For almost fifty years, the last pick in the NFL Draft has been known league-wide to be quite pointless. With this pick reserved for players that aren’t expected to amount to much of anything, the term for this pick would be coined mister irrelevant in the 1970’s. But, what if I were to tell you that this is no longer the case because of one player from Iowa State? Brock Purdy had massive shoes to fill in his first career game. Even though he was a massive underdog, Purdy wowed those both in attendance and at home as he beat Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a whopping 28 points. While that may be hard to believe, he also accomplished this feat by throwing only five incompletions and totaling three touchdowns. The explosion that Brock Purdy would have in the hobby was a sight to behold as his prices quickly skyrocketed and the demand went through the roof. So, whether you love to root for the underdog or you’re a fan of the man himself, Purdy has become one of the best stories and greatest players of the last few years to add to any collection.
2022 Panini Donruss #374 Brock Purdy Rated Rookie
While not the most valuable Brock Purdy card, this rookie is one that many collectors should have in their collections. As a true flagship rookie, the rated rookie monogram ordains the card of a once third-string, practice squad quarterback who would, just a year later reach the Super Bowl. With not much confidence bestowed in a last pick, the back includes a quote from his head coach speaking to his talent and consistency.
2023 Zenith #CG-5 Brock Purdy Color Guard Relic
While not a rookie relic, this great relic card showcases a color match that is appealing to the eye. Coming from his second year in the league, this relic card comes from a product that was popular in the 1990s and contains many of the same types of inserts. This is an especially great card for those who have been collecting since the 90’s as these cards serve as a reminder of how far this specific product has come in the almost two decades since its last release.
2024 Leaf Electrum Heavy Metal Brock Purdy Autograph
Certainly not the cheapest card on this list, this Brock Purdy autograph is a great example of a rare, yet affordable autograph. With Leaf not being as mainstream as Panini and Topps, these autographs have a great look, while not breaking the bank. At a price of less than $200, this autograph numbered to just seven makes this card not only rare but very collectible as well.
2023 Contenders Optic #86 Brock Purdy Season Ticket Red
If you’re like me, you are a sucker for a great color match and if you’re new to the hobby let me explain. A color match is essentially when the color of the jersey the player is wearing matches the main color of the card. Oftentimes, the card is numbered and in this case, the card is numbered to just 175. Certainly not as incredibly rare as the last card on this list, a color match is a must for any Brock Purdy Collector on a budget.
2023 Prestige #TS14 Brock Purdy Throwing Stars
Being a case hit with a very low print run, the odds of pulling this card are extremely low as this specific card can only be found in roughly one in twenty cases (as there are twenty different players with this case hit insert in this exact set). What makes this particular card special is the fact that it’s a die-cut. Keeping these in good shape all the way from the production line, to the packs, and then into the collector’s hands can be quite the challenge. With fourteen corners rather than the usual four it is no wonder that only ten PSA 9’s exist and zero PSA 10’s are currently floating around. However, if you do end up grading one of these as a ten, you’d have a card that was truly one of a kind.
2023 Panini Prizm #266 Brock Purdy
A card that any collector could afford has a simple, yet elegant silver design. While this card isn’t incredibly valuable and would be overlooked by many collectors, it is one card that has an incredible shine to it. With the simplicity of silver, matching a similar background color this card pops in any kind of lighting. Odds are, this card can be found in dollar boxes across the nation, making it possible to start a Brock Purdy rainbow chase.
2024 Panini Score-A-Treat #244 Brock Purdy Pumpkins
Halloween and Christmas cards always make me smile when the season comes around. With the Score-A-Treat packs and boxes being quite affordable ($22 for 40 packs), these cards could put anyone in the holiday spirit, even if that holiday is all about candy. With spiders, slime, jack o’lanterns, and cobwebs adorning this card it reminds those who aren’t young of the days of sugar highs and the sweet treats that are soon to come.
2022 Panini Instant #193 Brock Purdy Playoff Debut RC (Rookie)
Making the playoffs is no small feat, especially for a seventh-round rookie quarterback. With this card signifying his first playoff game and victory collectors could only buy this card through the Panini website, thus making it harder to find only a few years later. Having a print run of only 3099, these odd cards aren’t seen as highly collectible, but remind us of the importance of a specific game over a full season.
2023 Immaculate #IDJ-SF Brock Purdy Dual Jerseys
Last but certainly not least, this list could not be complete without a dual relic with one of, if not the best dual threat running backs of all time. While their stories couldn’t be more of a polar opposite with Purdy being a seventh-round pick and McCaffrey being a first-round pick, this card is a must-have for any 49ers fan. Numbered to just 49 and out of one of the more expensive products in the hobby this card is surprisingly affordable with the last sale under $60.
Not So Irrelevant After All
Taking the journey from the unknown to the known can be difficult for anyone, but Purdy took that chance and ran with it. With rumors circulating that his next contract is going to break the bank for the 49er’s any of these cards could see increased value down the road. But for now, enjoy these cards for the person on them and the journey he’s been through. Just remember, whether you have a dollar or two-hundred dollars you can afford any number of cards from this list and any of them would make a great addition to your collection.
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