Remember pulling that shiny rookie card from a pack? That little piece of cardboard can be worth a surprising amount of money today! Football cards are more than just collectibles; they are a real investment. But with so many players and cards out there, how do you know which ones will actually make you money?
It’s easy to feel lost when trying to pick the best football cards to buy. Do you chase the newest star? Or stick with established legends? Choosing wrong can mean your money sits there doing nothing. You want to invest wisely, not just gamble. Finding the right balance between risk and reward is the key to success in this hobby.
This post cuts through the noise. We will show you exactly what types of football cards have the best potential for growth. You will learn about rookie cards, graded gems, and which positions always hold value. By the end, you will have a clear plan for building a profitable card portfolio.
Top Football Cards To Invest In Recommendations
- Barry Sanders
- Seller
- Dallas Cowboys
- Football
- What do you get for $9.99?
- 15 Sports Cards of football Players
- 4 of the cards will be Rookies from past years mostly (2013-2025)
- (On average, 1 in 3 packs will have an Autograph, Memorabilia, RPA, Numbered, or Graded Card)
- LOOK FOR Jayden Daniels, Joe Burrow, Drake Maye, Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Ja’Marr Chase, Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, C.J. Stroud, Bo Nix, Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr, Trevor Lawrence, HOFers and other great players!.... (Keep in mind, they are only found in some packs, NOT ALL)... PLEASE NOTE: The photos are examples of cards you could receive. These cards will be in some of the hot packs, but not all... Please read this entire description to understand what will be in your pack.
- What do you get for $14.99?
- 15 Sports Cards of football Players
- 7 of the cards will be Rookies from past years mostly (2013-2025)
- (On average, 1 in 3 packs will have an Autograph, Memorabilia, RPA, Numbered, or Graded Card)
- LOOK FOR Jayden Daniels, Joe Burrow, Drake Maye, Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Ja’Marr Chase, Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, C.J. Stroud, Bo Nix, Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr, Trevor Lawrence, HOFers and other great players!.... (Keep in mind, they are only found in some packs, NOT ALL)... PLEASE NOTE: The photos are examples of cards you could receive. These cards will be in some of the hot packs, but not all... Please read this entire description to understand what will be in your pack.
- You will receive at least 60 NFL Football cards in factory sealed, vintage packs.
- Brands may include Topps, Bowman, Fleer, Pro Set, Score, Upper Deck and more.
- Years range from 1980's-1990's.
- Possible Rookie Cards, Hall of Famers, and all the big names came from this era!
- Possible Dan Marino , Emmitt Smith , Troy Aikman , Joe Montana , Barry Sanders Cards
- What do you get for $9.99?
- 15 Sports Cards of football Players
- 5 of the cards will be Rookies from past years mostly (2013-2025)
- (On average, 1 in 3 packs will have an Autograph, Memorabilia, RPA, Numbered, or Graded Card)
- LOOK FOR Jayden Daniels, Joe Burrow, Drake Maye, Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Ja’Marr Chase, Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, C.J. Stroud, Bo Nix, Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr, Trevor Lawrence, HOFers and other great players!.... (Keep in mind, they are only found in some packs, NOT ALL)... PLEASE NOTE: The photos are examples of cards you could receive. These cards will be in some of the hot packs, but not all... Please read this entire description to understand what will be in your pack.
- PACK CONTENTS: Each Mystery Pack includes 3 authentic autographed football cards
- CARD VARIETY: Collection features a mix of veteran players, Hall of Famers, rookies, MVPs, and promising prospects
- VALUE FOCUSED: Specially curated packs designed to provide collectors with higher value autographed cards in every pack
- AUTHENTIC SIGNATURES: Each pack contains 3 genuine hand-signed football cards from professional players
- UNGRADED CARDS: All autographed cards come in ungraded condition, perfect for collectors and trading enthusiasts
- Each Pack Contains 15 Total Score Football Cards
- What do you get for $9.99?
- 15 Sports Cards of football Players
- 9 of the cards will be Rookies from past years mostly (2013-2025)
- (On average, 1 in 3 packs will have an Autograph, Memorabilia, RPA, Numbered, or Graded Card)
- LOOK FOR Jayden Daniels, Joe Burrow, Drake Maye, Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Ja’Marr Chase, Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, C.J. Stroud, Bo Nix, Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr, Trevor Lawrence, HOFers and other great players!.... (Keep in mind, they are only found in some packs, NOT ALL)... PLEASE NOTE: The photos are examples of cards you could receive. These cards will be in some of the hot packs, but not all... Please read this entire description to understand what will be in your pack.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Investing in Football Cards
Football cards offer a fun way to collect and potentially grow your money. This guide helps you pick the right cards for investing. Think of it like picking a player for your dream team!
