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There aren’t many times when you have a group of iconic rookie cards all in one auction in one day. That day is coming Sunday, August 31, 2025 at 6:30pm CST on the Sports Cards Nonsense eBay Live stream. Let’s break down the top 10 iconic rookie cards that will be up for auction. 

1. 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie BGS 8.5 High Subgrades #57 RC

Widely considered the most important basketball card ever and arguably the rookie card of Michael Jordan (queue: 1984 Star 101 debate). When it comes to Beckett Grading Services, the subgrades matter, which is why this card with high subgrades is very attractive for those that don’t want to pay up for a true 9 graded mint card.

2. 1976 Topps Walter Payton HOF Rookie PSA 9 Mint RC

“Sweetness” remains one of the most beloved NFL players in history and Payton’s rookie card is one of the most iconic rookie sports cards of all time. A PSA 10 of this card is incredibly difficult even impossible to obtain so this high grade Payton is worthy of anyone’s collection. 

3. 2020 National Treasures Joe Burrow Rookie Patch Auto (RPA) 12/25 PSA 9 with 10 Auto Grade

With only 25 made, this Burrow RPA  is one of the top modern football rookies. A dual-grade gem (card PSA 9, auto 10) makes it extremely attractive to collectors and investors. Burrow is one of the preseason NFL MVP favorites, so it’ll be fun to see this season unfold.

4. 1990 Topps Frank Thomas “No Name” SSP RC BGS 5 Three High Subgrades

A printing error turned Frank Thomas’ rookie card into one of the most sought after baseball error cards, but it’s also one of the rarest. Mistake or masterpiece? This “No Name” rookie has only grown in fanfare. Most of these are locked away in personal collections. 

5. 1958 Topps Jim Brown Autographed Rookie Card PSA /DNA 10 Auto

On par with Walter Payton’s rookie card, Jim Brown’s rookie card is also one of the most iconic and valuable sports rookie cards.  A perfect PSA 10 autograph on top makes this nearly unmatched. The card itself isn’t graded, but the auto received a rare PSA/DNA 10 auto grade meaning the auto itself is a perfect signature..A bonus is the HOF 71  inscription, which athletes nowadays will charge more to add.

6. 2024 Topps Resurgence Jayden Daniels Rookie Patch Auto (RPA) 95/125

Jayden’s cards are one of the most sought after heading into this coming NFL season. This Rookie Patch Auto stands out with the jumbo jersey. 

7. 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Autographed Rookie PSA 8 with 10 Auto Grade

The first card in Upper Deck history. Griffey’s rookie broke barriers with quality and innovation and the autograph only adds to this legendary card. Griffey is still incredibly valuable

8. 2000 Upper Deck Tom Brady Rookie Card BGS 9.5 True Gem Subs

From sixth round pick to NFL’s GOAT, this rookie card is a modern grail card and even more rare is the true gem subgrades. Many collectors will pay a premium for a BGS 9.5 that has subgrades that are all 9.5 grades making this a “true gem mint”. This is also one of Brady’s few rookie cards featuring him NOT in a Michigan uniform, which to many collectors adds to its desirability. 

9. 2024 Topps Definitive Elly De La Cruz Rookie On Card Auto 5/10

De La Cruz has hobby buzz for his speed and power.This rare on card autograph with just 10 copies is one of the rarest and most desirable 2024 Elly rookie cards.

10. 2024 Panini Prizm Jayden Daniels Silver RC PSA 10 Gem Mint

Prizm silver rookies are the most popular football rookies and with Daniels’ hype this upcoming season, this silver gem mint is going to continue to be part of lots of football collectors’ collections. 

Watch on eBay Live

These legendary rookie cards and many more singles and boxes set for auction in the Sports Cards Nonsense eBay Live stream on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at 6:30 PM CST. Tune in for real time action and bidding excitement. Read more about how eBay Live is changing collecting.

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