Triple SSS Sports Cards is a Michigan firm that specializes in graded cards of rookies and stars in various professional sports leagues. One of the football legends that Triple SSS Sports Cards carries is Baltimore Colts hall of famer Johnny Unitas.
Playing from 1956 to 1973, Unitas had a challenging pathway to the NFL, as he was cut by the 1955 Pittsburgh Steelers as a 9th round draft pick before even playing in a game. Continuing as a semi-pro, Unitas was eventually signed by the Colts coach, who took a chance on the sandlot standout. This gamble paid off. In 1958, Unitas became a superstar quarterback by engineering a stunning comeback with 2 minutes left against the New York Giants in the title game. The consummate team player, Unitas was selected to 10 Pro Bowl games throughout his career and earned NFL Player of the Year distinction on three occasions.
For collectors, the 1957 Topps #138 Johnny Unitas rookie card is the most sought after issue. High-grade copies are rare due to centering and corner issues. According to February 2022 eBay auction data, a PSA 5 “excellent” condition copy approaches $1,000, while a PSA 7 of the card exceeds $2,500. Interestingly, the following year’s Unitas issue, with its bright orange border, is less common in high grades than the rookie issue.
Playing from 1956 to 1973, Unitas had a challenging pathway to the NFL, as he was cut by the 1955 Pittsburgh Steelers as a 9th round draft pick before even playing in a game. Continuing as a semi-pro, Unitas was eventually signed by the Colts coach, who took a chance on the sandlot standout. This gamble paid off. In 1958, Unitas became a superstar quarterback by engineering a stunning comeback with 2 minutes left against the New York Giants in the title game. The consummate team player, Unitas was selected to 10 Pro Bowl games throughout his career and earned NFL Player of the Year distinction on three occasions.
For collectors, the 1957 Topps #138 Johnny Unitas rookie card is the most sought after issue. High-grade copies are rare due to centering and corner issues. According to February 2022 eBay auction data, a PSA 5 “excellent” condition copy approaches $1,000, while a PSA 7 of the card exceeds $2,500. Interestingly, the following year’s Unitas issue, with its bright orange border, is less common in high grades than the rookie issue.
