C.J. Stroud, the talented young quarterback drafted by the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft, has captured the attention of football fans and collectors alike. As a former Ohio State Buckeye, Stroud’s transition to the NFL was highly anticipated, and he has certainly lived up to expectations with his impressive performances. This success has led to a surge in demand for his rookie cards, making them valuable additions to any collection.
There are various C.J. Stroud rookie cards available, spanning different popular sets and series. Let’s explore some of the top options for collectors:
1. 2023 Donruss Rated Rookie C.J. Stroud RC #339:
This affordable card from the 2023 Donruss Football set is a favorite among collectors. It offers various parallels and even an Optic Preview card. The Downtown insert, known for its rarity and high value, is particularly sought-after.
2. 2023 Donruss Elite C.J. Stroud RC #112 (#/999):
While not as flashy as some other options, this card from Donruss Elite is still highly desirable. It comes in a base version limited to 999 copies and offers several rarer parallels.
3. 2023 Panini Black C.J. Stroud RC #154:
This card is a more elusive choice due to the limited number of cards per box in the Panini Black Football set. Each box typically contains only five cards, three of which are autographs or relics, making Stroud’s card even more valuable.
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, with other numbered editions available, such as Platinum. This set also features rare inserts like Double Eagle and El Dorado.
5. 2023 Panini Mosaic C.J. Stroud RC #292:
Panini Mosaic Football offers a popular choice across all budgets. Stroud’s rookie card in this set comes with high-end parallels and key inserts like Kaleidoscope and Stained Glass.
6. 2023 Panini Plates & Patches C.J. Stroud RC #163:
While this set presents a challenge for collectors due to the scarcity of base cards, it remains a valuable addition for those who want to add Stroud’s cards to their collection.
When it comes to autographed cards, there is a notable absence of pack-pulled autographs that feature Stroud in his Texans jersey. However, several collegiate/prospect autograph cards are available from various manufacturers, such as 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 offers 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, although lacking NFL licensing.
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 and affordable options or rare and 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.
