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1952 Bowman Norm Van Brocklin Rookie Card

twincitiesvalue — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 22:46:59 +0000

The 1952 Bowman Van Brocklin Rookie Card is attractive to collectors because Van Brocklin was the most prolific passer of his day – and any day in one respect: His 554 yards passing in a game remains an NFL record. Van Brocklin had a very strong arm with good accuracy in a career that took him from the Los Angeles Rams to the Philadelphia Eagles. He led both teams to NFL Championships.

Career Overview

After a stellar college career at the University of Oregon, the Rams selected Van Brocklin in the 4th round of the 1949 draft, the 37th player taken. He split time at QB with Bob Waterfield and in 1950 the Rams were the highest-scoring team in NFL history, at 38.8 points a game. The record still stands. In 1951, Van Brocklin had his 554 yard game and more importantly led the Rams to the NFL Championship.

Van Brocklin signed with the Eagles in 1958 and was their quarterback when they won the 1960 NFL Championship. He retired after that season and went into coaching. In his 12-year career, Norm Van Brocklin was selected to 9 Pro Bowl and was All-Pro in 1960. In 1971, Norm Van Brocklin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

1952 Bowman small 1 Norm Van Brocklin Rams VG EX
US $125.00

1952 Bowman Large 1 Norm Van Brocklin PSA 45 Los Angeles Rams HoF
US $140.00

1952 Bowman Small 1 Norm Van Brocklin VGEX B43372
US $101.00

Norm Van Brocklin Rookie Card

The 1952 Bowman Van Brocklin Rookie Card features a painted image of Van Brocklin on the face, arm cocked, focused on a receiver and ready to throw. A pennant bears his full name, Norman Van Brocklin, with the old Rams logo affixed above it. The back of the card gives Van Brocklin’s vitals. He is listed at 6-1 and 200lbs. The notes mention that he was the NFL passing leader in 1950 but was beaten by teammate Waterfield in 1951 for the honor. His stats for the year are listed, including those for punting. He led the NFL in punting twice, to go with his 3 years leading the league in passing yardage.

The card number is 1, making a high-quality 1952 Bowman Van Brocklin Rookie Card tough to come by and worth considering if you do find one. Number 1 cards typically get harsher treatment because so many collectors arrange them by number, with the top or first card being scratched, faded, marked, etc.

This card has recently sold for over $2,000 in near mint condition. Because passing is now so central to the NFL, and because Van Brocklin is one of the most accomplished passers in NFL history, the 1952 Bowman Van Brocklin Rookie Card is expected to continue to grow in value in the years ahead.

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1948 Leaf Card #6 Bobby Lane Rookie Card

twincitiesvalue — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 22:44:16 +0000

The 1948 Leaf Card #6 Bobby Lane is a very collectible card. Layne was an All-American quarterback at the University of Texas in 1947 and a first-round draft choice of the Chicago Bears with the third overall pick. He played professional football for 15 seasons.

Career Overview

Layne played one year in Chicago before essentially holding out. He forced George Halas to trade him to the New York Bulldogs who traded him to Detroit a year later. Bobby Layne led the Detroit Lions to the NFL Championship in 1952 and 1953, and won a third with Detroit in 1957 after breaking his leg late in the year. He was traded to Pittsburg in 1958 and eventually retired after an outstanding career in which he was selected for the Pro Bowl 5 times.

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Bobby Layne held multiple NFL records including attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns. He is credited with creating the two-minute offense. However, his teammates respected him for his leadership abilities and his will to win perhaps more than for his talent. Bobby Layne hung up his cleats in 1962 and in 1967 was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bobby Layne Rookie Card

The 1948 Leaf Card #6 Bobby Lane is the most sought-after Bobby Layne card and easily the most valuable. One sale of the card is known to have brought a seller $1,015.75. That card was graded PSA excellent-mint 6 condition.

The card shows a Layne wearing his famous #22 Jersey, arm cocked and ready to deliver the ball downfield. The background to the image is a stark orange-red. The writing on the face of the card offers another clue as to why this card is popular with some collectors. The name Bobby is misspelled as “Bobbie.” The entire inscription reads: Bobbie ‘Blonde Bomber’ Layne. All of the 1948 Leaf Bobby Layne variations have the name misspelled.

