NFL trading cards have been part of football culture for generations. From vintage cardboard tucked into bubble-gum packs to today’s high-end patch autos and SSP inserts, the hobby has produced some of the best NFL trading cards ever seen—cards that define eras, teams, and sometimes the entire sport.
In this guide, we’re spotlighting one iconic card from every NFL team. Some are among the most valuable NFL trading cards ever printed, others are modern centrepieces that capture a new star’s rise—but all of them mean something special to their fanbase.
If this list sparks the urge to chase your own grail, you can start browsing Cherry’s full football range here:
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AFC North
Baltimore Ravens – 1996 Bowman’s Best #164 Ray Lewis Rookie Card
Ray Lewis arrived in the league as a defensive wrecking ball, and his 1996 Bowman’s Best rookie perfectly captures that moment. The chromium finish and bold Ravens colours frame one of the greatest linebackers of all time—an essential card for anyone building a Ravens PC or a “best NFL trading cards” defensive collection.
Cincinnati Bengals – 2020 Goodwin Champions Joe Burrow 2009–10 Exquisite Rookie Auto
This Burrow doesn’t come from an NFL-licensed set, but the Goodwin Champions Exquisite Rookie Auto has quickly become one of his most chased early cards. The Exquisite design, on-card autograph and limited print run make it feel like a modern classic. Bengals fans who want a true centrepiece Burrow rookie should look no further than this monster.
👉 View the Joe Burrow Exquisite Rookie Auto
Cleveland Browns – 1958 Topps #62 Jim Brown Rookie Card
When collectors talk about the most valuable NFL trading cards, Jim Brown’s 1958 Topps rookie is always in the conversation. Simple design, classic Browns colours and one of the greatest running backs in history—this is not just the Browns’ iconic card, it’s a pillar of the entire hobby.
Pittsburgh Steelers – 1971 Topps #156 Terry Bradshaw Rookie Card
Before the four Super Bowls and Hall of Fame induction, there was this 1971 Topps Bradshaw rookie. The bright, almost psychedelic design screams ‘70s, while the card itself marks the beginning of the Steelers dynasty. A cornerstone for any Pittsburgh or vintage quarterback collection.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills – 2018 Prizm Josh Allen Rookie Green Crystal
Prizm is already a go-to brand for modern rookies, but the Green Crystal parallel of Allen’s 2018 rookie takes things up a notch. With a print run limited to just 75, this card combines scarcity, eye-catching shine and the face of the franchise. It’s one of the best NFL trading cards to buy if you’re bullish on Josh Allen’s long-term legacy.
👉 Check out the Josh Allen Green Crystal Rookie
Miami Dolphins – 1984 Topps #123 Dan Marino Rookie Card
Marino changed passing forever, and his 1984 Topps rookie has become the cardboard symbol of that revolution. Clean photography and an unmistakable Dolphins colour scheme make this a must-have for anyone collecting legendary quarterbacks.
New England Patriots – 2000 Bowman #236 Tom Brady Rookie Card
There are many Brady rookies, but the 2000 Bowman is one of the most recognisable. It captures the skinny late-round pick who somehow became the GOAT, and remains a crown jewel for Patriots fans and high-end collectors alike.
👉 Shop the Bowman Chrome Brady Rookie
New York Jets – 1965 Topps #122 Joe Namath Rookie Card
“Broadway Joe” helped define the AFL and the early Super Bowl era, and his oversized 1965 Topps rookie is pure hobby history. The tall-boy format, bold Jets green and Namath’s swagger make this a centrepiece for vintage fans and Jets diehards.
AFC South
Houston Texans – 2002 Topps #196 David Carr Rookie Card
As the first-ever pick of the expansion Texans, David Carr’s 2002 Topps rookie marks the birth of the franchise. While Carr’s career didn’t go as planned, this card remains a key piece for team collectors who want to tell the full Houston story from day one.
Indianapolis Colts – 2020 Select Jonathan Taylor Jumbo Rookie Patch Auto Black Prizm Tag
Modern Colts collectors have fallen hard for Jonathan Taylor, and this Select Jumbo Rookie Patch Auto Black Prizm Tag is one of his absolute monsters. Featuring a jumbo patch, autograph and a true Black Prizm 1-of-1 finish, it’s the definition of a high-end centrepiece.
👉 View the Jonathan Taylor Black Prizm RPA
Jacksonville Jaguars – 1995 SP #7 Mark Brunell Rookie Card
For many Jags fans, Mark Brunell is the franchise’s ‘90s identity. His 1995 SP rookie—with premium card stock and a sleek design—captures Jacksonville’s early rise and remains a nostalgic favourite for teal-and-gold collectors.
Tennessee Titans – 1995 SP Championship #31 Steve McNair Rookie Card
Bridging the Oilers-to-Titans era, Steve McNair’s SP Championship rookie reflects a franchise in transition and a quarterback who became its heart. It’s a must-own for Titans fans and a great entry point into mid-‘90s premium football.
AFC West
Denver Broncos – 1984 Topps #63 John Elway Rookie Card
Like Marino, Elway’s 1984 Topps rookie is a hobby icon. The card has become synonymous with clutch comebacks and Denver’s first Super Bowl runs, making it a cornerstone piece for anyone chasing the best NFL trading cards from the ‘80s.
Kansas City Chiefs – 2016 Select Patrick Mahomes II XRC Rookie Silver Prizm
Long before MVPs and rings, Mahomes appeared as an XRC redemption in 2016 Select. The Silver Prizm finish, XRC status and high BGS grades have turned this into one of the most coveted Mahomes rookies on the market.
