Joe Namath: Football Icon and Card Collecting Gold
Joe Namath, iconic for his Jets quarterback tenure, became “Broadway Joe” due to his confidence and flair. He famously assured a Super Bowl III win against the favored Baltimore Colts, then delivered.
Why Collect Joe Namath Football Cards?
Joe Namath isn’t just any football player. Dubbed “Broadway Joe” for his larger-than-life persona, he’s become emblematic of an entire era in football. His cards serve as tangible reminders of his significance in the sport’s history.
Check out where Joe Namath lands on the top 50 rookie football cards of all time list.
Moments Frozen in Time
Cards, by their nature, capture moments. Namath’s cards, especially his rookie edition, serve as snapshots of key events and achievements in his career. They remind collectors of the milestones that have shaped football narratives over the decades.
The Distinctiveness of the Rookie Card
Namath’s 1965 Topps rookie card stands out, not just because of its rarity but due to its unique design. It’s a tangible piece of history, capturing a young Namath, poised at the threshold of greatness. For many collectors, this card epitomizes the beginning of the Namath legend.
Broad Cultural Significance
Joe Namath’s impact was not confined to the football field. His charisma and flamboyance resonated with the general public. This crossover appeal means his cards are not just sought after by football aficionados but also by those who appreciate the broader cultural landscape of the time.
A Connection to Bygone Days
For many, collecting cards is about more than just investment or fandom; it’s about reliving memories. Owning a Namath card is like possessing a piece of history, offering a direct link to the golden era of football, filled with nostalgia and sentiment.
A Lasting Presence
To sum it up, Joe Namath’s cards provide collectors with a blend of financial opportunity, historical reverence, and deep emotional resonance. For anyone passionate about football’s past or investing in sports memorabilia, these cards represent an unmatched treasure.
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Without any further ado, let’s jump into this list!
#9
1973 Topps Joe Namath #400
PSA 9 Value: $409
1973 Topps Joe Namath football card
The 1973 Topps football card features Joe Namath seated on the chilly New York sidelines. Its visual appeal might not resonate with all collectors. Additionally, this period marks a downturn in Namath’s on-field prowess. PSA has 1,442 of these in their population with 18 gem mint condition, 176 in mint condition, and 339 near mint to mint.
In March 2023, Heritage Auctions auctioned a PSA 9 example for $409. Ungraded versions can go for merely $5, and PSA 5 versions typically fetch around $20. Thus, targeting a high-grade specimen is ideal for investment.
#8
1972 Topps Joe Namath #100
PSA 9 Value: $540
1972 Topps Joe Namath football card
The 1972 Topps set features standout players like Joe Namath, Gale Sayers, and Terry Bradshaw. It also introduces notable rookies such as John Riggins, Archie Manning, and Roger Staubach. While horizontal designs aren’t as popular as vertical ones, the unique look of the ’72 Joe Namath card is still appealing to many collectors.
PSA has 2,660 of the ’72 Topps Joe Namath cards in their population reports with 18 grading gem mint, 175 mint, and 462 near mint to mint condition. Heritage Auctions sold a PSA 9 example in September 2022 for $540. Raw examples sell between $5 – $50 depending on the condition.
#7
1971 Topps Joe Namath #250
PSA 9 Value: $7,089
1971 Topps Joe Namath football card
The 1971 set stands out as the first where Topps incorporated yearly stats on the back. Its lively orange borders, while appealing, make it prone to visible wear, especially on the edges. In fact, no Joe Namath cards from this set have been graded as gem mint 10 by PSA, and only three have achieved a mint 9 grade.
This rarity explains the impressive $7,089 price tag for a PSA 9 card sold by PWCC Auctions in 2016. For collectors and Namath enthusiasts, this card is an exceptional rarity to add to your collection. Ungraded examples sell between $5-$50 depending on the condition while low-graded PSA examples sell for around $30.
