Just one John Elway rookie card exists. The quarterback rose to fame at a time when the number of licenses was kept to a minimum and collectors had just one major release to track down each year. But that doesn’t mean the Hall of Famer doesn’t have other cards from his first NFL season — or sooner.
Elway ranks as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. Spending all 16 of his pro seasons as a player with the Broncos, Elway led Denver to a pair of Super Bowls. An explosive passer and revered leader, the NFL’s 1987 MVP was at or near the top of the all-time leaderboard in several categories at the time of his retirement. He may have slipped down the ranks in some categories in the years since but that’s a testament to the sport’s evolution than Elway’s talent.
Just as he was on the field, Elway remains extremely popular among collectors ensuring his rookie card and other early issues maintain hobby relevance.
John Elway Rookie Card Guide and Other Important Early Cards
1984 Topps John Elway Rookie Card #63
If you’re looking for the best and most valuable John Elway rookie card, this is it. 1984 Topps also happens to be his only RC. Still, it’s one of the most iconic football cards produced during a decade of massive hobby growth. Showcasing a bit of attitude and Elway’s youth, it’s a memorable shot that helps make the card unforgettable. Sharing the checklist with Dan Marino helps, too. It’s kind of like how 1975 Topps Baseball has rookies of George Brett and Robin Yount, two Hall of Famers whose careers had a lot of parallels.
The 1984 Topps John Elway rookie card isn’t a rare card. Compared to what some modern players’ first cards fetch, one could even argue that this one’s something of a bargain with professionally graded NM-MT 8 copies available for less than the price of most new hobby boxes.
Shop for Professionally Graded Cards: 8 NM-MT | 9 Mint | 10 Gem Mint
1982 TCMA Oneonta Yankees John Elway #13
That John Elway in the black and white photo sure looks like Denver Broncos icon John Elway. But this John Elway is a baseball player. Can it be the John Elway? It most certainly can be — and is. Elway was actually drafted twice, first in 1979 by the Kansas City Royals. After not signing with the team, the Yankees took the outfielder in the second round of the 1981 draft. This resulted in Elway’s first sports card in the 1982 TCMA Oneonta Yankees team set. As a minor league card, it’s not considered a rookie but it’s still an important release when it comes to John Elway cards.
Shop for Professionally Graded Cards: 8 NM-MT | 9 Mint | 10 Gem Mint
1984 7-Eleven Super Stars Sports Coins John Elway #XVII
The 1984 7-Eleven Super Stars Sports Coins John Elway (or Slurpee Coin) is a rookie-year oddball release. It’s not a card so it’s definitely not a rookie card, but it is a fun alternative. Part of a promotion at the convenience store chain, Elway is part of the western assortment of players. Using lenticular technology similar to that found on 1980s SportFlics sets, the coin flips between a photo of Elway throwing and a portrait.
Despite being significant tougher than his Topps RC, this one is noticeably more affordable as card collectors prefer, well, cards. But for Elway fans or those looking for an alternative, lenticular coins certainly qualify.
Shop for Professionally Graded Cards: 8 NM-MT | 9 Mint | 10 Gem Mint
1984 Topps Stickers John Elway #179
It’s Topps but it’s a little weird. The quarterback is a part of the card maker’s 1984 sticker collection, adding another fun John Elway rookie card alternative to the mix. His name isn’t on the front, but it is on the back. Today, they’re a lot less common than his regular Topps card. Back in the day, this might not have been the case but it’s a sticker so many likely made their way into the corresponding album — just like they were supposed to. For those hunting for high-grade examples, centering can be brutal on these. They’re also thinner than football cards.
Shop for Professionally Graded Cards: 8 NM-MT | 9 Mint | 10 Gem Mint
