C.J. Stroud, the standout quarterback and second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has taken the football world by storm with his impressive performance for the Houston Texans. This skyrocketing success has generated massive interest in Stroud’s rookie cards among collectors and fans alike. As a former Ohio State Buckeye, his transition to the NFL was highly anticipated, and he has certainly lived up to expectations, leading to a surge in demand for his rookie cards.
There are a variety of C.J. Stroud rookie cards available, spanning several popular sets and series. Let’s explore some of the top cards that collectors should consider:
1. 2023 Donruss Rated Rookie C.J. Stroud RC #339: This affordable option from the 2023 Donruss Football set has gained popularity among collectors. It features various parallels and even an Optic Preview card. The Downtown insert from this set is particularly sought-after due to its rarity and high value.
2. 2023 Donruss Elite C.J. Stroud RC #112 (#/999): Although not as flashy as other options, this card from the Donruss Elite set offers a solid rookie card experience. It has a base version limited to only 999 copies and several rarer parallels.
3. 2023 Panini Black C.J. Stroud RC #154: This card is a more elusive option, as it is part of the Panini Black Football set, which typically includes only five cards per box, three of which are usually autographs or relics. This limited availability adds to its allure.
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. The set also features other numbered editions like Platinum, along with rare inserts such as Double Eagle and El Dorado.
5. 2023 Panini Mosaic C.J. Stroud RC #292: This card is a popular choice across all budgets, as the Panini Mosaic Football set offers high-end parallels and key inserts for Stroud. The Kaleidoscope and Stained Glass inserts are particularly noteworthy.
6. 2023 Panini Plates & Patches C.J. Stroud RC #163: This set presents a challenge for collectors due to the scarcity of base cards. Nonetheless, it remains a valuable addition for those seeking Stroud’s cards.
When it comes to autographed cards, there is a notable absence of pack-pulled autographs featuring Stroud in his Texans jersey. However, collectors can still find several collegiate/prospect autograph cards from various manufacturers such as 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. Additionally, the 2023 Topps Now Draft Football card, while 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 popular brands. This means that collectors can expect to discover even more options for adding C.J. Stroud rookie cards to their collections. Whether you’re seeking mainstream, inexpensive options or rare, high-value inserts and autographs, the range of C.J. Stroud rookie cards offers something for every collector and fan of this rising NFL star.