Oddly enough, Layne’s name is spelled correctly on the back of the 1948 Leaf Bobby Lane rookie card. The text on the back expounds his great career at the University of Texas where he led the Longhorns to 2 Southwestern Conference championships along with victories in the Cotton Bowl and Sugar Bowl. It notes that as a pitcher for the Longhorn baseball team, Bobby Layne was undefeated in 4 seasons of conference play.

Summary

It’s no wonder this card has excellent value. It would be a fantastic addition to any premium collection of gridiron greats. There are some very nice 1948 Leaf Card #6 Bobby Lane rookie cards on the market right now, at attractive prices, if you are considering adding one to your own personal collection.

Julio Jones Topps Patch Card is Amazing

twincitiesvalue — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 21:20:04 +0000

Julio Jones, WR Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons were extremely high on Julio Jones and traded up from 27th to take him at number 6. He'll provide another weapon for QB Matt Ryan to go to in Atlanta's explosive offense that already features dynamic WR Roddy White. The Falcons believe they can challenge for the NFC crown and the Super Bowl right now, and Jones will certainly help. He displayed his talent at Alabama for 3 years, leaving after his junior season to enter the draft.

JULIO JONES 2011 Plates Patches AUTO RPS RC REDEMPTION
US $69.99

2011 TOPPS FOOTBALL JULIO JONES 3 COLOR ROOKIE PATCH CARD NICE BUY NOW
US $59.99

Julio Jones Absolute 3 color Jumbo Patch RC d 15 15 Star Gazing 2011 FALCONS21
US $79.99

Strengths and Weaknesses

Julio Jones is considered the most complete receiver in the 2011 draft. He has the size at 6-4, 215 for the NFL as well as the speed and athleticism. Jones runs exceptionally well after the catch and is considered more of a playmaker than A. J. Green or Jonathan Baldwin, the other to WR's taken in the first round. He is very quick off the line and has the speed and strength to free himself from press coverage. Julio Jones locates the ball well and competes for every pass he has a chance for. Jones is a physical receiver and does a very good job blocking when needed. Exceptional acceleration and change of direction are other qualities that give him excellent separation from coverage.

At the next level, Julio Jones will have to become more consistent at catching the ball with his hands. Most scouts think its a concentration issue-- his hands get better the tighter the coverage or tougher the throw, forcing him to focus. He has good short and intermediate distance, but his downfield speed is not exceptional. Jones is coming off of a broken foot and has had other injuries which create some concerns about his durability.

Top Julio Jones Rookie Cards

As you browse the Julio Jones rookie football cards, you'll find a good selection from al of the top card makers. These are among the cards with the best chance of being a good investment for collectors.

1.2011Topps Julio Jones Rookie Card with Patch

The patch is player worn and this is a limited edition card.

2. 2011 Press Pass Julio Jones Game Worn Jersey Card

The card is accompanied by a swatch from an authentic, game-worn jersey. Limited edition with 225 produced.

3. 2011 Panini Prestige Julio Jones Auto NFL Helmet Card

Numbered card from Panini and autographed by Jones.

4. 2011 Topps Julio Jones Rookie Lot with 3 Color Patch

The patch is player-worn. This Julio Jones rookie card differs from #1 in the list in that it has 3 pictures.

5. 2011 Leaf Julio Jones Rookie Card Limited Edition Black

This limited edition set includes serial numbered cards.

Mark Ingram Rookie Football Card

twincitiesvalue — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:29:55 +0000

Mark Ingram, RB New Orleans Saints

Mark Ingram was drafted by the New Orleans Saints with the 28th pick of the first round. He was injured for much of his senior year, but has made a full recovery. The Saints thought enough of their draft choice that they quickly traded away Reggie Bush. While the skill set for Ingram is somewhat different, he does have good running skills and is an underrated pass catcher, so he will fill many of the roles Bush was counted on for. Analysts expect Ingram to be a significant part of the Saints offense as long as he stays healthy. Their spread formations will make room for his strong inside running, mostly between the tackles.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Was the top-rated RB in the draft and is a powerful runner who mostly runs inside. He has the patience to wait for a hole to develop and has the explosiveness to hit it quickly. Ingram is a tough back and doesn't go down easily and makes good yardage after contact. His height is just 5-10 but at 215 lbs, he's got plenty of strength. Additional strengths noted by NFL scouts include: Good pass-catching ability out of the backfield, excellent balance and agility both forward and laterally, and the ability to pick running lanes.

