Okay, so I got really into collecting sports cards again recently, and I decided I wanted to snag a Kenny Pickett rookie card – you know, the Steelers quarterback. Figured it’d be a cool one to have, especially with him playing in Pittsburgh.

First thing I did was hit up eBay. I mean, that’s where everyone goes for this kind of stuff, right? I typed in “Kenny Pickett rookie card 2022” and, boom, tons of listings popped up. So many different versions, it was kinda overwhelming!
I started browsing, trying to figure out which ones were actually worth getting. I quickly learned there are a million different variations: base cards, parallels, inserts, autographs, numbered cards…it’s a whole world! I spent a good hour just scrolling, comparing prices, and trying to understand the differences. It felt like learning a new language.
- Base cards: These seemed to be the most common and cheapest. Just your standard, basic card.
- Parallels: These were like the base cards, but with different colored borders or special finishes. Some looked really slick!
- Inserts: These were cards that were part of a special set within the larger set. They often had different designs or themes.
- Autographs: Obviously, these were cards signed by Kenny Pickett himself. Those were way more expensive!
- Numbered cards: These cards had a specific serial number printed on them, like “1 of 100,” meaning only 100 of that particular card were made.
I decided I wanted something a little more special than just a base card, so I started focusing on parallels and numbered cards. I saw some cool-looking Prizm parallels and some Optic Holo cards that caught my eye. The prices varied wildly, depending on the rarity and condition.
Digging Deeper
I eventually found a few that I liked that had some nice prices and then start to research a bit more on the actual sellers. Looking at their feedback ratings and reviews, a few looked legit and had a good history, so I narrowed it down.
Finally, I pulled the trigger and bought a Panini Prizm Blue Wave parallel. It wasn’t super expensive, but it was numbered, and I thought the blue wave design looked awesome with the Steelers colors. It felt good to finally pick one!
Now, I’m just waiting for it to arrive in the mail. The anticipation is killing me! It’s like being a kid again, waiting for a toy you ordered from a catalog. I’m already thinking about what card I want to hunt for next… maybe a George Pickens rookie card to go with my Kenny Pickett!