Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has established himself as one of the most dominant and exciting players in the NFL.
Known for his exceptional pass-catching ability and incredible athleticism, Kelce has become a household name among football enthusiast. But Kelce’s appeal goes beyond his on-field performance. He has also become a prime target for sports card collectors and investors. His relationship with Taylor Swift hasn’t hurt his appeal either
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of sports card investments, specifically focusing on the top 10 Travis Kelce rookie cards to consider for long-term investment.
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Please note: To ensure an inclusive and attainable list, I’ve excluded short-printed cards. While a 1-of-1 National rookie card would undoubtedly hold immense value, this list focuses on accessible options that offer significant investment potential.
And if your budget allows, don’t be afraid to buy a refractor/parallel instead of a base of any card on this list.
Why invest in Travis Kelce?
Investing in sports cards has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, and Travis Kelce’s cards are no exception. There are several compelling reasons why Kelce’s rookie cards are a sound investment:
On-field excellence
Kelce is not just a great player; he’s arguably the best tight end in the league. With multiple Super Bowls, Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections, he has consistently delivered superb performances and played a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ success.
High demand
Kelce’s popularity transcends football enthusiasts. He has a large fan base, which drives demand for his rookie cards.
Market growth
The sports card market has experienced substantial growth in recent years, with prices for valuable rookie cards skyrocketing. Investing in a player like Kelce, who is in his prime, is a smart move.
Iconic team
Kelce plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, a storied franchise with a strong fan following. Cards of players on iconic teams often command higher values.
Potential for records
Kelce has a chance to break records for receiving yards and receptions among tight ends, further increasing the appeal of his cards.
Related: Top Patrick Mahomes rookies for investing
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Top Travis Kelce rookie cards ranked
Now, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 Travis Kelce rookie cards to consider for your investment portfolio:
10. 2013 Score Rookie
Score usually has a reputation for looking cheap (to be fair, it is), but this set pays tribute to the 1989 design, an iconic class led by Barry Sanders and Deion Sanders, making it a really nice, low-end Kelce card.
Note, there’s also an autograph version, too, if you really want to go for it. This card has a comparatively high print run to a lot on the list, but that also makes it a bit more iconic. This is the first one I think of, personally, when I think of Kelce rookies.
9. Topps Rookie Card
I’d rather have the Topps Chrome, but the paper Topps rookie is still a nice low-end Travis Kelce rookie… although still cursed with a terrible image.
8. 2013 Select Rookie
Select is known for its parallels, making Kelce’s card from this series a unique addition to any collection. But note: this is before Select has three tiers of scarcity (full disclosure, I didn’t realize that was a newer-addition), so there’s only one Kelce card, plus parallels and autos. There’s also an autograph here if you want to upgrade.
7. The Rookie Autograph
This might be a cheat, but Kelce has a lot of high-numbered rookie autographs from various brands (most of which are no longer in print). Momentum, Prominence, Crown Royale, even SP authentic.
Any autograph from a brand not taking up the other nine spots in this list goes here.
6. 2013 National Treasure Rookie Autograph
National Treasures is synonymous with luxury in the sports card world. This autographed card with a patch of Kelce’s rookie jersey is a true gem for collectors.
While it’s not an RPA, it’s still probably the single best Kelce card. The price keeps it lower on this list, though.
5. 2013 Topps Chrome Base (and Parallels)
Topps did Kelce dirty here. This card screams “we couldn’t get a good picture so can you have your mom snap one in the backyard.” A terrible pose and design, but still, it’s a Topps Chrome Kelce RC. It could have been so much higher, though, if it was a better looking card.
4. 2013 Spectra Autograph
I’m not usually a big Spectra guy, but this card combines price and rarity better than most of the cards on the list. And Spectra has been around longer than many think, so it could have some staying power.
3. 2013 Prizm Base (and Parallels)
In 2013, Prizm and Topps Chrome were both in print with NFL licensing. I think, given that Topps will take over football cards from Panini, I’ll typically grab Topps Chrome over Prizm in this case, typically. That said, just look at the Topps Chrome Kelce rookie. Yikes.
2. 2013 Panini Contenders #232 (Autograph)
Part of the renowned Contenders series, this card showcases Kelce’s autograph along with his image in his college uniform, making it a must-have for fans.
1. 2013 Panini Prizm #303 (Autograph)
This autographed card is a highly sought-after rookie card. It features Kelce in his college uniform, making it a unique collector’s item.
The bottom line on investing in Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce’s combination of on-field excellence, a strong fan base, and the booming sports card market make his rookie cards an enticing investment.
With a variety of autographed rookie cards available, collectors and investors have plenty of options to choose from. While the market can be unpredictable, diversifying your collection with the top 10 Travis Kelce rookie cards mentioned above can provide a strong foundation for a long-term sports card investment strategy.
As Kelce continues to make history in the NFL, the value of these cards is likely to appreciate, making them a smart choice for collectors and investors alike.
What do you think of Travis Kelce? What will his cards be worth in 5 years? Let us know on Twitter @card_lines and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, which brings investment advice and industry news straight to your inbox twice a week.
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