Some of pro football’s most remarkable offensive talents made their trading card debuts during the 1980s. This guide was written in collaboration with eBay.
1. 1981 Topps Joe Montana
Less than a year after he became the 49ers regular starting QB, Montana appeared in the 1981 Topps set. He would lead them to a Super Bowl title that season. Montana’s rookie card was produced in an era when printing flaws or poorly cut sheets led to less than perfect cards so high-grade examples are highly desirable. The good news is that Montana rookies are plentiful and solid cards are within easy reach.
2. 1984 Topps John Elway
Two late career Super Bowl victories raised Elway’s already strong profile. Elway, at the time of his 1999 retirement, owned the most victories by a starting quarterback and made the Pro Bowl nine times. The Elway rookie card is also harder to find in high grade than the one featuring the other iconic rookie card in this set, Dan Marino.
3. 1984 Topps Dan Marino
Marino re-wrote the NFL’s record book before his career finally ended. A long-time favorite of collectors, his 1984 Topps rookie card is now valued a little less than Elway’s, primarily over the condition issues that plague the latter. Marino was also featured on an “Instant Replay” card in the set–and on a glossy rack pack insert card.
4. Topps Jerry Rice
Joe Montana was already a star when Jerry Rice came along but together they took the 49ers to another level. Simply the greatest receiver of all-time, every football card collector owns–or wants to own–a nice Rice rookie card. The green borders can show wear so graded mint and gem mint examples are sought after and valuable.
5. 1989 Score Barry Sanders
He had just turned 31 when he retired in 1999, shocking many who figured he would play at least another couple of seasons. Barry Sanders was the most elusive running back of all-time and had he stuck around for a couple more seasons, would likely own the NFL’s all-time rushing record. His five yards per carry average is second only to Jim Brown. His Score RC was produced in far less quantities than Topps.
Others to Consider
Among the other top 1980s rookie cards are:
- 1981 Topps Art Monk
- 1982 Topps Lawrence Tayler
- 1984 Topps Eric Dickerson
- 1986 Topps Steve Young
- 1987 Topps Jim Kelly
- 1988 Topps Bo Jackson
- 1989 Score Troy Aikman