C.J. Stroud, the talented quarterback and second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has quickly made a name for himself with the Houston Texans. This impressive start to his NFL career has generated significant interest among collectors and fans, leading to a surge in demand for his rookie cards. As a former Ohio State Buckeye, Stroud’s transition to the NFL was highly anticipated, and he has undoubtedly exceeded expectations, making his rookie cards highly sought after.
A variety of C.J. Stroud rookie cards are available, spanning several popular sets and series. Here are some of the top cards for collectors to consider:
1. 2023 Donruss Rated Rookie C.J. Stroud RC #339: This affordable option from the 2023 Donruss Football set is a favorite among collectors. It offers various parallels and 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): Although not as flashy as some other options, this card from Donruss Elite is a solid rookie card. The base version is limited to 999 copies, and there are several rarer parallels available.
3. 2023 Panini Black C.J. Stroud RC #154: This card is more elusive due to the limited number of cards per box in Panini Black Football. The set typically includes only five cards per box, with three of them being autographs or relics. Stroud’s card from this set is highly sought after.
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 available, such as Platinum. The set also features rare inserts like Double Eagle and El Dorado.
5. 2023 Panini Mosaic C.J. Stroud RC #292: The Panini Mosaic Football set is a popular choice for collectors with a range of budgets. It offers high-end parallels and key inserts for Stroud, including 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, but it is still a valuable addition for those looking to collect Stroud’s cards.
In terms of autographed cards, there is a notable absence of pack-pulled autographs featuring Stroud 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 featuring Stroud that collectors can pursue is the 2023 Panini Instant RPS First Look Autographs C.J. Stroud #42 (#/391). This early release from Panini offers direct-to-consumer autographs in limited quantities. Additionally, the 2023 Topps Now Draft Football card, although lacking NFL licensing, showcases an on-card autograph from Stroud based on his NFL Draft night appearance.
As more 2023 Football Cards are released throughout the year, 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 range of C.J. Stroud rookie cards offers something for every collector and fan of this rising NFL star. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of Stroud’s promising career.
