The Houston Texans entered the NFL as an expansion team in 2002. Despite being a relatively new franchise, Texans cards have become highly sought after in the collecting world. This is especially true for cards featuring star players like J.J. Watt and Deshaun Watson.

In this article, we'll countdown the 5 most valuable Houston Texans football cards of all time. From ultra-rare 1/1 issues to iconic rookie cards, these cards represent the cream of the crop when it comes to Texans collecting.

#5 - 2002 Playoff Contenders Ticket Stub Autographs David Carr

Kicking off the list is David Carr's 2002 Playoff Contenders Ticket Stub autograph. As the #1 overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft, Carr was hand-selected to lead the expansion Texans. Naturally, his rookie autographs remain popular with collectors.

The Ticket Stub autograph format adds uniqueness and character to an otherwise ordinary on-card auto. Only 100 copies were produced, each serialized and featuring a replica ticket stub piece. Raw examples in top condition can sell for $800-1,000. High-grade versions approach $2,500.

As the franchise's original QB1, interest in David Carr's rookie cards should remain strong for Texans collectors. His Contenders Ticket Stub autograph is one of the most unique and valuable options.

#4 - 2017 Panini National Treasures Deshaun Watson Rookie Patch Autograph

Deshaun Watson took the league by storm during his 2017 rookie campaign. The dynamic QB quickly became one of the NFL's most exciting playmakers. Naturally, Watson's rookie cards are highly sought after by Texans fans.

His 2017 National Treasures RPAs are particularly popular. Limited to just 99 copies, they contain on-card autographs and multi-color patch pieces. High-end versions numbered to 10 or less can easily top $10,000 in today's market.

Even "lower-end" serial numbered copies approaching $3,000-5,000 routinely. As Watson continues to develop into an elite NFL quarterback, his treasured National Treasures rookie autographs will remain cornerstones of any Texans collection.

#3 - 2002 Playoff Absolute Memorabilia Autographs #106/150 David Carr

The #3 spot goes to another coveted David Carr rookie card - his 2002 Playoff Absolute Memorabilia autograph. Serial numbered to just 150 copies, it was the very first autographed memorabilia card ever produced for an incoming Texans rookie. It remains one of Carr's most iconic first-year issues.

Each card contains an on-card signature and jersey swatch, numbered to match the print run on the back. High-grade copies can easily surpass $5,000 in today's market. Even low-end versions in the #100-150 range command upwards of $1,500.

As the pioneering autographed relic card for the NFL's newest franchise, Carr's Playoff Absolute rookie stands out as one of the most valuable Texans cards ever produced.

#2 - 2017 Panini Flawless Diamond J.J. Watt

After years of dominating the league, J.J. Watt has solidified his place as the best defensive player in Texans history. Cards like his 2017 Flawless Diamond rookie reflect Watt's larger-than-life persona.

Numbered to just 5 copies, each features a stunning diamond embedded within the card. Its original $15,000 pack-pulled price tag has since ballooned to the $50,000 range. Even "low-end" non-diamond base parallels approach $10,000 in today's market.

Watt's status as a likely first-ballot HOFer ensures long-term demand for his ultra-premium rookie cards like Flawless Diamond. For Texans collectors seeking the ultimate centerpiece, look no further.

#1 - 2017 Panini National Treasures #1/1 Autograph J.J. Watt

The 2017 National Treasures 1/1 J.J. Watt autograph sits firmly atop the list of most valuable Houston Texans cards. As Watt's sole NFL 1/1 autograph, it's the ultimate prize for diehard Texans collectors.

Printed on a jumbo patch card containing five different color swatches, its original $12,000 eBay auction price was a bargain in retrospect. Today, this prize "shield" card would easily fetch $50,000 or more if it ever hit the open market again.

Between Watt's legendary career and the card's unmatched rarity, it's almost impossible to imagine a more desirable Texans card being produced. Let the debate begin whether any future Texans 1/1 could eventually dethrone this iconic Watt treasure.

Conclusion

That does it for our ranking of the most valuable Houston Texans football cards of all time. From David Carr's pioneering autographs to J.J. Watt's ultra-rare issues, these cards represent the elite of Texans collecting.

Building a Texans collection centered around these key cards is an exciting challenge for any diehard fan. Rookie cards of Deshaun Watson also represent a smart long-term investment as the franchise QB continues his rise to stardom.

Which other iconic Texans cards deserve a spot on this list? Let me know in the comments!