C.J. Stroud, the talented quarterback from the Ohio State Buckeyes, has quickly made a name for himself in the NFL after being drafted second overall by the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft. As a result, there has been a surge of interest in collecting his rookie cards. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a collector looking to invest, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to C.J. Stroud’s rookie cards to help you navigate through the options available.
One of the most affordable and popular C.J. Stroud rookie cards is the 2023 Donruss Rated Rookie #339. This mainstream option from Donruss Football offers various parallels and even an Optic Preview card. However, the real gem from this set is the highly sought-after Downtown insert, known for its rarity and high value.
If you’re looking for a more exclusive option, the 2023 Donruss Elite #112 (#/999) is worth considering. While it may not have all the flashy features, this card offers a solid rookie card with a base version limited to just 999 copies. Additionally, there are several rarer parallels that collectors can chase.
For collectors who prefer more elusive cards, the 2023 Panini Black #154 is an excellent choice. This set has a limited number of cards per box, with only five cards in total and typically three of them being autographs or relics. Therefore, getting your hands on a C.J. Stroud card from this set can be quite challenging, but it’s well worth the effort.
Another highly sought-after option is the 2023 Panini Gold Standard #112 (#/99). In this set, Stroud’s rookie card is limited to just 99 copies, and there are other numbered editions available, such as Platinum. The set also includes rare inserts like Double Eagle and El Dorado, making it a favorite among collectors.
If you’re looking for a popular choice across all budgets, the 2023 Panini Mosaic #292 is the card for you. Panini Mosaic Football offers a range of high-end parallels and key inserts for C.J. Stroud. Keep an eye out for special inserts like Kaleidoscope and Stained Glass, which are highly coveted by collectors.
The 2023 Panini Plates & Patches #163 poses a challenge for collectors due to the scarcity of base cards, but it remains a valuable addition for those seeking Stroud’s cards. While it may be difficult to find, the reward of adding this card to your collection is well worth the effort.
Although there is a notable absence of pack-pulled autographs featuring Stroud in his Texans jersey, there are several collegiate/prospect autograph cards available 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. Another autograph option to consider is the 2023 Topps Now Draft Football card, featuring an on-card autograph from Stroud based on his NFL Draft night appearance, although it lacks NFL licensing.
As the year progresses, more 2023 Football Cards will be released, including popular brands. This means that collectors can expect to find even more options for adding C.J. Stroud rookie cards to their collections. Whether you’re interested in 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.
