The Most Overhyped Rookie Cards That Turned Out to Be Terrible Investments
In the world of sports card collecting, rookie card hype can be a double-edged sword.
For every Connor McDavid or Patrick Mahomes, there’s a long list of players whose rookie cards soared in price—only to plummet in value as their careers failed to meet the hype. Many collectors and investors have learned the hard way that potential doesn't always equal profit.
Let’s take a look at some of the most infamous rookie card busts across baseball, football, hockey, and basketball—and why their card values fell off a cliff.
⚾️ Baseball: Big Names, Bigger Disappointments
Wander Franco (2021 Bowman, Topps Chrome)
Once considered the next big thing, Wander Franco’s rookie cards were red-hot in 2021 and 2022. But off-field legal issues and a steep decline in market enthusiasm saw his cards drop by 80–90% in value in just two years.
Then: PSA 10 Topps Chrome RC = $300+
Now: Same card sells for under $40
Lesson: Off-field behavior can quickly destroy market trust—even for elite talents.
Todd Van Poppel (1991 Leaf, Score)
The face of early ’90s prospecting hype. He was dubbed the next Nolan Ryan, but never lived up to the billing.
Then: His rookie cards were hoarded as blue-chip investments.
Now: You can’t give them away in dollar bins.
Lesson: Hype from scouts and media ≠ sustained success.
Brian Jordan (1992 Topps Stadium Club)
While a solid athlete who played both MLB and NFL, Jordan never became the breakout star collectors hoped for.
Result: His cards had short-term buzz but are nearly worthless now.
Lesson: Dual-sport novelty doesn’t always equate to long-term value.
🏈 Football: Hype Kills Without Production
Johnny Manziel (2014 Prizm, Topps Chrome)
"Johnny Football" was everywhere during his rookie season. Collectors chased his autographs and refractors hard.
Then: PSA 10 Prizm RCs sold for $200+
Now: Most sell for under $15
Lesson: Media hype doesn't translate into quarterback success.
Deshaun Watson (2017 Prizm, Optic)
Watson was one of the most collected QBs in the hobby until his legal troubles in 2021. His cards have dropped sharply in both popularity and price.
Then: Prizm Silver RC PSA 10 = $1,200+
Now: Often listed under $200
Lesson: Off-field issues tank long-term value fast—even for proven stars.
Josh Rosen (2018 Prizm, Donruss)
Drafted in the first round, Rosen was seen as a future franchise quarterback.
Then: Rookie cards spiked after the draft.
Now: Most are $1–5 fire sale material.
Lesson: Draft status means nothing without results.
🏒 Hockey: Missed Potential & Injuries Derail the Dream
Nail Yakupov (2012 Upper Deck Young Guns)
The #1 overall pick in 2012 had everything going for him—except consistent NHL-level skill.
Then: YG PSA 10 = $150+
Now: Often sells for $10–15
Lesson: Draft pedigree alone isn’t enough to sustain card value.
Alexis Lafrenière (2020 Upper Deck Young Guns)
While not a bust, Lafrenière hasn’t lived up to the elite expectations set during the COVID-era card boom.
Then: His YG PSA 10 sold for $400–600 in 2020
Now: Under $100 despite flashes of brilliance
Lesson: Overhyped during a market frenzy, underdelivered statistically
Casey Mittelstadt, Nolan Patrick, and Jack Roslovic
All once touted as top-6 forwards, but their cards have become bulk box material in most markets.
🏀 Basketball: The Kings Without Crowns
Zion Williamson (2019 Prizm RCs)
Zion came into the NBA with LeBron-level hype—but his ongoing injuries and inconsistent conditioning have crushed his card market.
Then: Prizm Base PSA 10 = $800+
Now: Often sold for $100 or less
Lesson: Athleticism doesn’t overcome durability concerns.
Michael Carter-Williams (2013 Select, Prizm)
Won Rookie of the Year, then disappeared into NBA obscurity.
Then: Collectors bought in after his explosive debut.
Now: His cards have no resale market.
Lesson: Early flashes don’t guarantee a long-term card market.
Jimmer Fredette & Adam Morrison
College darlings who flamed out in the NBA—and whose cards flamed out with them.
🧠 Lessons for Today’s Collectors & Investors
1. Avoid Buying the Hype
If everyone is chasing the same player during their rookie year, prices are likely inflated. Always wait for on-ice, on-field performance before investing heavily.
2. Buy Proven Players, Not Just Potential
Look at long-term production, work ethic, health, and marketability. Players like Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Shohei Ohtani, and Nikola Jokić have proven staying power.
3. Track Off-Field Behavior
A single scandal can nuke an entire card market overnight. Collectors got burned with Watson, Franco, and others. Character matters in modern investing.
4. Understand Pop Reports and Print Runs
Many overhyped rookies have massively overprinted base cards, which makes value collapse even harder. Focus on scarcity if you're going to speculate.
Final Thoughts
The hobby is full of "what could have been" rookie cards that once cost hundreds—or thousands—only to become nearly worthless.
At The Heritage Hockey Vault, we help collectors avoid the hype traps and build smarter collections that stand the test of time. Whether you’re consigning cards, building a PC, or looking to invest wisely, our team is here to guide you.
📩 Contact us to get a free consultation on which cards to hold, sell, or avoid.