A collector can't go wrong if he decides to assemble a group of Hall of Fame players, all of who were superstars and have nothing left to prove to the sports world. The values of their cards tend to be stable, making these cards a sort of a "blue chip" investment (unlike the latest group of hot rookie prospects). As an added bonus, collectors can usually scoop these cards from local dealers or the web - in nice condition - for a fraction of their book value.

The knowledge I have personally gained from putting together a Hall of Fame collection is incredible. Football was my sport of choice. While everyone knows the exploits of recent HOF inductees like John Elway, Barry Sanders and Marcus Allen, what about the guys who excelled in the sport during the blood and guts days? Here are a random few examples for your consideration:


* Otto Graham, a quarterback who played from 1946-55, guided the Cleveland Browns to either a league or division title each of the ten seasons he played! The Sporting News named him one of the top ten players in NFL history.

* Cardinals safety Larry Wilson was named one of the top 50 players in NFL history by The Sporting News. He is widely considered the toughest safety to ever play, and once intercepted a Steelers pass while wearing casts on both arms!

* Hugh McElhenny was simply known as "The King." The legendary running back saw action from 1952-64, and was part of the 49ers Million-Dollar Backfield of the '50s. After scoring a 40-yard touchdown on the first play of his career, Hugh went on to become the most dazzling runner of his era.

* Dick "Night Train" Lane was arguably the most feared hitter in the history of the NFL, playing in the 1950s when the brutal treatment of enemy ball carriers was still legal (clotheslines, etc.) Lane was named one of the top 20 players in NFL history by The Sporting News.

Many other legendary members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame are featured on cards that cost just a few dollars each or less! Ken Houston, Willie Lanier, Don Maynard, Jim Otto, Dan Fouts, Alan Page, John Mackey, Bob Lilly, and Charley Taylor are just a few. Owning pieces of the past is what card collecting is all about, and your Hall of Fame collection will help keep these all-time heroes alive!