Trading card collectors adjust to Patriots struggles
We have heard about the Patriots’ struggles all season long. Not only are they off to a 1-4 start, they could miss the playoffs for the 3rd straight season.
The stock of each individual is affected when it comes to Jersey sales, endorsement, memorabilia and trading cards. I have been a collector of retro figures and NFL cards for a few years.
The hobby has taken off over the last few years with box breaks. A box break is an event in which a box or case of cards divided among collectors. They purchase the right to receive cards as part of a random drawing.
I recently entered a break and received this 2023 raw Mac Jones card. I scanned it on the Center Stage app, a source to find the value of a car raw or graded. It will also tell you how it is selling in the market.
Box breaks give collectors a chance to hit big. You can own the Chiefs and have a chance at a Patrick Mahomes card. The 2022 NFL rookie class featured Kenny Pickett, Brock Purdy, and Sam Howell. The Patriots rookies included Tyquan Thornton, Pierre Strong and Bailey Zappe. A year later, those cards are collecting dust.
The Patriots have already broken many records this season with their sputtering offense and 30 point defeats. Mac Jones added another this week at auction. Mac Jones would have been a sought-after card after his rookie season. A 2021 graded Donruss rookie card was purchased for $3,000. Almost 2 years later, the current value of that card i $10.50. The 99.65% value change is the biggest percentage loss on any sports card EVER.
Box breaking involves chance, meaning you are not guaranteed a rare or valuable card. It’s no different from the NFL draft. The Patriots may face the same fate with Jones’ regression, something collectors know all too well.
