Top 5 Quarterbacks from the 1940s and Their Rookie Card Values

#5. Tommy Thompson

PSA 9: $990
PSA 8: $107
Raw: $15 – $50

Shop Tommy Thompson Rookie Card on eBay.

In May 2022, Heritage Auctions sold a high-grade Tommy Thompson rookie card from the 1948 Bowman football card set. The price was $990. Currently, 143 examples appear in PSA’s population report. Among these, four examples are in mint 9 condition with one in gem mint 10.

You can find ungraded examples on eBay for around $30. Naturally, better conditions fetch higher prices. For collectors on a budget, these options are great. They allow you to add legendary quarterbacks to your collection at an affordable price.

Highlighting Tommy Thompson

Tommy Thompson, a quarterback primarily associated with the Philadelphia Eagles, was a remarkable figure in the National Football League (NFL). His contributions to the sport and versatility on the field made him stand out among his peers, leaving a lasting impact on the game.

Career highlights for Tommy Thompson include:

• Guiding the Philadelphia Eagles to three consecutive NFL championship appearances from 1947 to 1949, with victories in 1948 and 1949, showcasing his leadership and skill.
• Achieving the milestone of being the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw for 10,000 yards, a significant accomplishment during his time.
• Earning recognition as one of the top quarterbacks by leading the league in passer rating for two consecutive years in 1947 and 1948, displaying his exceptional passing efficiency.
• Impressing the football world with his performance in the 1948 season, where he led the league with an impressive 25 touchdown passes, solidifying his status as one of the era’s top quarterbacks.
• Boasting two NFL championships, and not being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, sparks debates and discussions among football enthusiasts.

Tommy Thompson extended his influence on the game beyond his playing days. Today’s dynamic passing offenses still show his impact. Despite the limitations in recording statistics during his era, fans and football historians alike continue to celebrate and revere his achievements and contributions to the sport. Thompson’s legacy as an exceptional quarterback, and his remarkable career with the Philadelphia Eagles, will forever reside in the annals of NFL history.

#4. Bob Waterfield

PSA 9: $4,200
PSA 8: $1,319
Raw: $50 – $150

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In July 2021, a 1948 Leaf Bob Waterfield rookie card sold for $4,080, by Heritage Auctions. PSA assessed the card to be in near-mint-to-mint condition. Presently, there are 404 examples detailed in PSA’s population report. Among these, thirteen reside in PSA 8 condition, one has been graded 9, and there are no tens.

On the other hand, ungraded cards are available for purchase on platforms such as eBay. The prices for these range between $50 and $150, contingent upon the card’s condition. Nonetheless, acquiring examples with sharp corners and proper centering may present a challenge due to the imprecise manufacturing techniques of the era. Furthermore, locating specimens with white card stock might be an arduous task, as the majority of copies have experienced fading over time.

Highlighting Bob Waterfield’s Career

Bob Waterfield, an NFL quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, was more than just an athlete. He explored acting and film production while making football history. His impressive NFL career spanned eight seasons, where he led the Rams to two championships and earned the title of NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1945.

Waterfield’s multifaceted talents set him apart from others, excelling as a passer, punter, and place-kicker. He was celebrated for his leadership and skills, leaving an indelible mark on the game.

Highlighted achievements include:

• Leading the Rams to NFL championships in 1945 and 1951.
• NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1945.
• Earning the First-Team All-Pro quarterback title in 1945, 1946, and 1949.
• Setting NFL career records with 315 extra points and 60 field goals.

#3. Otto Graham

PSA 9: $20,713
PSA 8: $6,255
Raw: $300 – $550

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In February 2023, an eBay seller sold this 1950 Bowman Otto Graham rookie card, graded PSA 8, for $6,255. This is one of 90 examples in existence and is a record high for a PSA 8 example. There are nine PSA 9 examples, and one sold in October 2020 for an astonishing $20,713.

For collectors on a budget, if you wait patiently you may find an ungraded example pop up for around $300. If you want to pick one up today there are some PSA 1 and SGC 1 examples in that ballpark. Because Otto Graham has the most championships than any other quarterback of his time, he is a solid investment. Hands down one of the best quarterbacks of all time and definitely tops three quarterbacks from the 1940s.

Otto Graham’s Impressive Career

Otto Graham, or Otto-Matic Otto, played ten remarkable seasons in both the All-American Football Conference (AAFC) and the National Football League (NFL). As a passer and leader, he was unparalleled, leading the Browns to championship games every year from 1946 to 1955, winning seven.

His combination of arm strength, accuracy, and athleticism made him one of the most dominant players of his era. He was an innovator, blending power and finesse in his playing style, and setting a new standard for quarterbacks with his ability to read the game.

Graham’s accomplishments are numerous:

• 10 championship appearances, winning seven from 1946 to 1955.
• A 29-game unbeaten streak from 1947 to 1949, showcasing his leadership and skill.
• Leading the Browns to the first undefeated championship team in pro football in 1948.
• Holding the NFL record for the highest career winning percentage (81.0%) for a starting quarterback.
• Setting another NFL record with an average of 8.63 yards per pass attempt in his career.
• Establishing a professional football record with an average of 10.5 yards per pass in his debut season.
• Holding a professional football record with a 112.1 quarterback rating in 1946, later surpassed by Joe Montana in 1989.
• Leading the league in passing yards from 1947 to 1949.
• Becoming the AAFC’s all-time leading passer with 10,085 yards and 86 touchdowns.
• Being named the AAFC’s Most Valuable Player in 1947 and sharing the award in 1948.

