The Seattle Seahawks have had their fair share of superstar players throughout the franchise's history. Naturally, football cards featuring these legendary Seahawks are highly sought-after by collectors and fans alike. Let's take a look at the top 5 most valuable Seattle Seahawks football cards of all time.

1. 1984 Topps Dan Doornink Rookie Card (#355)

Kicking off the list is Dan Doornink's 1984 Topps rookie card. Doornink was one of the Seahawks' key offensive weapons during the team's early years. This card featuring the versatile fullback is very tough to find in high grade due to poor centering issues. PSA 10 gems are essentially non-existent.

• Estimated PSA 10 Value: $750+

Doornink's 1984 Topps rookie is undoubtedly the most valuable of his football cards. The card pictures Dan in his #33 Seahawks road uniform with a blue bordered design. It's one vintage Seahawks card that continues to climb in value each year.

2. 1976 Topps Steve Largent Rookie Card (#489)

No list of valuable Seahawks cards would be complete without mentioning the legendary Steve Largent. Largent was Seattle's first legitimate superstar after entering the league in 1976 as a little known 4th round draft pick out of Tulsa. He'd go on to set numerous NFL records during his Hall of Fame career.

• Estimated PSA 10 Value: $1,800+

Largent's 1976 Topps rookie card remains one of the most iconic football cards of the 1970s. Finding one in pristine condition is an incredible challenge. But for diehard Seahawks collectors, it's a must-own card.

3. 2012 Panini Contenders Russell Wilson Rookie Ticket Autograph (#221)

Russell Wilson took the league by storm in 2012 by winning the starting job as a rookie. He'd lead the Seahawks all the way to the divisional round of the playoffs. Wilson's autographed rookie cards remain coveted by collectors.

• Estimated PSA 10 Value: $3,000+

The 2012 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket autographed card picturing Wilson in his #3 jersey is arguably his most desired rookie card. It was limited to just 299 copies. Expect values on Wilson's early signed rookie cards to continue rising as he cements his legacy as a Seahawks great.

4. 1976 Topps Walter Payton Rookie Card (#148)

Wait a minute, Walter Payton? That's right! Before he became a Chicago Bears legend, Walter Payton was actually drafted by the Seahawks in 1975. He ended up with the Bears after they traded for him prior to the start of his rookie season. Nonetheless, Payton's 1976 Topps rookie card is included here given his brief ties to the Seahawks franchise.

• Estimated PSA 10 Value: $6,000+

It's amazing that you could have landed a gem mint copy of one of the most important football cards ever produced for the price of a nice dinner back in 1976. Today, high-grade examples easily fetch 5-figures at auction. It goes down as one of the biggest bargains in collecting history.

5. 1997 Bowman Chrome Refractors Marshawn Lynch Rookie Card

Last but not least is Marshawn Lynch's 1997 Bowman Chrome rookie card. Lynch was a huge part of the Seahawks' first ever Super Bowl victory in 2014. His rookie cards remain popular with Seattle fans commemorating that championship season.

• Estimated PSA 10 Value: $10,000+

The 1997 Bowman Chrome set introduced refractor technology to football cards for the first time ever. The refractor finish gives the cards a shiny, rainbow-like look. Lynch's refractor rookie is extremely condition sensitive and scarce in PSA 10 grade. It's a card that looks set to continue gaining value moving forward.

Other Notable Valuable Seahawks Cards

Beyond the top 5, there are plenty of other valuable Seahawks cards that also deserve mention:

• 1988 Topps Traded Brian Bosworth Rookie Card (#14T) - Bosworth was a huge college star out of Oklahoma who signed a then record rookie contract. His graded rookie cards remain popular with collectors.
• 1993 SP Derek Brown Die Cut Rookie Card (#279) - This unique die cut rookie card of 1st round bust Derek Brown is surprisingly one of the rarest Seahawks cards from the junk wax era.
• 1995 Collectors Edge Excalibur Mirrored Edge Steve Largent (#100) - A modern insert featuring Largent with a reflective mirrored finish. A popular card for diehard Seahawks fans.
• 1995 Pinnacle Zenith Bobby Engram Rookie Card (#31) - Engram served as an underrated wide receiver on the Seahawks' 2005 NFC Championship squad. His shiny rookie issue is coveted in top condition.
• 1997 Upper Deck UD3 Jamal Anderson Die Cut Rookie Card (#12) - Anderson was drafted by Seattle but traded to the Falcons early in his career. This die cut rookie card has odd ties to the Seahawks.

Investing in Seahawks Rookie Cards

Rookie cards of Seahawks stars and Hall of Famers remain popular with collectors each year. Here are some tips if you're thinking of picking up Seahawks rookie cards as an investment:

• Focus on PSA 10 graded cards - Raw cards are risky. Only PSA 10s have major upside potential. Lower grades won't see nearly as much value growth long-term.
• Target HOF or potential HOF players - Seek out rookie cards of Seahawks stars like Largent, Walter Jones, Cortez Kennedy and younger players like Wilson who could end up in Canton one day.
• Buy early in careers when affordable - Rookie cards will almost always be the cheapest early in a player's career. Buying them years later once they've established themselves leads to paying large premiums.
• Diversify acquisitions - Don't put all your eggs in one basket. A balanced collection of several HOF rookie cards spreads out risk.
• Hold long-term - Quick flips rarely work with football cards. Allow 5-10+ years for meaningful value appreciation to occur.

Wrapping Up the Top Seahawks Football Card Investments

And there you have it - a look at the top 5 most valuable Seattle Seahawks football cards of all time along with other notable options. Vintage HOF rookie cards from the likes of Largent and Payton are never a bad investment choice. Modern stars like Wilson also have lots of long-term upside potential.

Building a diverse collection of graded rookie cards of the top Seahawks players can prove to be a fun and rewarding endeavor for diehard Seattle fans. Just be sure to exercise patience and hold for the long-term. Add these iconic cards to your portfolio and watch them gain value throughout the years!