1980–1991 Football Card Hot Auctions

Topps dominated the early 1980s, producing rookie cards of Joe Montana (1981 Topps #216), Lawrence Taylor (1982), Dan Marino and John Elway (both 1984 Topps) and Jerry Rice (1986 Topps #161). Score's 1989 set added Barry Sanders and Troy Aikman, and the early 90s brought Emmitt Smith and Brett Favre.

Late-80s and early-90s football cards were printed in large numbers, so condition drives value. Gem mint copies of key rookies sell at strong premiums, while raw copies are common.