The Ultimate Guide to Building a Football Card Collection (Beginner’s Edition)

Whether you're brand new to sports cards or jumping back into the hobby after a few years off, collecting football cards is one of the most exciting (and rewarding) ways to connect with the game you love. But with so many sets, players, and options on the market, getting started can feel overwhelming.

At All Star Card Shop, we're here to help. This beginner’s guide will walk you through what to collect, how to spot value, and where to start building a football card collection you’ll actually enjoy — and maybe even profit from.

🏈 Step 1: Know What Types of Football Cards Exist

Before you dive in, it helps to understand the different types of cards you’ll find in the hobby:

• Base Cards – The standard cards in every set. Common, but great for building complete sets or collecting favorite teams.
• Rookie Cards (RC) – First-year cards of players, often the most collectible over time.
• Inserts – Special themed cards, usually more limited than base cards (e.g., “Fireworks” or “Hype” series).
• Parallels – Versions of base or inserts with different colors, foil, or serial numbers (like 1-of-99).
• Autograph Cards – Cards signed by the player, often the most valuable in a product.
• Relic/Patch Cards – Feature a piece of the player’s jersey or gear.
• Graded Cards – Professionally authenticated and scored by companies like PSA, SGC, or BGS.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t worry about collecting everything. Most collectors focus on one or two types — like rookies and autos — and build from there.

🎯 Step 2: Choose a Focus for Your Collection

You don’t need to collect every player or every team. Instead, pick a focus that keeps the hobby fun and manageable:

• A favorite team (e.g., all Buffalo Bills rookies)
• A favorite player (like Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce)
• Rookie cards of rising stars or QBs
• Hall of Famers or legends from the past
• Graded cards for display or long-term value

👉 If you're buying for someone else, start with a mix of stars, rookies, and something flashy — it keeps the excitement high.

🎁 Step 3: Start with a Curated Product (So You Don’t Get Skunked)

One of the biggest frustrations for new collectors? Spending $30+ on a retail blaster box and pulling nothing but base cards.

That’s why we created beginner-friendly, guaranteed-hit products — built to give real value every time.

🔥 Recommended Starter:

Football Hit Pack – 10-Card Mystery Pack with Guaranteed Hits

• 1 autograph, 1 memorabilia/patch, 1 rookie, 1 star, 1 numbered card — all in every pack
• Perfect mix of excitement, without the risk of getting “skunked”

🏆 Want a Graded Card?

Graded Hit Pack – Football Edition

• 1 guaranteed PSA, SGC, or BGS slab
• Grade 8+ only, limited to 100 packs
• Includes rookies, legends, inserts, and more

🎉 Buying as a Birthday Gift?

Birthday Card Gift Box – Football

• Includes 1 graded card, 1 magnetic-case hit, autos, relics, and more
• Comes sealed in gift packaging — ready to make someone’s day

These options take out the guesswork and ensure every pack delivers value, especially for new collectors still learning what to look for.

🛡 Step 4: Protect & Store Your Cards

As your collection grows, you’ll want to keep your cards safe and organized:

• Use penny sleeves and top loaders for individual cards
• Store your best cards in a graded slab case or magnetic holder
• Use a binder with 9-card pages to display base and team sets
• Keep everything in a dry, cool place — avoid attics and basements

🛒 We’ll be adding supplies to our store soon — stay tuned!

💬 Final Tips for New Collectors

• Start slow. Open a pack, learn the players, follow the trends.
• Watch a few YouTube breaks or follow collectors on social media to learn what’s hot.
• Don’t feel pressure to make money right away — collect what you enjoy.
• If something feels too good to be true (like a $10 Mahomes rookie), it probably is.

👊 Ready to Get Started?

The football card hobby is more exciting than ever — and whether you're collecting for fun, for investment, or for nostalgia, All Star Card Shop is here to make sure you get real value in every pack.

Check out our full lineup of Football Mystery Packs and Graded Card Boxes here, and feel free to reach out if you need help choosing your first pack.

Welcome to the hobby. Let’s rip.