Brock Purdy, the once-dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant” as the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is defying expectations and quickly gaining attention in the world of sports collectibles. As he leads the San Francisco 49ers, collectors and fans are clamoring to get their hands on his rookie cards, making him one of the most sought-after players in the hobby.
The nickname “Mr. Irrelevant” is a nod to Purdy’s draft position, but it also serves as a comparison to another late draft pick who became a legend – Tom Brady. Purdy’s unexpected rise to prominence has captivated both fans and collectors, who are eager to secure a piece of his journey.
Initially the third-string quarterback for the 49ers, Purdy was thrust into the limelight due to injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. Despite a season-ending injury of his own, Purdy showcased his talent and potential, leaving fans and collectors excited for what’s to come.
While the selection of Brock Purdy rookie cards may be smaller compared to other top quarterbacks from his class, there are still a variety of options to choose from across various budgets. Official Iowa State collegiate cards from Panini, some featuring on-card autographs, are available, as well as several unlicensed prospect options.
Among the top Brock Purdy rookie cards, the 2022 Donruss Optic Rated Rookie and its Downtown insert stand out. Known for their chromium style and rarity, these cards are highly sought after by collectors. The 2022 Panini Black Purdy card, limited in its parallel lineup, features him in practice uniforms, a nod to his early days as a rookie. The 2022 Certified Football offers a limited design of 399 copies, while the Flawless Football variant, a super-premium product, is even more exclusive with only 20 copies in existence.
Collectors favor Purdy’s card in the 2022 Mosaic NFL as an early favorite, and the 2022 Panini Prizm offers affordable options with potential value spikes in higher grades. The 2022 Panini Select Football provides collectors with two tiered base set cards of Purdy, further increasing the options available. Additionally, the 2022 Spectra Football card is another sought-after item, with all parallels numbered except for the Silver Prizm.
For collectors seeking autographs, Purdy’s rookie autograph cards are a focal point. Some notable options include the 2022 Donruss Elite Turn of the Century Autographs, the Rated Rookie Autographs from Donruss Optic, and the Panini Black Rookie Autographs. The 2022 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket and Contenders Optic Rookie Ticket also feature Purdy’s signature. The 2022 Panini Encased set offers on-card autographs, and the Flawless Football set includes several on-card autograph options as well.
Adding to the collection are the 2022 Panini Illusions Rookie Signs, the Mosaic Autographs, and the highly coveted 2022 National Treasures RPA (Rookie Patch Autograph), limited to just 99 copies. Both the 2022 Panini Prizm and Spectra Football sets also offer attractive autograph options for Purdy collectors to chase.
As Brock Purdy continues to make waves in the NFL, his rookie cards, especially those with autographs and limited editions, are becoming must-have items for sports card collectors and die-hard fans of the San Francisco 49ers. The combination of Purdy’s unexpected rise and his potential as a future star has ignited a surge in popularity for his collectibles, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting players in the hobby.