Are Football Cards worth any money nowadays?

November 06, 2025 - Football cards have been cherished by collectors for decades, with certain cards appreciating significantly in value over time. From vintage rookie cards to limited-edition autographs, the football card market offers a diverse range of valuable collectibles. Is there a market for Football Cards? One aspect of football card collecting that many people are unaware of is the potential monetary value of certain cards. The market for football cards has fluctuated, influenced by factors such as player popularity, rarity, and overall demand. High-grade rookie cards, autographed inserts, and limited-print runs often command strong resale values, while mass-produced base cards may hold less monetary worth.

The Market For Football Cards

The market for football cards remains robust, driven by dedicated collectors and sports memorabilia investors. However, the demand is particularly strong for cards in "Mint Condition" that have been professionally graded by companies like PSA, SGC, or Beckett. Cards exhibiting wear, creases, or discoloration typically hold less value. Primary venues for trading high-value football cards include sports card conventions, online marketplaces, and major auction houses.

Factors Affecting Price

Condition is crucial when determining a football card’s value. Cards in near-mint condition with high professional grading scores fetch significantly higher prices than those with surface damage, frayed edges, or centering issues. Rarity and edition also play a major role—low-print runs, autographed cards, and special parallel inserts are highly desirable. Player significance impacts value as well, with cards featuring legendary players such as Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and Peyton Manning attracting serious collectors. Market trends influence demand, with both lifelong collectors and new investors shaping football card values.

Buying and Selling Football Cards

For those interested in buying and selling football cards, authenticity and condition are key. Ensuring that a card has been professionally graded and verifying authenticity through reputable sources is essential, as counterfeit and reprinted cards can diminish value. Market trends fluctuate, and certain cards may increase in value over time while others remain stable. Knowledgeable collectors can find profitable opportunities through online auctions, sports memorabilia conventions, and specialty card shops.

Who buys Football Cards today?

Collectors, sports memorabilia investors, and nostalgia-driven buyers continue to drive the market for football cards. However, as older collectors downsize their collections, demand for specific cards may shift. High-end buyers seek rare and pristine-condition cards, while casual collectors look for affordable nostalgic pieces. Despite changing trends, interest in football cards remains strong, particularly for historically significant and Hall of Fame player cards. Not all football cards have monetary value, but some remain highly sought after. Examples include rookie cards, autographed inserts, and rare parallel versions.

Top 5 Football Cards to hunt for

1. 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady Rookie Card Autograph – Highly coveted, with high-grade versions selling for $550,000+.


2. 1958 Topps Jim Brown Rookie Card #62 – A classic vintage card, valued at $300,000+ in mint condition.


3. 1981 Topps Joe Montana Rookie Card #216 – A sought-after card from a legendary quarterback, worth $40,000+ in high grade.


4. 1998 Playoff Contenders Peyton Manning Rookie Ticket Autograph – A desirable autograph card, valued at $50,000+ in pristine condition.


5. 2017 Panini National Treasures Patrick Mahomes Rookie Patch Autograph – A modern-era gem, valued at $160,000+ in top grade.

Learn More About The Value of your Football Cards

iGuide’s appraisal service is a good way to discover the value of your football cards. Learn more.