NFL Crown Jewels: The Most Coveted NFL Football Cards of Legendary MVP Winners
Football cards have long been a prized possession for sports card collectors, holding memories, career-defining moments, and the allure of the sport’s biggest legends. Among the most valuable cards are those of NFL players who have achieved unparalleled greatness, like winning the league MVP multiple times. Six such players have earned the prestigious MVP award at least three times and they are Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Jim Brown, and Johnny Unitas. Their rookie cards, autographs, and rare variations are among the most coveted treasures in the sports card market today.
Let’s dive into the most sought-after football cards for each of these legends and explore why these pieces of cardboard hold such immense value.
- Peyton Manning – The Masterful Maestro of Offense
Peyton Manning's legacy in football is undeniable, and his cards are just as legendary. Manning, a five-time MVP winner, revolutionized the quarterback position with his mental acumen and pinpoint accuracy.
His 1998 Topps Chrome #165 Rookie Card is one of the most iconic cards of this NFL great. Known for its glossy finish and pristine design, it’s a card that commands respect in the hobby. In gem-mint or pristine conditions, this card can fetch a high price, especially as Manning continues to be a beloved figure in the football world, post-retirement.
But perhaps the crown jewel of Manning cards is the 1998 Playoff Contenders Ticket Autograph #87. This autographed rookie card has it all—scarcity, an on-card signature, and the prestige of being from one of the most respected sets in football card history. With only a limited number in existence, it's a card that top-tier collectors dream about owning.
2. Aaron Rodgers – The Precision Passer
Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP winner, continues to dazzle football fans with his ability to make impossible throws look routine. As his legacy grows, so does the value of his rookie cards.
His 2005 Topps Chrome #190 Rookie Card is a favorite among collectors. Like Manning’s Topps Chrome, Rodgers' card from this set boasts a sleek design and is highly sought after in mint condition.
Even more prestigious is the 2005 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph #101. As one of the most valuable Rodgers cards, this autographed rookie card is a key highlight of his early career. Its rarity and the fact that it features Rodgers’ authentic signature make it a true collector’s piece, particularly for fans who have followed Rodgers’ journey from backup to legend.
3. Tom Brady – The Greatest of all Time
Tom Brady’s dominance on the football field has been mirrored in the world of sports cards, where his most iconic cards have shattered records. Brady, a three-time MVP and seven-time Super Bowl champion, boasts some of the highest-priced cards in the history of the hobby.
The holy grail of football cards is Brady's 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket Autograph #144. This card is as rare as it gets, with only a handful available in high grades. Its combination of rarity, an on-card autograph, and the fact that its Brady’s rookie card has made it one of the most valuable football cards ever sold, with some reaching into the seven-figure range at auction.
For those who can’t quite reach the astronomical prices of the Championship Ticket, Brady’s 2000 Bowman Chrome #236 Rookie Card offers another opportunity to own a prized piece. Known for its beautiful chrome finish, this card has become a staple for serious Brady collectors.
4. Brett Favre – The Iron Man
Brett Favre’s rugged play style and gunslinger mentality made him a fan favorite during his 20-year career, which included three consecutive MVP awards from 1995 to 1997.
The 1991 Stadium Club #94 Rookie Card is one of Favre’s most iconic cards. It captures the early days of his career before he became a legend in Green Bay. While not as rare as some others, it remains one of his most popular rookie cards, especially for collectors who appreciate the nostalgic feel of early '90s cards.
A more elusive Favre card is the 1991 Wild Card 1000 Stripe Rookie. The Wild Card series introduced a unique “stripe” system, with the 1000-stripe cards being extremely rare. This card, with its rarity and association with Favre’s rookie year, holds considerable value.
5. Jim Brown – The Powerhouse Running Back
Jim Brown, a three-time MVP and arguably the greatest running back of all time, is a legend whose influence transcends football. His rookie card is equally legendary.
The 1958 Topps #62 Rookie Card is Jim Brown’s only recognized rookie card, and it’s one of the most valuable vintage football cards ever. The card's historical significance, coupled with Brown’s enduring legacy, makes it a must-have for vintage collectors. Cards in mint condition command significant premiums due to the age and scarcity of well-preserved versions.
6. Johnny Unitas – The Original Quarterback Star
Johnny Unitas is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the modern quarterback position. His career, which spanned three decades, left an indelible mark on the NFL.
Unitas’ most coveted card is his 1957 Topps #138 Rookie Card. This vintage card is one of the earliest and most iconic football cards, symbolizing the golden age of the sport. Collectors cherish it not only for its historical value but also for the challenge of finding it in good condition due to the card’s age and print quality from that era.
Football cards of legends like Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Jim Brown, and Johnny Unitas are more than just pieces of cardboard. They represent the careers of some of the greatest players to ever take the field. As the sports card market continues to evolve, these cards will remain treasured assets in any collection, holding both sentimental and monetary value for years to come.
Bio: Matt Schilling, a lifelong sportscard collector and a proud graduate of Towson University (Class of 2006) who currently resides in Queens, New York, is one of the newest contributing authors to the Collectibles segment now featured on http://SI.com