C.J. Stroud, the impressive rookie quarterback of the Houston Texans, has taken the NFL by storm after being the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. As a former Ohio State Buckeye, his transition to the professional football scene was highly anticipated. Stroud has lived up to expectations and has become a player of significant interest among collectors and fans. This surge in demand has made his rookie cards highly sought-after in the collectibles market.
When it comes to C.J. Stroud rookie cards, collectors have a variety of options to consider. Here are some of the top choices:
1. 2023 Donruss Rated Rookie C.J. Stroud RC #339:
This affordable card from the 2023 Donruss Football set is a favorite among collectors. Not only does it come in various parallels, but it also features an Optic Preview card. The Downtown insert from this set is particularly rare and valuable.
2. 2023 Donruss Elite C.J. Stroud RC #112 (#/999):
While this card from the Donruss Elite series may not be as flashy as others, it still offers a solid rookie card. The base version is limited to just 999 copies, and there are several rarer parallels available.
3. 2023 Panini Black C.J. Stroud RC #154:
Considered a more elusive option, this card is part of the Panini Black Football set. With only five cards per box, including three autographs or relics, obtaining Stroud’s card from this set can be quite challenging.
4. 2023 Panini Gold Standard C.J. Stroud RC #112 (#/99):
In the Panini Gold Standard set, Stroud’s rookie card is limited to just 99 copies. The set also features other numbered editions like Platinum, as well as rare inserts such as Double Eagle and El Dorado.
5. 2023 Panini Mosaic C.J. Stroud RC #292:
This card from the Panini Mosaic Football set is a popular choice for collectors of all budgets. It offers high-end parallels and key inserts for Stroud, including the coveted Kaleidoscope and Stained Glass inserts.
6. 2023 Panini Plates & Patches C.J. Stroud RC #163:
The scarcity of base cards in this set may pose a challenge for collectors, but the 2023 Panini Plates & Patches card remains a valuable addition for those seeking Stroud’s rookie cards.
When it comes to autographed cards, Stroud’s collectibles featuring his Texans jersey are noticeably absent from packs. However, collectors can still find several collegiate and prospect autograph cards from various manufacturers like Bowman/Topps, Panini, and Leaf.
One licensed NFL autograph card featuring Stroud is the 2023 Panini Instant RPS First Look Autographs C.J. Stroud #42 (#/391). This early release from Panini offered direct-to-consumer autographs in limited quantities. Additionally, the 2023 Topps Now Draft Football card, despite lacking NFL licensing, features an on-card autograph from Stroud based on his NFL Draft night appearance.
As the year progresses, more 2023 Football Cards will be released, including those from popular brands. This means collectors can expect even more options to add C.J. Stroud rookie cards to their collections. Whether you prefer mainstream, affordable options or rare, high-value inserts and autographs, the range of Stroud’s rookie cards offers something for every collector and fan of this rising NFL star.
