2023 Rookies And Stars Football Review: Rip, Flip, Hold Or Pass?

2023 Rookies and Stars brings 2 autographs and 2 memorabilia cards in a $399 box. But is this product a good investment? Read our full review. 

Rookies and Stars Football product introduction

Rookies and Stars is scheduled to release on February 7th at $399/box.

This product has a heavy emphasis on rookies and – get this – stars. But joking aside, it’s a set that has been around for a long time (the first box I ever opened was 2007 Rookies and Stars from Leaf, and the brand will always hold a special place in my heart) and continued improving and revamping every single year. 

This year’s offering keeps the ball rolling with a great base set, autographs, memorabilia cards, and even some opti-crome cards to look for in every hobby box. 

And, as always, remember that 2023 Absolute will not have autographs of Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud or Will Levis. They’re working exclusively with Fanatics, so three of the best autographs you could pull from the draft class will not be in the box.

What to expect from 2023 Rookies and Stars Football

Rookies and Stars is a hobby-only release in 2023, and in many ways, that does the brand many favors. Most notably, the lack of base rookies floating around eBay will help the rookies and stars brand retain some value in the long run. 

Each box contains 6 packs of 10 cards, and here’s what you’ll unwrap inside.

• 2 Autographs
• 2 Memorabilia
• 5 Numbered Parallels
• 12 Inserts
• 12 Rookies
• 6 Opti-Chrome Inserts

2023 Rookies & Stars highlights

One of the highlights of this release is the revival of the iconic Crusade insert, which comes in various captivating versions, including Signature editions. Look for Silver, Pandora, White, Red, Pink, Blue, Purple, Orange, Gold, Green, and Black parallels, which are 1/1. 

For autograph collectors, notable inserts like Thrillers Signatures, Airborne Signatures, Stellar Rookies Signatures, Great American Signatures, and more.

Longtime fans of memorabilia inserts will be pleased to find the return of staples such as Dress for Success, Cross Training, and Standing Ovation, among others. These additions contribute to the rich history of Rookies & Stars, adding a nostalgic touch for seasoned collectors, and, remember, these memorabilia cards could include CJ Stroud.

With a 200-card base set that includes 100 rookies, this edition ensures a comprehensive representation of both seasoned players and emerging talents. 

This year, look for:

• Orange – #/99
• True Blue – #/49
• Red & Blue – #/35
• Gold – #/10
• Black & Blue – #/5
• Platinum – 1/1

Value of 2023 Rookies and Stars

Let’s look at investing in Rookies and Stars as a potential investment, both sealed and singles. 

Wax value

Let’s assume the pre-order price doesn’t budge and we have a release price of $500 for this sealed product as we try to value it as a potential investment. 

With that in mind, here’s the value of sealed R&S boxes for the last few years (as of 1/26/247):

• 2019: $210
• 2020: Was Not Released as Hobby
• 2021: $300
• 2022: $220
• 2023: $399

The numbers here speak pretty clearly: 2023 is overpriced, especially considering that the 2023 box doesn’t have CJ Stroud or Bryce Young autos.

So, at $399, the ceiling is pretty low on this box as an investment. No box from the past 4 seasons is worth more than that. Or, even, close to that.  I’d stay away from Rookies and Stars as a long-term investment at the release day price.

Investing in Rookies and Stars singles

Rookies and Stars rookie cards come in a lot of different forms, but your best hope of finding one that holds nice long-term value is the popular Crusades insert. 

If I’m investing in a single from this set, I’d buy a colored Crusade from the player you believe in the most and get it graded eventually (not rush with PSA right now) or a numbered rookie autograph.

If you want something more high-end, a Dress for Success rookie autograph could also be a good long-term hold if there’s a player you’re chasing in this autograph set. What you buy should depend on how much you believe in the quarterback and how much disposable income you’re ready to throw at them.

Bottom line: What’s the best move with 2023 Rookies and Stars?

With 2023 Rookies and Stars Football, it’s not a good box to buy either to hold or rip. If you want to invest, single investing is about the only way to go, but there are still better options in different brands.

In the end, do what makes the most sense for you and your budget. This is a “hobby,” and while you can make a decent amount of profit off it, hobbies are also about having fun. 

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