If you’re an NFL fan or just curious about collecting NFL cards, 2025 is the perfect time to get started. With huge rookie classes, incredible card designs, and a growing Aussie fanbase, it’s never been easier—or more fun—to jump in.
🏈 Start here: Shop all NFL Cards
What is NFL?
The National Football League (NFL) is the premier gridiron football league in the United States, featuring 32 teams and a history packed with unforgettable moments, legendary players, and loyal fanbases.
And yes, it’s gaining serious traction in Australia—thanks to explosive plays, massive Super Bowl hype, and a strong fantasy football scene. Combine that with a booming sports card market, and you’ve got a recipe for hobby gold.
The History of NFL Trading Cards
NFL trading cards have been around for decades, with early issues dating back to the 1940s. Over time, they’ve evolved from simple collectibles into premium products packed with autographs, rare parallels, and pieces of game-worn gear.
Brands like Topps, Score, and later Panini led the charge. And while sets like 1989 Score Barry Sanders RC or 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady RC Auto are grails, today's collectors are chasing Prizm golds, shield patches, and rookie autos from the newest stars.
Why Are NFL Cards Still So Popular in 2025?
NFL cards remain on top because they deliver something for everyone:
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🔥 Big rookie classes each season
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💰 Investment potential for top QBs and skilled players
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🎯 Set collecting, fantasy play, or just chasing your team
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📈 A growing global audience driving demand in markets like Australia
How To Start Collecting NFL Cards
Whether you’re chasing hits or building team sets, here’s how to start smart.
Tips for Beginners:
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Pick a focus: players, teams, sets, or rookies
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Start with retail packs or entry-level hobby boxes (like Donruss or Score)
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Protect cards using sleeves, toploaders, and storage boxes
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Learn the basics of grading if you're planning to invest
What’s in a “Good” Collection?
It depends on your goals, but here are staples:
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Base Cards – Common cards, great for team collectors
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Rookie Cards – First-year cards, usually most valuable
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Parallels – Coloured or numbered versions of base cards
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Autographs – Signed by the athlete
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Memorabilia Cards – Featuring patches or jerseys
Top Brands to Know:
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Panini: Prizm, Optic, Select, National Treasures, Mosaic, Donruss
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Topps: Mainly vintage, but back in the game for certain NFLPA products
Each product line offers a different mix of cards—Prizm is great for flashy parallels, National Treasures is premium, Donruss has the iconic Rated Rookies, and Select mixes value with variety.
What to Consider When Buying NFL Cards
Buying the right cards starts with knowing the risks and rewards.
Where You Buy Them From
Stick to trusted retailers. Buy sealed boxes or trusted singles from stores like Cherry, or graded cards from reputable marketplaces like eBay.
Real vs. Fake
Fake cards are out there—watch out for:
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Incorrect fonts, blurry images, or weird foil
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Wrong thickness or poor print quality
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Too-good-to-be-true prices
Singles vs. Hobby Boxes & Packs
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Singles: Best for collectors who know what they want
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Boxes/Packs: Perfect if you love the thrill of the rip or want a shot at big hits
Graded vs. Non-Graded
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Graded cards (e.g. PSA 10) are authenticated and protected, great for having a certified grade and value
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Raw cards are better for casual collecting or set builds
Best NFL Cards to Collect
Here are some of the best types of cards to chase in the NFL hobby:
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Quarterback Rookie Cards – Usually the highest value (think Mahomes, Burrow, Stroud, Brady)
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Patch Autos – Signed and contain memorabilia
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Low-Numbered Parallels – /10, /5, 1-of-1s
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Case Hits – Cards like Kaboom!, Downtown, or Color Blast inserts
These cards are not only flashy—they’re scarce, desirable, and often the crown jewel of a collection.
What to Consider When Selling NFL Cards
Thinking of cashing in on your collection? Here’s what to know.
Where to Sell Them
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Cherry Collectables (we buy!)
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eBay or Facebook Groups
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Card shows and hobby shops
What Price Should You Sell Them At
Check:
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Recent sales on eBay
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Pricing tools like 130point
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Graded comps if applicable
Should You Hold or Sell?
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Rookies: wait and see if they break out
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Stars: sell when they’re hot or at season peaks
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GOATs: steady value, good for long holds
How to Add Value
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Keep cards clean and in mint condition
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Grade high-end cards
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Bundle popular cards together
Are NFL Cards Worth Collecting?
If you love sport, strategy, and collectables—yes.
NFL cards offer variety, excitement, and real long-term value. From the weekly drama of game days to the off-season hype of the draft, the hobby is always moving.
They're a great entry point for new collectors and offer serious upside for savvy investors.
Get Started Collecting NFL Cards with Cherry Collectables
Cherry makes it easy to jump in. We’ve got:
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🏷 Cards sorted by rookie, autograph, team, or brand
Whether you’re after a sealed Prizm box or a graded Mahomes rookie, we’ve got your back. It’s time to build that dream collection.
