C.J. Stroud, the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and standout quarterback for the Houston Texans, has quickly become a star in the league. As a former Ohio State Buckeye, his transition to the NFL was highly anticipated, and he has not disappointed. This has led to a surge in interest among collectors and fans in acquiring C.J. Stroud rookie cards.
When it comes to C.J. Stroud rookie cards, collectors have a variety of options to choose from. Here are some of the top cards worth considering:
1. 2023 Donruss Rated Rookie C.J. Stroud RC #339: This card from the 2023 Donruss Football set is a mainstream favorite. It is affordable and offers various parallel versions, including an Optic Preview card. The Downtown insert is highly sought-after due to its rarity and high value.
2. 2023 Donruss Elite C.J. Stroud RC #112 (#/999): While not as flashy as some other options, this card from the Donruss Elite set is a solid rookie card. The base version is limited to 999 copies, and there are also rarer parallel versions available.
3. 2023 Panini Black C.J. Stroud RC #154: This card is part of the Panini Black Football set, known for its limited card availability. With only five cards per box, three of which are typically autographs or relics, this card is a more elusive and exclusive option.
4. 2023 Panini Gold Standard C.J. Stroud RC #112 (#/99): In the Gold Standard set, Stroud’s rookie card is limited to just 99 copies. There are also other numbered editions, such as Platinum. Rare inserts like Double Eagle and El Dorado can also be found in this set.
5. 2023 Panini Mosaic C.J. Stroud RC #292: Panini Mosaic Football is a popular choice among collectors. It offers a range of options across all budgets, including high-end parallels and key inserts like Kaleidoscope and Stained Glass.
6. 2023 Panini Plates & Patches C.J. Stroud RC #163: This set presents a challenge for collectors due to the scarcity of base cards. However, it remains a valuable addition for those who are determined to include Stroud’s cards in their collection.
When it comes to autographed cards, there is a notable absence of pack-pulled autographs featuring Stroud in his Texans jersey. However, several collegiate and prospect autograph cards are available from various manufacturers, including Bowman/Topps, Panini, and Leaf.
One licensed NFL autograph card that collectors can pursue 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. Another option is the 2023 Topps Now Draft Football card, which features an on-card autograph from Stroud based on his NFL Draft night appearance, despite lacking NFL licensing.
As the year progresses and more 2023 Football Cards are released, collectors can expect to find even more options for adding C.J. Stroud rookie cards to their collections. Whether you’re seeking mainstream, affordable options or rare, high-value inserts and autographs, the world of C.J. Stroud rookie cards has something to offer for every collector and fan of this rising NFL star.