C.J. Stroud, the talented quarterback who was selected as the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has wasted no time making an impact in his early career with the Houston Texans. As a former Ohio State Buckeye, Stroud was highly anticipated to excel in the NFL, and he has exceeded expectations, leading to a surge in demand for his rookie cards among collectors and fans alike.
A wide range of C.J. Stroud rookie cards are available, spanning several popular sets and series. Here are some of the standout options that collectors should consider:
1. 2023 Donruss Rated Rookie C.J. Stroud RC #339: This affordable option from the 2023 Donruss Football set is a favorite among collectors. It offers various parallels and even an Optic Preview card. The Downtown insert from this set is particularly sought-after due to its rarity and high value.
2. 2023 Donruss Elite C.J. Stroud RC #112 (#/999): Although not as flashy as other options, this Donruss Elite card is highly regarded. It provides a solid rookie card, with a base version limited to just 999 copies and several rarer parallels.
3. 2023 Panini Black C.J. Stroud RC #154: Considered a more elusive option due to the limited number of cards per box in Panini Black Football. Stroud’s card in this set is part of a collection that includes only five cards per box, with three typically being autographs or relics.
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. Other numbered editions, such as Platinum, are also available. This set also features rare inserts like Double Eagle and El Dorado, adding to its appeal.
5. 2023 Panini Mosaic C.J. Stroud RC #292: This card from Panini Mosaic Football is a popular choice across all budgets. The set offers high-end parallels and includes key inserts for Stroud, such as Kaleidoscope and Stained Glass.
6. 2023 Panini Plates & Patches C.J. Stroud RC #163: This set presents a challenge for collectors due to the scarcity of base cards. However, it remains a valuable addition for those seeking Stroud’s cards.
While there is a notable absence of pack-pulled autographs featuring Stroud in his Texans jersey, collectors can still find several collegiate/prospect autograph cards from various manufacturers, including Bowman/Topps, Panini, and Leaf.
One licensed NFL autograph card that collectors can pursue is the 2023 Panini Instant RPS First Look Autographs C.J. Stroud #42 (#/391). This early release from Panini offered limited quantities of direct-to-consumer autographs. Additionally, the 2023 Topps Now Draft Football card, although lacking NFL licensing, features an on-card autograph from Stroud based on his NFL Draft night appearance.
As more 2023 Football Cards are released throughout the year, including popular brands, collectors can expect to find even more options for adding C.J. Stroud rookie cards to their collections. Whether you’re seeking 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.
