecting interest is building based on his NFL performance. Now a member of the Tennessee Titans, there are several card options already available and plenty of Marcus Mariota rookie cards are on the way.

After sitting out his first season as a redshirt freshman, Marcus Mariota took the helm at the University of Oregon and put forth three strong seasons. This all culminated with a junior year for the ages in 2014. Mariota was named the AP Player of the Year and won a string of other hardware, including the Davey O'Brien Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Walter Camp Award, Maxwell Award and finally the Hesiman Trophy.

Not just about the individual awards, Mariota led the Oregon Ducks past the defending champion Florida State Seminoles and Jameis Winston in the Rose Bowl. However, he came up short in his quest for a title, losing to Ohio State University in the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship.

Marcus Mariota was considered a lock for the first round, but his stock surged leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft, eventually landing him second overall to the Tennessee Titans. Although his hobby recognition was already strong, this pushed things to another level. His veteran-like play with the Titans led to him being named the September Rookie of the Month and boosted his already-strong interest. Like previous seasons where quarterbacks were the top two selections, expect plenty of comparisons between Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston.

There are already quite a few official Marcus Mariota rookie cards available, with many more on the horizon. However, several of his early cards, notably his college-themed cards from Upper Deck and Panini, should see long-term interest. The following guide features all rookie cards for Mariota as well as his key pre-rookie and college-themed cards from 2015 products. The guide will be updated as more cards are released.

Marcus Mariota Rookie Card Guide

Click on the images or listings to shop for cards on eBay. 

2015 Bowman Marcus Mariota RC #22

While long-term value will be minimal, the first Topps rookie card for Marcus Mariota comes from 2015 Bowman. The low-end base card features an airbrushed college image and has a generic feel. The more appealing options for Mariota come in the form of Chrome Refractors with on-card autographs.

2015 Donruss Rated Rookie Marcus Mariota RC #202

Featuring a retro design and familiar Rated Rookie subset, the rookie card for Marcus Mariota is an inexpensive way to start a collection. The value will never be high, but the card is a solid budget choice.

2015 Panini Certified Marcus Mariota RC #235 Autographed Jersey #/199

The Refractor-like effect and large patch give the Panini Certified rookie card a distinct look. The sticker autograph is not ideal but the lower print run makes it a value option.

2015 Panini Clear Vision Marcus Mariota RC #102

The first major release to include Mariota in his Tennessee Titans jersey, 2015 Panini Clear Vision is an acetate release. The appealing look and NFL jersey should result in lasting interest. There is also a short print variation that is shown on the right.

2015 Panini Gridiron Kings Marcus Mariota RC #136

Artistic with an added frame, Gridiron Kings is not the run-of-the-mill rookie card option and that is a good thing. As an appealing rookie card, the painted look is distinct and there are also additional frame choices for Marcus Mariota collectors.

2015 Panini Playbook Marcus Mariota RC #51 Jersey #/199

Two cards in one, the Playbook rookie for Marcus Mariota features both a large and medium jersey swatch and there is also a signed version. Both base versions are numbered to 199 and there are limited parallels as well.

2015 Panini Prestige Marcus Mariota RC #264

Although it was released after Clear Vision, 2015 Panini Prestige reverts back to the college image of Marcus Mariota for the base rookie cards. However, collectors can track down a short print variation with a Titans jersey.

2015 Panini Rookies & Stars Marcus Mariota RC #108

Limited to Target, the Rookies & Stars RC might not get as much recognition among Marcus Mariota collectors but it is available to wide group given where it is found.

2015 Panini Spectra Marcus Mariota RC #117 #/99, #162 Autographed Jersey #/99

One of the more limited Marcus Mariota rookie cards, Spectra has three different cards, each numbered to 99. The two base cards are distinguished only based on the image differences. The autographed jersey card has a very similar look to the Certified card, but with a smaller patch and a little less busy design.

2015 Score Marcus Mariota RC #368

Simple and inexpensive, the 2015 Score rookie card for Marcus Mariota benefits from the college license acquired by Panini. Although the plain rookie card will never be worth much, it is makes for a much more appealing early rookie card option.

2015 Topps Marcus Mariota RC #429

Another cheap choice for collectors, the flagship Topps product offers both a base rookie and short print variation for Marcus Mariota.

2015 Topps Inception Marcus Mariota #RA-2 Autograph

While it is not part of the base set, many collectors still consider the Rookie Autographs insert to be an official rookie card. Mariota appears to be part of the short prints subjects as only parallels numbered to 50 or less have surfaced. There is also an image variation that is limited to ten copies. Despite being an earlier release, the Inception card commands continued interest thanks to the low print run, appealing design and on-card signature.

2015 Topps Valor Marcus Mariota RC #56

While heavily altered backgrounds are not a new concept, and the design is actually quite similar to Inception, Valor continues its run as a solid budget rookie card for collectors.

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