C.J. Stroud, the talented quarterback and second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been making waves in his early NFL career with the Houston Texans. As a former Ohio State Buckeye, Stroud’s transition to the NFL was highly anticipated, and he has certainly lived up to expectations. His success on the field has sparked significant interest in his rookie cards, making them highly sought-after by collectors and fans alike.
There are a variety of C.J. Stroud rookie cards available, spanning several popular sets and series. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards that collectors should consider:
1. 2023 Donruss Rated Rookie C.J. Stroud RC #339: This affordable mainstream option from the 2023 Donruss Football set is a favorite among collectors. It offers various parallels and even features 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): While not as flashy as some other options, this card from Donruss Elite still offers a solid rookie card. The base version is limited to just 999 copies, and there are also several rarer parallels available.
3. 2023 Panini Black C.J. Stroud RC #154: This card is part of the more elusive Panini Black Football set. With only five cards per box, three of which are typically autographs or relics, this card is harder to come by and highly coveted by collectors.
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 includes other numbered editions like Platinum, as well as rare inserts like Double Eagle and El Dorado.
5. 2023 Panini Mosaic C.J. Stroud RC #292: Panini Mosaic Football is a popular choice among collectors of all budgets. This set offers high-end parallels and key inserts for Stroud, such as Kaleidoscope and Stained Glass.
6. 2023 Panini Plates & Patches C.J. Stroud RC #163: While this set may pose a challenge for collectors due to the scarcity of base cards, it remains a valuable addition for those seeking Stroud’s cards.
When it comes to autographed cards featuring Stroud, there is a notable absence of pack-pulled autographs in his Texans jersey. However, there are several collegiate/prospect autograph cards 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 appearance on NFL Draft night, although it lacks NFL licensing.
As the year progresses, more 2023 Football Cards will be released, including popular brands, providing collectors with even more options for adding C.J. Stroud rookie cards to their collections. Whether you’re looking for mainstream, affordable 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.
