Do you ever walk down the toy aisle at Walmart, see those colorful packs of football cards, and wonder which one to grab? Maybe you want to find a rookie card of a future superstar, or perhaps you just want a fun, affordable hobby to enjoy on game day. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed! Walmart stocks so many different brands and types of football cards, from the newest releases to older favorites, and knowing what’s inside each box can be tricky.
Picking the wrong pack means you might miss out on that epic rookie card or end up with duplicates you don’t need. We understand that frustration! This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you exactly which football card products at Walmart offer the best value, the highest chance of pulling rare finds, and the most excitement for your money.
Keep reading, and you’ll walk away knowing precisely which boxes and packs to look for on your next Walmart run. Let’s dive in and find you some winners!
Top Football Cards To Buy At Walmart Recommendations
- 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
- Each pack includes: 20 trading cards
- Discover 3 exclusive blue parallels per pack, typically
- Search for the rare KABOOM inserts
- Keep an eye out for the ultra-rare EXPLOSIVE inserts
- Absolute Football: A classic collection celebrating top NFL stars and rookies. Find Green Base and Rookie Card parallels, plus a variety of retail-exclusive autograph and memorabilia cards! Showcasing the 2024 Rookie Draft Class
- Contains at least one unopened vintage pack of football cards that is at least 25 years old
- Ships in brand new white box perfect for gift giving
- Includes a Jime Thorpe Football Card
- In this collection are cards from manufacturers such as Topps, Upper Deck, Fleer, Score, and Proset, Pacific, Stadium Club, Pinnacle, Sage, and many more.
- 600 football cards spanning five decades of football history
- Years range from 1980's-1990's
- All packs are original and sealed
- Chance of finding possible superstars like Brett Favre, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman & more!
- 300 cards typically equals 20-22 packs
- Brands will vary and stock photos used
- HIGH-QUALITY ASSORTED CARDS - PressTine provides 100 assorted football cards plus 2 memorabilia cards that are high-quality. Each football card is in near-mint condition, offering valuable quality for collectors.
- HAND-PICKED MEMORABILIA CARDS INCLUDED - Every football card pack comes with 2 special memorabilia cards, either an autograph or a jersey card. This adds an extra layer of excitement for both seasoned collectors and beginners.
- CURATED SELECTION IN NEAR-MINT CONDITION - All football trading card packs are factory-sealed to preserve their near-mint-condition. This ensures that collectors can enjoy pristine cards right out of the pack, perfect for display or trading.
- DIVERSE YEAR AND BRAND MIX - Our football sports cards span from the 70s to the present, featuring cards from licensed manufacturers and brands. Every sports cards pack offers something different, with a chance to find key players and memorable moments.
- MUST-HAVE FOR ANY COLLECTOR – The PressTine 100 Football Cards Set works well for new and experienced collectors. Our football cards packs are an easy way to grow or start a collection, and they also make a nice gift for football fans.
- Exact cards per lot varies- Please see pics for possible cards
- Great starter kit for first time collectors or party favors. Great Gift
- All cards are near mint to mint condition
- Lots could include a mix of vintage to modern players.
- All lots are shipped in Custom Souvenir Case to ensure cards arrive undamaged.
- Fat Pack Box Details: 22 cards per pack, 12 packs per box, totaling 264 trading cards
- Spot Autographs of Top NFL Players
- Discover Exclusive Green Parallels
- Unveil Ultra-Rare Inserts like Permit to Dominate and Superstar Die-Cuts
- Contenders Football 2024: Autographs, Parallels, Inserts and More
- Kruk Cards Exclusive! 100 Vintage Football Cards in Older Factory Sealed Packs
- You will receive at least (100) football cards in factory sealed, vintage packs.
- Authenticity Guaranteed: Each pack is factory-sealed, ensuring that the cards inside are untouched and in near mint/mint condition.
- Variety of Eras: The collection includes packs from various decades, offering a diverse range of players and teams.
- Perfect for Collectors and Enthusiasts alike! Everyone loves opening packs!
The Ultimate Walmart Football Card Buying Guide
Walmart is a fantastic place to start your football card collecting journey. They offer a wide variety of options that are perfect for beginners and seasoned collectors alike. This guide will help you pick the best packs and boxes for your money.
