He might be one of the greatest running backs of all-time, but you don’t have to spend a lot to get a Barry Sanders rookie card. Releasing at a time when sports cards were booming and the printers were running on overdrive to keep up, there’s plenty of quantity out there.
It was also a simpler time where one could still chase everything of a given player.
Barry Sanders Football Card Beginnings
With the Detroit Lions taking Sanders third overall in a strong 1989 NFL Draft, expectations were high for the running back. However, it’s hard to believe that many thought he would be as good as he turned out to be. Despite playing just ten seasons, Sanders retired within striking distance of Walter Payton’s career rushing record. Co-winner of the NFL’s MVP in 1997, Sanders was also honored with Offensive Player of the Year twice, ten Pro Bowl selections and a spot on the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Simply put, legend.
Barry Sanders rookie cards can be found in three different sets. All are readily available and don’t carry massive price tags. For the most valuable Barry Sanders cards, collectors will have to look to rare chase cards and autographs that came out later in his career and beyond.
Barry Sanders Rookie Card Guide
1989 Pro Set Barry Sanders Rookie Card #494
The jersey says Oklahoma State, but this is definitely an NFL card. The headliner in Pro Set’s inaugural set of football cards, this Barry Sanders rookie is found in Series 2 packs. Although it’s a college shot, it’s still the running back’s only RC with an action photo.
Like virtually all things Pro Set, a massive production run keeps prices in check. It’s also a sign of the hobby times in 1989.
Shop for professionally graded cards: 8 NM-MT | 9 Mint | 9.5/10 Gem Mint
1989 Score Barry Sanders Rookie Card #257
Classic era, classic set, classic rookie card. The 1989 Score Barry Sanders not only ranks as the top card in the brand’s popular pigskin premier but it’s one of the most iconic football cards of all-time. Far from rare, the set is still available in smaller quantities than other mainstream product’s for the sport that year. The green bordered design isn’t overly complicated but given the lasting appeal, it has become memorable.
Photo-wise, each Barry Sanders rookie card is a little bit different. This is the only one to use a portrait. In doing so, it shows a different side of the Hall of Fame running back.
Shop for professionally graded cards: 8 NM-MT | 9 Mint | 9.5/10 Gem Mint
1989 Topps Traded Barry Sanders Rookie Card #83T
While Topps didn’t include Sanders in their main 1989 football set, the running back made the cut in 1989 Topps Traded. Like baseball, the box set acts as an update of sorts, updating images of vets with new teams and adding rookies — like Sanders. Another card that suffers in value from a big production run, you won’t have any trouble landing one no matter the condition.
As for the card itself, there is some prestige in being part of the flagship line. Although the traditional isn’t as strong as baseball and it’s not continuous, the Topps brand is the most respected in the hobby. The shot is also an interesting one. While there isn’t much going on with the sideline photo, it’s a middle ground of sorts between a portrait and action shot. The result is something simple and contemplative.
Shop for professionally graded cards: 8 NM-MT | 9 Mint | 9.5/10 Gem Mint
1989 Lions Police Barry Sanders #11
Although not a traditional rookie card, this is one of the more interesting early Barry Sanders cards. For starters, you have the distribution. Instead of going to the store, 1989 Lions Police cards were handed out by officers in Michigan and even across the border in neighboring Ontario.
As for the card itself, it’s classic late ’80s fashion with the running back’s cap and jacket. The photo choice is an interesting one, showing Sanders shortly after getting drafted by Detroit.
The dimensions are larger than a traditional card, measuring 2 5/8″ by 4 1/8″.
It’s not a particularly rare card in the sense that it’s hard to find. But when you compare it to Sanders’ mainstream rookie cards, it is in significantly smaller supply.
Shop for professionally graded cards: 8 NM-MT | 9 Mint | 9.5/10 Gem Mint