Otto Graham’s legacy as a quarterback is etched in football history. His remarkable accomplishments and contributions to the game continue to be celebrated, making him one of the all-time greats in the NFL.

#2. Sid Luckman

PSA 8: $32,999
PSA 7: $8,700
Raw: $70 – $150

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In January 2022, Heritage Auctions sold a 1948 Leaf Sid Luckman rookie card, graded PSA 8, for $8,700. This is one of only six examples in near-mint-to-mint condition. So far, PSA has graded 487 of the ’48 Leaf Luckman rookie cards with six getting an 8 and none grading 9 or 10. One of the primary causes for cards being so challenging to grade is that Sid Luckman is #1 in the set. Meaning his card was on top of the set and was prone to being damaged over cards in the middle.

Sid Luckman’s Hall of Fame Career

Luckman’s tenure as the Chicago Bears’ quarterback from 1939 to 1950 revolutionized football. He led the team to four NFL championships, solidifying his reputation as the era’s premier long-range passer.

His achievements set new standards for quarterback performance, earning him the title of the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1943 and the NFL passing yards leader on three occasions.

Luckman’s impact went beyond numbers. His vision, leadership, and transformative approach to the position shaped modern football, inspiring generations of future quarterbacks. Because of his impressive accomplishments in the 40s, Luckman deserves the number 2 spot for greatest quarterbacks from the 1940s.

Key accomplishments include:

• Four NFL championships in 1940, 1941, 1943, and 1946.
• Holding the all-time NFL record for touchdown percentage at 7.9%.
• Tying the NFL record with seven touchdown passes in a single game.
• Leading the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns three times each.
• Holding the highest passer rating in the league three times.
• Five First-Team All-Pro selections, reflecting consistent recognition as one of the best.
• Being named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1943.
• Having his number 42 retired by the Bears as a testament to his lasting impact.
• Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the game.

#1. Sammy Baugh

PSA 8.5: $75,000
PSA 8: $16,200
Raw: $150 – $500

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There are two variations of Sammy Baughs’ 1948 Leaf rookie. The rarer one is with a red shirt and the more common one is with a maroon shirt. However, when viewing PSA’s pop report it is evident they are both quite rare. PSA graded 298 of the Maroon shirt variation and 113 of the Red shirt. Of those 411 cards, not one graded mint 9 or gem mint 10, making a PSA 8.5 the highest grade found to date. Heritage Auctions sold that single PSA 8.5 in February 2021 for a staggering $75,000.

A PSA 8 example was sold by Heritage Auctions in April 2021 for $16,200. Which is no small change to most collectors. The reason for these sales being so high is simply due to Slingin’ Sammy making such a large impact on the game and the difficulty to find cards in pack-fresh condition. If you’re looking for an affordable option, there are plenty of PSA 1 examples listed on eBay for around $150. Which, could prove to be a healthy investment considering how small the population numbers are.

Sammy Baugh’s Revolutionizing Career

Known as “Slingin’ Sammy,” Sammy Baugh’s impact on the National Football League (NFL) is unparalleled. A two-time All-American at Texas Christian University, Baugh’s football journey led him to the Washington Redskins from 1937 to 1952, where his talents transcended the quarterback position; he excelled as a safety and punter as well. His blend of accuracy, versatility, and athletic prowess redefined multiple positions, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to influence the game today.

Baugh’s dominance is evident in his remarkable achievements:

• Completion Percentage Leader: Led the league in completion percentage a record eight times.
• Passing Yards Leader: Topped the league in passing yards four times (1937, 1940, 1947, 1948), showcasing his ability to consistently move the ball downfield.
• Three-Time Passer Rating Leader: Led the league in passer rating in 1940, 1945, and 1947, demonstrating his efficiency and effectiveness as a quarterback.
• League Leader in 1947: A standout season where Baugh led the league in completions, attempts, completion percentage, yards, passing touchdowns, interception percentage, and passer rating, showcasing his all-around excellence.
• Career Passing Touchdowns: Threw 187 passing touchdowns throughout his 16-season career, an impressive number during his playing era.
• Career Passing Yards: Amassed 21,886 passing yards, reflecting his longevity and consistent production.
• Two-Time NFL Champion: Guided the Redskins to NFL Championships in 1937 and 1942.
• NFL Player of the Year: Named NFL Player of the Year by the Washington D.C. Touchdown Club in 1947 and 1948.
• 56.5% Career Completion Percentage: His 56.5% career completion percentage was remarkable for his time, highlighting his consistent ability to connect with receivers.
• Hall of Fame Induction: Part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s charter class in 1963, and selected to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1994 and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team in 2019.

Sammy Baugh is #1

Sammy Baugh’s transformative contributions to the game earned him the top spot among the quarterbacks of the 1940s. His versatile skills and revolutionary playstyle continue to inspire generations of players and fans alike. “Slingin’ Sammy” Baugh will forever be remembered as a trailblazer in football history, leaving an enduring legacy that remains unmatched.