Top 5 Most Valuable Tennessee Titans Football Cards of All Time

October 30, 2023
5
min read

The Tennessee Titans have a rich history spanning their time as the Houston Oilers and with their current moniker. Naturally, Titans football cards hold a special allure for collectors, especially ones featuring franchise icons and legends. Let's take a look at 5 of the most sought-after Tennessee Titans cards of all time.

1. Steve McNair Rookie Card

It's no surprise that Steve McNair's 1995 Collectors Choice rookie card lands atop this list. After all, McNair was the franchise's star quarterback for over a decade and led the team to its lone Super Bowl appearance. Here's a quick rundown of why McNair's rookie is so coveted:

  • One of the premier QBs of his era - McNair was a 3-time Pro Bowler and co-MVP. His career numbers include 31,304 passing yards and 174 TDs.
  • Led famous Super Bowl run - McNair was at the helm when the Titans fell 1 yard short against the Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV.
  • Tragic death added appeal - McNair's murder in 2009 at age 36 added a mystique and perceived value to his cards.
  • Short printed status - His 1995 Collectors Choice rookie is notoriously tough to find.

With so much going for it, mint copies of McNair's rookie have sold for over $500. Not bad for a mid-90s "junk wax" era card!

2. Eddie George Rookie Card

Boasting both scarcity and one of the franchise's most popular players, Eddie George rookie cards are understandably treasured. The former Ohio State standout was drafted in 1996 and quickly became the bell cow for Tennessee. Here's a glance at why his rookie issues command big bucks:

  • Franchise's all-time leading rusher - George's career totals of 10,009 yards and 64 TDs remain team records.
  • Rookie of the Year honors - George ran for 1,368 yards and 8 scores to earn 1996 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
  • Iconic player in team history - His bruising running style and post-TD celebrations made George a fan favorite.
  • Tough pulls - George's early cards are condition sensitive and elusive in top grade.

With his on-field exploits and lasting fan appeal, Eddie George's rookie issues can sell for $250-300 in PSA 10 gem mint condition.

3. Warren Moon Rookie Card

Warren Moon bridged the team's Oilers and Titans eras while putting up eye-popping numbers. Although Moon is best known for his early days in Houston, his rookie cards remain coveted:

  • Forgotten gem QB - Moon threw for over 49,000 yards and 291 TDs in a career that deserves more HOF and collecting recognition.
  • Strong rookie season - Moon passed for 1,112 yards and 7 scores in just 6 starts his 1984 rookie year.
  • Draft rarity - Moon went undrafted in 1978 before beginning his pro career in the CFL. His "rookie" cards came unusually late as a result.
  • 1984 classes are iconic - Moon's '84 rookie is part of an iconic class that includes Montana, Marino and Elway.

With Moon's enduring greatness and the scarcity of '80s wax packs, his rookies fetch up to $800 in top condition.

4. Chris Johnson Rookie Card

Chris Johnson brought elite speed and excitement to the offense in his 2009 rookie season. That year remains etched in the minds of collectors:

  • Historic 2,000-yard season - Johnson rattled off 2,006 rushing yards in 2009, averaging a whopping 5.6 yards per carry.
  • Offensive Player of the Year - Johnson's brilliance led to First-team All-Pro and NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors.
  • Game-breaking ability - Johnson's acceleration and big-play ability led to the nicknames CJ2K and "Cheetah."
  • Popular figure - Despite clashing with coaches later on, Johnson's rookie season made him a fan favorite.

With such an iconic debut campaign, CJ2K's rookie cards soar as high as $800 for graded mint copies.

5. Vince Young Rookie Card

After leading Texas to a National Championship in 2006, Vince Young brought immense hype to Nashville as the #3 overall pick. Here's a glance at why VY's rookie cards hold value:

  • Won Offensive ROTY - Young lived up to some hype, throwing for 2,199 yards and 12 TDs to nab 2007 Rookie of the Year.
  • Early promise - Young went 8-5 as a rookie starter and made the Pro Bowl in his second season before imploding.
  • Supreme talent and athleticism - At 6'5" and 230 lbs with a 4.58 forty time, Young was a physical phenom if not an elite passer.
  • Polarizing figure - Love or hate his antics, Young attracted immense interest during his Titans tenure.

Vince Young's talent and early flashes helped his 2006-07 rookies reach $500+ in top condition. However, legal issues and instability later severely hampered his marketability.

Conclusion

From franchise quarterbacks like McNair and Moon to legendary running backs such as George and Johnson, Tennessee Titans cards have proven to be popular and valuable collectibles. Rookie cards of the team's biggest stars during their most memorable seasons are always in high demand.

Other modern players like Derrick Henry, Jevon Kearse, and Kevin Dyson have rookie cards entrenched as Titans collecting cornerstones. As the team continues making history, new names will inevitably join the list of most coveted Tennessee Titans football cards.