C.J. Stroud, the standout quarterback of his class and the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has already made a significant impact in his early NFL career with the Houston Texans. This impressive start has sparked considerable interest in Stroud’s rookie cards among collectors and fans alike. As a former Ohio State Buckeye, his transition to the NFL was highly anticipated, and Stroud has certainly lived up to expectations, leading to a surge in demand for his rookie cards.
A variety of C.J. Stroud rookie cards are available, spanning several popular sets and series. Let’s explore some of the top cards for collectors to consider:
1. 2023 Donruss Rated Rookie C.J. Stroud RC #339: This affordable mainstream option from 2023 Donruss Football is a favorite among collectors. It features various parallels and an Optic Preview card. The Downtown insert from this set is particularly sought-after for its rarity and high value.
2. 2023 Donruss Elite C.J. Stroud RC #112 (#/999): While not as flashy as some other options, this card from Donruss Elite offers a solid rookie card. It has a base version limited to 999 copies and several rarer parallels.
3. 2023 Panini Black C.J. Stroud RC #154: This card is part of a more elusive set, given the limited number of cards per box in Panini Black Football. With only five cards per box, three of which are typically autographs or relics, Stroud’s card here is a rare find.
4. 2023 Panini Gold Standard C.J. Stroud RC #112 (#/99): In Gold Standard, Stroud’s rookie card is limited to 99 copies. The set also includes other numbered editions like Platinum, and rare inserts like Double Eagle and El Dorado.
5. 2023 Panini Mosaic C.J. Stroud RC #292: This card from Panini Mosaic Football is a popular choice across all budgets. It offers high-end parallels and key inserts for Stroud, including Kaleidoscope and Stained Glass.
6. 2023 Panini Plates & Patches C.J. Stroud RC #163: This set poses a challenge for collectors due to the scarcity of base cards. However, it remains a valuable addition for those seeking Stroud’s cards.
In terms of autographed cards, collectors will find a notable absence of pack-pulled autographs featuring Stroud in his Texans jersey. However, several collegiate/prospect autograph cards are available from various manufacturers, including Bowman/Topps, Panini, and Leaf.
One licensed NFL autograph card that collectors can pursue is the 2023 Panini Instant RPS First Look Autographs C.J. Stroud #42 (#/391). This early release from Panini offered direct-to-consumer autographs in limited quantities. Additionally, the 2023 Topps Now Draft Football card, though lacking NFL licensing, features an on-card autograph from Stroud based on his NFL Draft night appearance.
As the year progresses, more 2023 Football Cards will be released, including popular brands. This means collectors can expect to find even more options for adding C.J. Stroud rookie cards to their collections. Whether you’re seeking mainstream, inexpensive options or rare, high-value inserts and autographs, the range of C.J. Stroud rookie cards offers something for every collector and fan of this rising NFL star. Collectors, get ready to score big with these coveted cards!