👉 See the Mahomes XRC Silver Prizm
Las Vegas Raiders – 1983 Topps #294 Marcus Allen Rookie Card
Marcus Allen’s 1983 Topps rookie channels the classic Silver-and-Black swagger. It reflects a bruising, physical Raiders era and remains a staple in any Raiders PC or running-back themed collection.
Los Angeles Chargers – 2020 Encased Justin Herbert Scripted Rookie Auto Emerald
Herbert’s breakout made his rookie autos explode, and the Encased Scripted Rookie Auto Emerald is one of the most premium options. With a clean design, on-card autograph and low-numbered emerald parallel, it’s a centrepiece card for modern QB investors.
👉 Check out the Justin Herbert Scripted Rookie Auto
NFC North
Chicago Bears – 1976 Topps #148 Walter Payton Rookie Card
“Sweetness” is a top-tier name in football history, and his 1976 Topps rookie matches that status. Bears collectors and vintage fans consider it a grail—one of the best NFL trading cards to buy if you want a legendary running-back headline card.
Detroit Lions – 1989 Score #257 Barry Sanders Rookie Card
The 1989 Score Barry Sanders rookie perfectly captures his lightning-in-a-bottle style. Bright colours, crisp photography and the debut of one of the most exciting runners ever make this a hobby classic.
Green Bay Packers – 2024 Absolute Football Jordan Love Kaboom SSP Gold
Kaboom inserts are already fan favourites, and a gold SSP Jordan Love from Absolute Football adds serious heat. The comic-book style art, gold parallel and short-print status make this one of the modern Packers cards to watch.
👉 View the Jordan Love Kaboom Gold
Minnesota Vikings – 1998 SP Authentic #18 Randy Moss Rookie Card
Randy Moss changed what we thought a deep threat could be, and his SP Authentic rookie captured that wave perfectly. Premium stock, on-card auto in some parallels and a clean late-‘90s design make this a must for Vikings and wide-receiver collectors.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys – 1989 Score #270 Troy Aikman Rookie Card
The 1989 Score Aikman rookie is tied directly to the Cowboys’ ‘90s dominance. It’s a staple for America’s Team fans and a gateway card into one of the hobby’s most collected franchises.
New York Giants – 1981 Topps #216 Lawrence Taylor Rookie Card
LT redefined defense, and his 1981 Topps rookie is the cardboard embodiment of that ferocity. Giants fans and defensive collectors alike treat this as a must-own icon.
Philadelphia Eagles – 2020 Flawless Jalen Hurts Horizontal Rookie Patch Auto Silver
Flawless is known for ultra-premium cards, and this horizontal Jalen Hurts RPA Silver is no exception. A chunky patch, on-card autograph and limited print add up to one of the most valuable modern Eagles cards on the market.
👉 See the Jalen Hurts Flawless RPA
Washington Commanders – 2024 Topps Chrome Jayden Daniels Future Stars Rookie Auto Orange
For Commanders fans betting on the future, this Future Stars Rookie Auto Orange of Jayden Daniels is a headline card. Bright orange parallel, rookie ink and short print status make it an exciting modern chase.
👉 Check out the Jayden Daniels Future Stars Auto
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons – 2008 Topps Chrome Matt Ryan Rookie Card
Matt Ryan stabilised the Falcons and led them to some of their most successful seasons. His 2008 Topps Chrome rookie remains the go-to card for collectors who remember that era fondly.
Carolina Panthers – 2011 Topps Chrome #1 Cam Newton Rookie Card
Cam’s Topps Chrome rookie captures the start of Superman’s MVP-calibre run in Carolina. The chromium finish and strong photography have kept this card popular long after his debut.
New Orleans Saints – 2001 Topps #328 Drew Brees Rookie Card (Chargers)
Technically a Chargers card, the 2001 Topps Brees rookie has been adopted by Saints fans everywhere. It’s a reminder of how far Brees came—from overlooked prospect to Super Bowl champion and record-breaking legend.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 1995 SP #14 Warren Sapp Rookie Card
The 1995 SP Warren Sapp rookie reflects the rebirth of the Bucs’ feared defence. Premium design plus a Hall of Fame-level disruptor equals a nostalgic and important card for Tampa Bay collectors.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals – 2004 Topps Chrome #166 Larry Fitzgerald Rookie Card
Larry Fitzgerald is one of the most respected receivers of his generation, and his Topps Chrome rookie has become a modern classic. Smooth design and long-term consistency on the field keep this card in high demand.
Los Angeles Rams – 1999 Playoff Contenders SSD #146 Kurt Warner Rookie Card
Kurt Warner went from grocery-store shelves to Super Bowl MVP, and his Contenders SSD rookie tells that Cinderella story in cardboard form. It’s a centrepiece card for Rams fans and one of the best NFL trading cards to buy if you love underdog stories.
San Francisco 49ers – 1986 Topps #161 Jerry Rice Rookie Card
Often called the GOAT of wide receivers, Jerry Rice’s 1986 Topps rookie is a true hobby icon. For many collectors, this is the wide receiver card to own—essential in any serious NFL collection.
Seattle Seahawks – 2012 Limited Russell Wilson Gold Spotlight Rookie Patch Auto
This Gold Spotlight RPA from Limited brings together everything modern collectors love: patch, autograph and a low-numbered gold parallel. For Seahawks fans, it’s one of the ultimate Wilson chase cards.
👉 View the Russell Wilson Gold Spotlight RPA
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