On the flip side, Mark Ingram has average speed and won't be a breakaway threat. He'll also need to step up his blocking ability in the NFL. Ingram ran behind an outstanding offensive line at Alabama, relative to the competition, and some analysts suggest that was a larger part of his success than many think.

Top Mark Ingram 2011 Rookie Cards

Ingram was the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner and because of that, card makers have been planning his rookie cards for some time. There are many Mark Ingram rookie football cards to choose from. The list here shows good promise for collectors.

MARK INGRAM 2011 Score VARIATION SP Rookie card 361 SAINTS alabama
US $5.45

4 Mark Ingram Topps Rookie Card Lot RC $$ New Orleans Saints $$
US $8.99

x100 2011 Leaf MARK INGRAM Rookie Card RC lot set New Orleans Saints Alabama
US $59.95

1. 2011 Topps Mark Ingram Patch Rookie Card

Patch cards are among the fastest risers in price.

2. 2011 Panini Rookies & Stars Mark Ingram Jersey Card

Just 299 made. Each card is numbered and authenticated.

3. 2011 Panini Cam Newton & Mark Ingram Rookie Dual Patch Card

1 of 299 produced. The card is accompanied by a jersey swatch from both players.

4. 2011 Press Pass Mark Ingram Silver Auto Card

199 total produced, each one autographed.

5. 2011 Sage Mark Ingram Hit Rookie Card Gold Auto

Just 250 produced and each one is numbered.

Ryan Mathews Rookie Card

twincitiesvalue — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 22:26:47 +0000

The San Diego Chargers have had the benefit of having one of the best running backs to ever play the game carrying the ball for the last few years, but with the time and a decrease in production comes the need for a change, and change they did.

With the 12th pick in the 2010 draft they picked a player which the team felt could easily make people forget the initials ‘LT’; his initials are RM for Ryan Mathews.

2010 CERTIFIED RYAN MATHEWS CERTIFIED POTENTIAL ROOKIE CARD AUTO 41 50
US $40.00

Ryan Mathews RC SPX Jersey Card 252 375 Rookie Matls
US $25.00

2010 PLAYOFF PRESTIGE RYAN MATHEWS XTRA POINTS ROOKIE CARD 35 50
US $20.00

The former Fresno State Bulldog is as primed for success as any back entering into the 2010 season. Choosing him to take over the running game was a virtual no-brainer. How can you go wrong with picking the player that led the nation in rushing? You can’t!

In his first season at Fresno State it was clear that this young running back was something special. As a freshman he ran for 866 yards on 145 carries for an average of just under six yards a carry and 14 touchdowns. His per carry average and touchdown total led all freshman running backs in the nation.

His greatness had to weight another year before it could ascend. As a sophomore he got off to a great start with nearly 600 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns before getting injured in the fourth game of the season. His rushing total was good enough to find him in the top ten after four games leaving the fans and coaches at Fresno State wondering what this guy could do with a full season of games under his belt.

During his junior season in 2009 he sure showed them and the rest of the football world who Ryan Mathews is. In 12 games he ran for 1808 yards on 276 carries for an average of 6.5 yards a carry and 19 touchdowns. His rushing total ranked behind George Jones and the guy he is slated to replace in San Diego, LaDainian Tomlinson.

His play throughout his college career showed that he is capable of getting the job done. You can argue that he did not play real tough competition, but when you average 150 yards a game for an entire season you have to be good. With the Chargers they will be looking for him to compliment the passing game at first so he will have some time to work his way into the role.

However, if you are looking for a breakout player in 2010 then look no further than Ryan Mathews. He has the tools and is with the team that could allow him to have an incredible season. So just in case you better pick up his rookie trading card!

Update: After a lackluster 2010 season, Mathews will need to prove himself as a player in 2011.

Investing in Rookie Football Cards – Artform or Science

twincitiesvalue — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:11:44 +0000

A couple of years ago I wrote several articles on this site on how to price rookie football cards. Here are the links to review those articles. Now more than ever rookie football cards have become the ultimate investment opportunity in card collecting. Ever since the invention of auto cards, auto patch cards, dna testing and other high end card collecting mechanisms - accurately pricing cards is more difficult.

One cheap way of getting ballpark estimated of card prices is to buy last years price guide from Becketts or some other card sevice.