#6
1970 Topps Joe Namath #150
PSA 9 Value: $4,080
1970 Topps football card set
The 1970 Topps set boasts one of the brand’s most timeless designs. Featuring striking player photographs complemented by neatly positioned team names, positions, and player names below, its understated color palette captures the essence of the 1970s.
While some might find the hues muted, others see them as perfectly era-appropriate. Packed with Superstars, Hall of Famers, and coveted rookie cards, this set is both highly collectible and an ideal entry point for those delving into vintage football cards.
1970 Topps Joe Namath football card
When found in raw condition, the 1970 Topps Joe Namath card sells between $5-$75 depending on the condition. However, higher grades sell for significantly more. Robert Edwards Auctions sold a PSA 9 example at auction in December 2022 for $4,080. This is due to the rarity if high grades.
For example, there are 1,452 of the ’72 Namath cards in PSA’s population report. Of those just 1 is in gem mint condition. Only 25 are in mint condition and 214 are in near mint to mint. If you’re looking to pick one up for a good price, consider looking at a PSA 6 or 7. You should be able to find one for around the $50 range.
#5
1969 Topps Joe Namath #100
PSA 9 Value: $2,760
1969 Topps football card set
Out of the 2,856 Joe Namath #100 cards cataloged by PSA, only 2 are graded as gem mint, 54 as mint, and 574 in near mint-to-mint condition. The card’s borderless design makes edge damage and corner wear more noticeable, making high grades harder to achieve. The vibrant background colors extending to the card’s edge contribute to this grading challenge.
This set stands out as one of the most visually appealing from the 60s, boasting numerous Hall of Fame players. Joe Namath’s card is a prime collectible from this set. In October 2022, Heritage Auctions sold a mint 9 example for $2,760, while a PSA 6 variant is priced around $100.
#4
1968 Topps Joe Namath #65
PSA 9 Value: $2,280
1968 Topps Joe Namath football card value
Out of the 1,650 PSA-graded 1968 Topps football cards featuring Namath, only 4 have achieved a gem mint rating, 52 are mint, and 257 sit at near mint-to-mint. Due to its thin white cardstock and borders, attaining a high grade is difficult. A PSA 9 version fetched $2,280 in December 2022, whereas a PSA 6 is available for around $110.
Its true value shines in rarer mint conditions. The 1968 card’s uniqueness, marking the merge of NFL and AFL player cards, hints at its potential to gain popularity.
1968 Topps football card set
The 1968 Topps Football set, comprised of 219 cards, was significant as it reintroduced both AFL and NFL players, including the Cincinnati Bengals’ debut. Among the set’s notable cards, Joe Namath’s stands out.
Additionally, it included rookies like Jim Hart and Bob Griese. The second series, slightly rarer, showcased players like Frank Tarkenton and Mike Ditka. The 1968 edition commenced Topps’ 21-year exclusive streak in football card production.
#3
1967 Topps Joe Namath #98
PSA 9 Value: $1,955
1967 Topps Joe Namath football card value
PSA reports show 1,464 graded instances of Namath’s 1967 Topps football card. From these, only 5 achieved gem mint status, while 50 garnered a mint grade. Given Namath’s immense collectability, these numbers are remarkably low.
In February 2023, a mint 9 version fetched $1,955 on eBay, a modest price for his third-year card. Currently, a PSA 6 version is priced around $130, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious collectors.
Spotlight on Joe Namath’s Third Year Card: 1967 Topps #98
The Topps 1967 Football set, consisting of 132 cards, showcases players from the American Football League (AFL). Each card adopts an attractive oval design, however, Joe Namath stands out in this collection. Being Namath’s third-year card, it captures the quarterback in his prime. The backs of these cards are designed with black text against a distinctive gold background, adding to their vintage appeal.
While the 1967 set boasts other notable players like John Huarte, Jack Kemp, and Len Dawson, it’s Namath’s card that often captures the most attention from collectors. The set also introduces us to key rookies, including Wahoo McDaniel. Yet, for those with a keen eye for collecting icons, the Joe Namath #98 card is undeniably a centerpiece.
