I often see people on message boards looking for lists of who has the most valuable autographs in the hobby. Because Football tends to be one of the most rookie centric sports of the big four, it can be tough to gauge who can save your box breaks just by pulling their autograph. In basketball, Jordan and LeBron rule, as their autographs will outsell even the most valuable rookies, but this type of situation rarely happens in other sports. Rookies are the money makers, but there are definitely some veteran guys that can easily bail you out of a terrible box.
With that, here is my autograph pro bowl team.
Quarterback – Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Brady’s autograph doesn’t appear as often as guys like Manning and Favre, which means that his autograph is worth more before consideration is given to his accomplishments. Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw have comparable amounts of rings, but Brady has the stats to match. He also plays for a beloved team with rabid collector fans, and when you have a shortage of autos combined with a huge fan base, prices spike.
Non Rookie Autograph Examples:
Backups: Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Brett Favre
Running Back – Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Ever since 2007 when he burned the Chargers for an NFL record 296 yards, Peterson has been one of the most valuable signatures in the game. He also plays for a popular team, and his autographs have become increasingly hard to find in higher numbered cards. Peterson has had record breaking performances in his first four years, and recently became one of few players to rush for 10+ TDs and 1000 yards in his first four seasons.
Non Rookie Autograph Examples:
Backups: LaDanian Tomlinson, Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew
Wide Receiver – Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
Megatron is one receiver that doesn’t fall subject to the problems with value that plauge the NFL’s wide outs. Im not sure why, but many receivers just don’t carry the same value that QBs and RBs do, despite being as important and just as outspoken. Guys like Chad Ochocinco and Larry Fitzgerald are household names, but their autos rarely carry the same value as top RBs and top QBs. Calvin Johnson plays for a shitty team, which would normally spell disaster, but his cards are still very valuable.
Non Rookie Autograph Examples:
2010 Crown Royale Auto Patch /10
Backups: Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, DeSean Jackson
Tight End – Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts
I like the way he signs, and he actually has some value at a position that rarely carries any pull with collectors. Its still minimal, but something is better than nothing.
Non Rookie Autograph Examples:
2010 Limited Monikers Auto /25
Backups: Chris Cooley, Jason Witten
Defensive Back – Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
When you see how much Hair’s autos sell for, your jaw hits the floor. As a defensive player, he isnt getting the same kind of focus as the other side of the ball, and that is a main reason. However, his autographs are starting to pop up in products and when they do, they sell for huge money.
Non Rookie Autograph Examples:
2010 Certifed FOTG Jersey Auto /25
2010 Certifed Mirror Emrald Auto /5
Linebacker – Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens
Mr. Old Spice is the linebacker equivalent of Polamalu, and it has to do with the popularity he gained during the Ravens’ super bowl run. His cards sell for crazy amounts, and much like other players who have had a decade of dominance, collectors respond to performances.
Non Rookie Autograph Examples:
2009 SP Authentic Letter Auto /4
Defensive Line – Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings
Jared Allen is one of the most quirky and hilarious defensive players around, and this persona has led to enormous popularity with Vikings fans. His performance over the last few years hasn’t hurt, and this popularity has led to some impressive sales for a guy that never touches the ball.
Non Rookie Autograph Examples: