Top 10 Most Desirable NFL Rookie Cards of the 2000s
There’s Tom Brady and then there’s the next level of stars below him. That’s what happens when you ring up five Super Bowl wins and four Super Bowl MVP awards; you start separating yourself from the rest of the pack. Nevertheless, the NFL has several top-notch players whose names are in the discussion when the topic turns to the most desirable rookie cards of the 2000s.
Here’s a look at the most sought-after rookie cards of 10 such players.
#10 – 2010 Bowman Sterling #44 Antonio Brown
Perhaps good things do come in small packages? In AB’s first seven full seasons, he’s been named a Pro Bowler six times and is a four-time, first-team All-Pro. His Bowman Sterling RC shows the wideout cradling yet another catch. Of just the 12 that have been evaluated, four have earned PSA 10 status.
Note the finite number of submissions for this card on PSA CardFacts.
#9 – 2007 Topps Chrome #181 Adrian Peterson
Eight-time Pro Bowl running back Peterson wants the ball every play, all day. Though he’s bounced around a bit playing for four teams, the black-bordered rookie card shows him in his original Vikings’ uniform. Once considered difficult to land in Gem Mint condition, of the 461 that have been graded, 227 came back PSA 10s.
Note the jump in pricing one grade can make on PSA CardFacts.
#8 – 2004 Topps Chrome #205 Eli Manning
Manning’s resumé boasts two Super Bowl rings, two Super Bowl MVP awards and four Pro Bowl selections. His white-bordered Topps Chrome RC appropriately shows him ready to throw a pass downfield. Of the 330 that have been submitted for grading, 111 have earned PSA 10.
Check out the latest auction prices for this card on PSA CardFacts.
#7 – 2002 Topps Chrome #214 Julius Peppers
Now playing in his 17th NFL season, defensive end Peppers is a nine-time Pro Bowler who strikes fear in the hearts of opposing QBs. His Topps Chrome RC features him ready to rush as soon as the ball is snapped. Its green borders make it hard to find in pristine condition, but of the 108 evaluated, 20 have been graded PSA 10.
Note how much the PSA 10 grade commands on PSA CardFacts.
#6 – 2003 Leaf Rookies & Stars #132 Antonio Gates
Now in his 16th NFL season, Gates has been selected to eight Pro Bowls and is the Chargers all-time leader in receiving yards, receptions and TD receptions. This single shows the bruising tight end running one of his routes. To date, 57 of the cards have graded PSA 10.
Check out the Population Report of this card on PSA CardFacts.
#5 – 2004 Topps Chrome #166 Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben has been on fire since his 2004 arrival in the Steel City. He’s won two Super Bowl titles and has been named to six Pro Bowls. This rookie issue features him dropping back (what else?), and of the 348 that have been evaluated, 136 are PSA 10s.
Compare pricing of the different grades on PSA CardFacts.
#4 – 2004 Topps Chrome #215 Larry Fitzgerald
An 11-time Pro Bowler, Fitz holds NFL records for most seasons with 90+ receptions (nine) and most TD receptions in a postseason (eight in 2008). This white-bordered rookie card fittingly shows him about to make a catch. Of 157 submitted, 72 have graded PSA 10.
See the latest auction results on PSA CardFacts.
#2 – 2001 Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor #229 (#/999) Drew Brees
Brees is now the NFL’s all-time passing leader (72,000 yards and counting). The problem with this card is centering and, due to its Chrome finish, potential scratching. Of the 153 that have been evaluated, only six have come back PSA 10.
See just how rare a PSA Gem Mint 10 is on CardFacts.
#1 – 2000 SP Authentic #118 Tom Brady
The Patriots 6-foot-4 signal-caller has established an unparalleled run of success. The three-time regular-season MVP’s popular rookie card is not particularly difficult to uncover in top grade condition, but prices have been steadily climbing with every Super Bowl ring the future Hall of Famer adds to his collection. Of the 536 submitted featuring the former sixth-round draft pick, there have been 98 PSA 10s.
Stay up to date on the PSA Population with PSA CardFacts.
Conclusion
Today’s NFL is chockfull of outstanding players worthy of recognition whose names may very well wind up in Canton. What other rookie cards from this era would you include?
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