The Official Beckett Price Guide to Football Cards 2009, Edition #28 (Official Price Guide to Football Cards)

While you will not have the most current pricing or this years rookies the price guide will give a good idea of how much the card is worth based on last years experts estimates. Most cards do not change much year to year unless it is something like a Hall of Fame announcement or a blowup year from a player like Chris Johnson.

Ultimately as I stated in my previous posts the card is only worth what the market will pay for it. Your key is to find cards before the player has the breakout year and sell immediately after the breakout year. For example, this year the Javid Best Rookie Card seems like a perfect candidate for one of those blowup type of years.

Good luck and if you have any questions please leave a comment

Tim Tebow Rookie Card

twincitiesvalue — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 13:42:40 +0000

Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos

Few players have created the buzz that Tim Tebow has without playing a single down in a regular season game. Much of it has been over whether he and his talents and ability will transfer well into the National Football League.

One thing that can’t be argued is the former Heisman trophy winner and Florida Gator knows how to win. He made sure that the Florida Gators were in the thick of the title hunt each year that he played. The statistics from his college days speak for themselves. In very limited action as a freshman he still threw for five touchdowns among the 22 completions he had and ran for another eight scores. While fans were able to get a taste of his ability they had no idea what they were in for.

RARE TIM TEBOW 2006 FIRST EVER PRINTED HIGH SCHOOL All AMERICAN ROOKIE CARD
US $.99

Tim Tebow 2007 Prospect Reserve In Headset ROOKIE Card
US $.99

Tim Tebow 2007 Prospect Reserve White Jersey ROOKIE Card
US $.99

He showed that he was something special in his first season as the starter for the Florida Gators in 2007. Before him no other player had run for more than 20 touchdowns, while also passing for more than 20 touchdowns as well. On the season he completed 67 percent of his passes for 3286 yards and 32 touchdowns while only throwing six interceptions. Being the dual threat that he is he also ran the ball 210 times for 895 yards and 23 touchdowns. His incredible performance made him the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy.

In 2008 he completed just 64 percent of his passes for 2747 yards and 30 touchdowns while only throwing four interceptions; he ran the ball a lot less gaining 673 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns on the ground. His 2009 season would see him complete 70 percent of his passes for 2895 yards and 21 touchdowns with just five interceptions; he scored another 14 on the ground to go with 910 yards rushing.

Much of the criticism on Tebow was that his thirst for running would get him hurt and cut his career short in the NFL and that his mechanics were so bad that he would not be a success at the NFL level. However, in the short time that he has had since getting drafted by the Broncos with the 25^th pick of the first round he has already made tremendous strides in his mechanics and looked good throughout the 2010 preseason. At 6’ 3” and close to 240 pounds he has the frame that can take some contact.

What will make Tebow survive where others with similar talents would fail is his character. Tebow has such a strong will to win that he never lashed out at his critics, but instead got to work improving himself. Most players would fold under the pressure that he has already faced. You can’t teach the composure that he has shown on and off the field.

Don’t be the only one not to have this future star’s rookie trading card and get yours today!

Collecting Team Football Card Sets is Fun

twincitiesvalue — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 22:15:19 +0000

MN Vikings Local Card

One of the more over looked aspects of collecting football cards in collecting team football card sets. When I was ten years old nothing was better than getting the local team set that was produced by a local company. While these cards were never of the quality of a TOPPS or Fleer football card set they were awesome to get.

Usually you could collect these cards at local grocery stores, police and fire events or even better the teams often handed out a pack of the cards when you went to the game. For me I grew up a Vikings fan and the team cards were often made by sponsored by Supervalue or General Mills. My favorite team set that I still own today was the 1976 Vikings. Seeing the purple people eaters like Page, Eller and RB Chuck Foreman was the best thrill for a kid. Well once the big business of card collecting and high quality manufacturing stepped I thought the days of team sets were gone, but I found a shop that kind of specializes in this type that is my goto stop now. C & I Collectables Inc is a great shop that can help you with all your needs.

Thanks for listening me rant - I think we all forget how much fun card collecting use to be. I miss those days of sitting in the park and trading cards with others.

Jahvid Best Rookie Football Card

twincitiesvalue — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 12:35:02 +0000

The Lions may have the steal of the draft getting Best so late in the first round. When he ends up being the next Barry Sanders you’ll be glad you got bought a Javid Best Rookie Card. Since Barry Sanders left the Detroit Lions after the 1998 season the Lions have been in desperate need for a quality running back. They though they found the right man in Kevin Smith when they took him in the third round of the 2008 draft. However, while at times he looked good in his rookie season he did not impress anyone in 2009. Hence the Detroit Lions picking Jahvid Best with the 30^th pick in the first round of the 2010 draft.