Key Features to Look For in Investment Cards
When you buy football cards to invest, certain features make a card more valuable. These are the things smart collectors watch closely.
- Rookie Cards (RC): Always look for a player’s very first card in a major set. Rookie cards are usually the most sought-after and appreciate fastest.
- Parallels and Variations: These are special, limited-edition versions of a base card. Look for cards with low print runs (fewer made). Numbered parallels (like /50 or /10) are highly desirable.
- Autographs and Relics: Cards signed by the player (autographs) or cards containing a piece of a game-used jersey (relics) often hold strong value, especially if the player is a star.
- Grading Potential: Think about how well the card is centered and if the corners are sharp. Cards that can achieve a high grade (like PSA 10 or BGS 9.5) sell for much more.
Important Materials and Card Types
The card itself is made from different materials. Some materials are better for long-term holding.
- Card Stock: Modern cards often use thicker, premium card stock. This feels sturdier than older, thinner cards.
- Inserts: These are special cards placed randomly in packs. High-end inserts from reputable brands (like Panini National Treasures or Topps Chrome) are important investment pieces.
- Licensing: Ensure the card has the official NFL or NFLPA logo. Unlicensed cards are much less valuable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Card Quality
A card’s condition is everything in collecting. A small flaw can drop the price significantly.
Factors That Improve Value:
- Centering: The picture on the card should be perfectly centered within the borders. Good centering adds major value.
- Sharp Corners and Edges: The corners must be crisp, not rounded or fuzzy. The edges must be clean.
- Surface Quality: The card surface should be free of scratches, print lines, or indentations.
Factors That Reduce Value:
- Handling Damage: Cards that have been roughly handled often get scratches or bent corners. Avoid these if investing.
- Sticker Autographs: Some autographs are signed on a sticker placed on the card, rather than directly on the card surface. Direct on-card autographs are usually preferred by serious collectors.
- Condition Creases: Any fold or crease, even tiny ones, drastically lowers the investment potential.
User Experience and Use Cases for Football Cards
Why do people buy these cards? The experience is twofold: collecting enjoyment and financial potential.
Collecting Enjoyment: Opening packs is exciting! You get to hold history in your hands. Many people focus on collecting their favorite players or teams. This is the hobby aspect.
Investment Use Case: Serious investors buy cards of young, promising players who are just starting their careers. If that player becomes a superstar, the card value increases. You must hold onto these cards safely, usually by getting them professionally graded and protected in cases.
Protection is Key: Always immediately place valuable cards into a protective sleeve and a top-loader (a hard plastic holder). This protects the card until you decide to grade it or sell it.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Investing in Football Cards
Q: What is the best year to start buying cards from?
A: Generally, you want to focus on the rookie years of current or rising stars. For established stars, look at cards from the early 2010s or late 2000s, depending on the player’s career peak.
Q: Should I buy sealed hobby boxes or individual cards?
A: For guaranteed investment returns, buying confirmed high-value individual cards (singles) is usually safer. Hobby boxes offer the thrill of the chase but carry more risk.
Q: What does “grading” a card mean?
A: Grading means sending your card to a company like PSA or Beckett. They examine the card’s condition and assign it a numerical score from 1 (poor) to 10 (gem mint). A high grade boosts the price significantly.
Q: Are older, vintage cards always better investments than modern cards?
A: Not necessarily. Vintage cards (pre-1980s) are great for history, but modern rookie cards of current superstars often see faster growth if the player performs well.
Q: What is a “Case Hit”?
A: A case hit is a very rare card found only when opening an entire sealed case of product. These are often highly valuable because they are hard to pull.
Q: How do I know if a player is a good investment target?
A: Research their performance, age, and position. Young quarterbacks and elite wide receivers who are already performing well are usually the safest bets.
Q: Is there a difference between Panini and Topps football cards?
A: Yes. Panini currently holds the exclusive license for most new NFL trading cards. Cards from brands without the current NFL license are often less desirable for high-end investment.
Q: How do I store my investment cards safely?
A: Store them flat, away from sunlight, heat, and humidity. Keep them in protective sleeves inside a sealed storage box or safe.
Q: What is a “1/1” card?
A: A 1/1 card means only one copy of that specific card exists in the entire production run. These are the rarest and often command the highest prices.
Q: Can I lose money investing in football cards?
A: Yes. If a player gets injured or performs poorly, the card’s value can drop. This is why diversification (buying cards of several different players) is important.