As the NFL playoffs intensify and the final four quarterbacks battle for a shot at the Super Bowl, their rare rookie cards are also creating waves in the world of sports memorabilia. Patrick Mahomes II, Brock Purdy, Lamar Jackson, and Jared Goff are not only making headlines on the field but also seeing their rookie cards soar in value through online auctions.
The AFC Championship game features a highly anticipated matchup between Mahomes, a two-time Super Bowl champion and considered a high-end collectible hero in the hobby, and Jackson, the leading candidate for the 2023 NFL MVP award. In the NFC championship, Purdy and Goff, ranked third and fourth respectively in passing touchdowns for the season, will go head-to-head for a chance to reach the Super Bowl.
While fans eagerly watch these quarterbacks battle it out on television, collectors and sports enthusiasts have turned to online auctions to get their hands on rare rookie cards featuring these star players. On eBay in January, bidding wars have erupted for these coveted items, resulting in staggering prices.
One standout item that attracted massive attention was a 2017 autographed Panini National Treasures Black card of Patrick Mahomes, which managed to sell for an impressive $19,300 after receiving 62 bids. Another notable Mahomes card, a 2017 signed Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket card graded BGS 9.5, fetched an impressive $16,577 from 51 bids.
Brock Purdy, the second-year sensation from San Francisco, is also causing a stir in the world of rookie cards. His 2022 Playoff Contenders signed Rookie Ticket “Cracked Ice” variation, graded PSA 10 and one of only 22 made, managed to sell for an astonishing $10,268 on 27 bids. This trend of Purdy’s cards reaching the five-figure mark continued with a 2022 National Treasures signed patch card, graded PSA 9, which garnered an impressive $15,000 after 53 bids.
Lamar Jackson’s rookie cards are also witnessing significant action, with his Gem-Mint 2018 Panini Prizm Black Finite card capturing the attention of collectors. This sought-after card fetched an astounding $51,100 after 76 bids. Another valuable Jackson item, a 2018 National Treasures autographed patch card numbered #27/99 and graded BGS 9.5, sold for an impressive $18,000 on 39 bids.
Despite a mixed start with the Rams and subsequent improvement since joining the Lions, Jared Goff’s cards are also gaining momentum. A 2019 Panini Absolute Kaboom! card, marked as a gold variation and limited to just #6/10, generated significant interest and eventually sold for $3,049 after 50 bids. Additionally, a 2016 Donruss Optic Gold Prizm rookie card, marked as #2/10 and graded BGS 10, fetched $2,950 on 32 bids.
The excitement on the field during the NFL playoffs is evidently mirrored in the sports memorabilia market. The rookie cards of these top quarterbacks, from Mahomes’ hero status to Purdy’s rising stardom, Jackson’s versatility, and Goff’s resurgence, are proving to be valuable and sought-after items in the world of sports collectibles. As the playoffs progress and the Super Bowl draws nearer, it’s clear that these quarterback prodigies are not only making a mark on the gridiron, but also in the wallets of collectors worldwide.
