As a whole the game was no work of art but it produced what will be one of the signature moments of one player’s career. His double spin move helped the Houston Texans to an overtime win and probably sent more than a few collectors in search of DeAndre Hopkins rookie cards. If he wasn’t considered a big-time star before the play, Hopkins certainly appears on his way to becoming one of the era’s all-time best receivers.
Oh my goodness @deandrehopkins!
?: @SNFonNBC #Texans pic.twitter.com/OF9qNoyfPx
— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2018
The Hopkins File
Drafted late in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft following a record-setting career at Clemson, Hopkins has made 1,000-yard receiving seasons a habit, despite not always catching passes from stellar quarterbacks. He averages over 14 yards per catch and led the league in receiving touchdowns in 2017.
While he’s said he believes he’s underrated and has, at times, probably been frustrated, he has a reason to maintain solid footing.
“My mom is blind and she wakes up and never complains. So for me to wake up and complain about what guy, what professional quarterback is throwing me the ball, it doesn’t make sense to me.”
High-End Not High-Priced
If the Texans had enjoyed more success during the first part of his career, Hopkins would probably have a larger hobby profile. For now, most of his cards—even the rookie autographed patch cards—remain relatively inexpensive. In fact, as of this writing, only 17 of his cards have sold publicly for $500 or more in the first 5 ½ years of his career and only five have reached $1,000.
Topps was still producing football cards during Hopkins’ rookie year and in August, the 2013 Chrome Superfractor 1/1 sold for an eBay offer price of $1,625. Autographed Chrome Refractors bring $200-$300. However, his signed cards from products like Prime, bowman Sterling and Panini Momentum are often available for under $30.
Best Hopkins Rookie Cards
As is the case with most modern cards, low serial-numbered autographed cards from top products usually bring the biggest return.
Hopkins’ most popular cards are in 2013 Panini National Treasures where he’s featured numerous times. Auto patch cards numbered to 25 in PSA 10 typically reach $375-$400. Smaller dual patch cards, ungraded examples or lower grade versions sell for less.
You’ll also find ‘Running’ and ‘Catching’ versions of his 2013 Contenders autographs at auction on a regular basis, most in the $150-$250 range.
He also appeared on college-oriented products, which provide more opportunities for lower cost autographs such as Topps Prime, Bowman Chrome, Upper Deck Exquisite and Premier and SAGE.
For those on an even smaller budget or those who prefer the ‘penny stock’ market, many Hopkins rookie cards—even parallels—remain available at $1 or $2 in many cases.
You can see all of DeAndre Hopkins rookie cards on eBay by clicking here.
A live list of the current ‘most watched’ Hopkins cards is below.
Related Stories:
Hottest LeBron James Rookie Cards on eBay Now
He’s Back: Your Guide to Collecting J.J. Watt Rookie Cards
Hottest Mookie Betts Prospect and Rookie Cards
Hottest Dennis Smith Rookie Cards
Nikita Kuchrov Rookie Card Checklist is Missing One Thing: Autographs
Top Ronald Acuna Jr. Rookie Cards and eBay Hot List
A Roundup of Early Eloy Jimenez Cards as Sox Prospect Awaits Call
Hottest Jose Altuve Rookie Cards on eBay
As Numbers Pile Up, Thielen Cards Perk Up