Key Features to Look For
When you open a pack, you want to find exciting things. Look for these key features:
- Rookies: These are cards of players in their first year. Rookie cards (RCs) can become very valuable if the player becomes a superstar.
- Inserts: These are special, often shiny or uniquely designed cards that are harder to find than the base cards.
- Parallels: These are color variations of the regular cards. Some colors are rarer than others, making them more sought after.
- Autographs and Memorabilia Cards: These are the holy grail! Autographs have a player’s signature. Memorabilia cards include a tiny piece of a game-worn jersey or helmet.
Important Materials and Packaging
Most modern football cards use sturdy card stock, which is a thick type of paper. This material helps the cards last longer.
- Card Stock Thickness: Thicker cards often signal a higher-end product, but even the packs at Walmart use good quality card stock.
- Packaging: At Walmart, you usually find two main types of packaging: Blasters and Hobby Boxes (sometimes available), or simple Hobby Packs/Value Packs. Blasters are usually the best bang for your buck for new collectors.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of what you pull depends on the brand and the specific product line.
Improving Quality (What to buy for better chances):
- Brand Recognition: Cards from major brands like Panini (which currently holds the NFL license) are usually reliable. Look for specific lines known for inserts, like “Prizm” or “Optic” if you see them, though these might be pricier.
- Guaranteed Hits: Some boxes (like Blasters) might advertise a “guaranteed” number of exclusive parallels or hits. Always check the box summary!
Reducing Quality (What to watch out for):
- Mass Market Products: Some very cheap packs are designed just to get cards into everyone’s hands. These usually have fewer special inserts or lower chances for autographs.
- Damage During Shipping: Sometimes, cards get slightly bent or dinged during shipping to the store. Always check the box or pack for crushing before you buy it.
User Experience and Use Cases
Why do people buy football cards at Walmart? The experience is fun and accessible.
For the Casual Fan/Beginner Collector:
Walmart packs are perfect for dipping your toes in. You can buy a small pack, open it immediately, and enjoy the thrill of discovery. It’s a great way to build a base collection of your favorite team or current players without spending a lot of money.
For the Investor/Serious Collector:
Serious collectors often target specific, higher-end products, but Walmart Blasters can sometimes yield unexpected treasures. If a new, highly anticipated rookie class drops, buying a few Walmart Blasters offers a budget-friendly chance at pulling a valuable card. Keep any valuable rookies in protective sleeves immediately!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying Football Cards at Walmart
Q: Which brand of football cards does Walmart usually sell?
A: Walmart primarily sells cards produced by Panini, as they currently hold the official NFL license for trading cards.
Q: Should I buy Blasters or Value Packs?
A: Blasters usually offer more cards and often guarantee some exclusive parallel cards, giving you a better experience than smaller value packs.
Q: Are the rookie cards found at Walmart the same as those in hobby shops?
A: The base rookie cards are the same, but Walmart boxes often contain Walmart-exclusive parallel colors that you won’t find in hobby shop boxes.
Q: How can I tell if a card is rare?
A: Look for low numbers printed on the back (like 05/10 or 12/50). Also, unique colors or shiny finishes usually mean the card is rarer than the standard base card.
Q: What is a “hit”?
A: A “hit” is collector slang for a special card, usually an autograph or a memorabilia card. They are the most exciting pulls!
Q: Can I return unopened packs of football cards at Walmart?
A: Policies can vary, but generally, unopened trading cards are returnable within a specific window if you have the receipt, provided the packaging is intact.
Q: What is the best time of year to buy new football cards at Walmart?
A: The best time is right after the new NFL season starts (usually September/October) when the newest rookie class cards are released.
Q: Do Walmart football cards lose value if I open them?
A: Yes, almost all cards lose significant value the moment you open the pack. Only very rare, high-grade cards hold their value well after opening.
Q: Are the cards I find at Walmart good for grading?
A: Some are! If you find a card in perfect condition (no scratches, centered well), you can send it to a grading company. Centering is very important for high grades.
Q: How should I store my valuable pulls immediately?
A: Always place valuable cards immediately into a soft penny sleeve, and then put that sleeved card into a hard plastic top-loader for maximum protection.