Jim Thorpe (1,000 @ $12.50)

None of us saw this extraordinary athlete play but we have all heard of him. Jim Thorpe gained fame at the 1912 Olympics and proceeded to have a distinguished football career, during which he helped found the league that later became the NFL. Thorpe was the original two-sport athlete, playing pro football and baseball at the same time, long before Bo and Deion were born. The Hall of Famer was ultimately voted "The Greatest Athlete of the First Half of the 20th Century". A card of this legend would make any portfolio proud... However, the absence of a short print and overproduction will equal aftermarket failure for this card. Buy one on eBay if you're so inclined. DON'T BUY this card.

Steve Young (1,500 @ $12.50)

Steve Young was one of several stars to graduate from the short-lived USFL to the NFL. After two seasons with the Buccaneers, the team that drafted him, Steve was traded to the 49ers. After backing up Joe Montana for four years he finally got a chance to shine in 1991. He then proceeded to lead the NFL in QB rating for six of the next seven years, including an NFL record rating of 112.8 during 1994 (the year he led the 49ers to the Super Bowl). Like most eTopps IPOs, this card will struggle to maintain IPO price on eBay. Pick one up on eBay after the dust settles. DON'T BUY this card.