#2
1966 Topps Joe Namath #96
PSA 9 Value: $2,550
Joe Namath’s Second Year Card: An Underrated Gem?
Broadway Joe’s second-year card is a surprising bargain, especially when compared to his later releases. Despite its lower PSA population and arguably less captivating design, one might expect a second-year card to command a higher value than subsequent ones. This card offers a potentially undervalued option for both collectors and investors looking for reasonably priced Namath pieces with the promise of future appreciation.
At the hobby’s recent peak in 2021, a PSA 9 of this card sold for $2,550. Its dark wood grain borders make locating a high-grade example a real challenge, a fact underscored by the PSA’s grading statistics: out of 1,311 evaluated cards, only one achieved gem mint status, and a mere 11 received a mint 9 grade. These numbers are exceptionally low for its vintage. Further, with only 120 cards graded as near mint to mint — currently selling for $1,500-$2,000 — the scarcity is evident.
For those scouting undervalued Joe Namath treasures, the 1966 Topps second-year card is certainly worth a closer look.
#1
1965 Topps Joe Namath Rookie Card #96
PSA 9 Value: $264,000+
1965 Topps Joe Namath rookie card value
Of the 1,973 Joe Namath ’65 Topps rookie cards evaluated by PSA, not a single one achieved a gem mint status. Only a mere 5 qualified as mint, underscoring the immense challenge in grading this particular set. Additionally, just 78 cards received a near mint to mint grade. Given the soaring demand for this card among collectors, these figures are strikingly low.
Highlighting this card’s rarity and surging demand, one of the five mint examples fetched a staggering $264,000 at a Heritage Auctions event in February 2018. Notably, this sale occurred prior to the sports card boom catalyzed by the Covid pandemic.
For those eyeing a more budget-friendly acquisition, a PSA 1 grade of this card remains the best bet, with prices currently ranging from $1,500 to $1,800.
1965 Topps football card set
The 1965 Topps Joe Namath rookie card is not just another piece of memorabilia; it’s a beacon of football history and a testament to Namath’s enduring legacy. Distinguished by its “tall boy” design, the card showcases a youthful Namath in his New York Jets green and white, poised and confident, echoing the bravado he carried throughout his illustrious career.
Its significance to the hobby is paramount. Collectors regard this card as one of the crown jewels of football card collecting. With its distinctive size and layout, it stands out from cards of other eras, making it a coveted addition to any collection. But it’s not just its design that makes it iconic. The rarity of finding this card in pristine condition only adds to its allure. Issues like edge and corner wear, inherent due to its larger-than-standard size, mean that high-grade examples of this card are few and far between, driving its value ever upward.
Joe Namath propelled the AFL into the national spotlight
From an NFL historical perspective, this card captures the essence of a player who changed the game. Namath’s audacious guarantee of a Super Bowl III victory over the favored Baltimore Colts, and his subsequent delivery on that promise, propelled the AFL into the national spotlight. This monumental event played a role in the merger of the NFL and the AFL, reshaping the future of American football. The 1965 rookie card serves as a tangible memento of that transformative time.
Joe Namath’s 1965 Topps rookie card is more than just a rookie card
In essence, the 1965 Topps Joe Namath rookie card is not just a collectible; it’s a symbol. It commemorates a player who defied the odds and redefined a sport, and it holds a special place in the heart of the hobby and the annals of the NFL. For both seasoned collectors and budding enthusiasts, acquiring this card is akin to owning a piece of football royalty.
From a young age, Matt dove deep into sports card valuation, turning to esteemed price guides like Beckett and Tuff Stuff. Eventually he extended to Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. With a vision to sustain and nurture the hobby he loved, Matt established the ‘Graded Card Investor’ YouTube channel and website. He aims to foster a healthy community and offer invaluable insights to those entering the world of sports cards and TCGs. His depth of understanding, from the card market’s 2020 pinnacle to its 1990s valleys, is consistently fortified by meticulous research.