2010 Javid Best Absolute Memorabilia Rookie Card RC Jsy Detroit Lions
US $2.50

Detroit wanted someone that could run hard and had a good track record of success and got just that in Best. While at Cal he set a number of school records including most rushing yards in a single game (311 against Washington on December 6, 2008), most all-purpose yards in a single season (2247 in 2008), and most touchdowns in a single game during the modern era (five).

He is not a particularly big back standing just 5’ 10” tall and weighing right around 200 pounds, but he makes up for it with blinding speed. He had the fastest 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine in Indianapolis and the third fastest overall (4.35 seconds).

Anyone will tell you that the 40-yard dash does not matter and you can’t take too much stock into yardage totals when trying to judge how well a back can do at the next level. However, there is one statistic that stands out for Jahvid Best that gives fans of the Lions reason for hope. Throughout his college career he maintained an average per carry of 7.3 yards. Holding that kind of number in a single game is impressive but not unheard. To do so for a season would be amazing, but to do so over two seasons (since he only had 29 carries his first year) is beyond belief.

A lot of parallels can be drawn between Best and the last great Detroit back, Barry Sanders. Both were small in stature with both about the same weight, but with Best two inches taller. When Sanders won the Heisman trophy in 1988 he averaged 7.6 yards a carry. If Best is able to transfer his skill set over to the NFL as well as Sanders did then the Lions might have greatness on their hands once again.

The good thing is they will not have to force him into service and play him before he may be ready with Kevin Smith still slated to be the starting running back in 2010. Detroit will undoubtedly work in both backs throughout the season, however it would not be surprising to see Best get more and more carries as the season goes on.

Who is Better Peyton Manning or Tom Brady?

twincitiesvalue — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:37:14 +0000

Watching football this year brings up this question again. Who is better: Peyton Manning or Tom Brady? Without question these are the two best quarterbacks of this generation and perhaps all generations. The names like Marino, Elway, Montana, and Bradshaw come to mind as soon as you think of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

Anyway you look at these two quarterbacks many of the same things pop up as similar between the two. Lets look at stats - both are gaudy. Manning has consistently put up stats that are not matched by anyone in history. However, look at the talent around him since he was a rookie. He has always had the likes of Marivn Harrison and now reggie Wayne to throw the ball at. Tom Brady didnt have those types of stats until he got Randy Moss and Wes Welker to throw to. The year Brady added those weapons, he threw for 50 touchdowns breaking Peyton Manning's record of 48 touchdowns.

If you look at intangilbes - both of these quarterbacks possess those as well. Both are freakishly accurate at throwing the ball. Brady probably has a stronger arm, but Peyton may be the most accurate passer I have ever seen. Peyon Manning this year is so accurate that it almost looks like he is playing in slow motion compared to everyone else. Brady is recovering from a knee injury and now is starting to look like he did in 2007 when all records were broken. If you ask the question who do you want with the ball to come from behind and win a game. Who do you choose? The guy who has more 4th quarter comebacks in the league other than Farve or the guy who led a team on a drive with a minute left to take the lead in the superbowl and by the way is number 2 in fourth quarter comebacks.

Lastly you look at championship pedigree. Brady has 3 rings and played in 4 superbowls and Manning has 1 ring. However, Brady's teams had perhaps the best defense in the league for a decade making Tom's job easier.

If you ask me you cannot choose they are the two best of this generation. If I had to pick I would pick Peyton Manning. Something about how he carries himself on the field that says there is no way my team is losing. His accuracy and competitiveness are uncanny. All I know is as long as the Patriots and Colts have these two quarterbacks they will always be a thread to win a superbowl.

2004 FLEER TOM BRADY PEYTON MANNING BRETT FAVRE TRIPLE GAME WORN JERSEY CARD 33
US $117.51

BRETT FAVRE TOM BRADY PEYTON MANNING 1000 CLASSICS QUAD SP BEN ROETHLISBERGER
US $1.55

2008 UPPERDECK WINNING TRIOS TOM BRADY BRETT FAVRE PEYTON MANNING 55 99
US $12.50