Complex launched a new series this week featuring Joe La Puma—best known for taking A-list celebrities sneaker shopping—as he teamed up with NFL legend and Fox Sports analyst Tom Brady for a different kind of hunt: sports card shopping.
Brady spent several minutes browsing the shop, sharing stories and reflecting on his longtime passion for trading cards, which dates back to his childhood. But it was toward the end of the episode that he made waves, when one card in particular stood out: a 2017 Donruss Optic autographed rookie card of Patrick Mahomes, graded 8.5 and valued at $7,500.
"When did this come in? I haven’t seen this one—the Mahomes rookie," Brady said. "I want that in my collection. Save that—make sure you don’t sell that one. That is definitely in my collection."
On Wednesday, a few days after the video was released, Mahomes reacted to Brady's interest in the card with a clear message in the comment section of Complex’s Instagram post.
"Let me get that! @tombrady," Mahomes commented.
Both Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes have two of the most dynamic and high-profile markets in the sports card world. While Mahomes is still an active player—and arguably the biggest name in the NFL trading card industry—Brady continues to command a massive market thanks to his legendary status and iconic cards.
In 2021, both quarterbacks saw individual cards sell for over $3 million. A 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket autographed rookie card of Tom Brady sold for $3.1 million. It received a grade of 9 for the card itself and a perfect 10 (Gem Mint) for Brady’s autograph.
To date, that’s the second most expensive NFL card ever sold—trailing only Patrick Mahomes’ 2017 National Treasures NFL Shield Autographed Rookie Card, which sold for $4.3 million that same year.
