C.J. Stroud, the highly anticipated rookie 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 had a strong collegiate career, and his transition to the NFL has lived up to expectations. As a result, there is a surge in demand for his rookie cards among collectors and fans alike.
There are several C.J. Stroud rookie cards available, spanning different sets and series that cater to various collector preferences. Here are some of the top options to consider:
1. 2023 Donruss Rated Rookie C.J. Stroud RC #339: This affordable mainstream card from 2023 Donruss Football is a favorite among collectors. It offers various parallels, and there is also an Optic Preview card available. 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 provides a solid rookie card with a base version limited to 999 copies. It also has several rarer parallels, adding to its collectability.
3. 2023 Panini Black C.J. Stroud RC #154: This card is part of a more elusive set, as Panini Black Football typically offers only five cards per box, with three of them usually being autographs or relics. As a result, Stroud’s rookie card from this set is highly sought-after 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 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 across all budgets. It offers high-end parallels and key inserts for Stroud, including Kaleidoscope and Stained Glass, making it a desirable option for collectors.
6. 2023 Panini Plates & Patches C.J. Stroud RC #163: While the scarcity of base cards in this set poses a challenge for collectors, Stroud’s rookie card from Panini Plates & Patches remains a valuable addition for those looking to add his cards to their collection.
In terms of autographed cards, it is worth noting that 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, including Bowman/Topps, Panini, and Leaf.
One licensed NFL autograph card 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 collectors can expect to find 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 has something to offer every collector and fan of this rising NFL star.
