The Super Bowl is where NFL players can go from being stars of a certain age to being remembered forever. As a result, the rookie cards of those players who star in the big game could get a significant boost. Below are the key rookie issues of some of the Super Bowl's most memorable players.

Eli Manning 2004 Topps Chrome 

Image via PSA

Eli Manning was never considered to be the best quarterback in the NFL. While he made 4 Pro Bowls, he never made an All-Pro Team or when a league MVP. Still, the New York Giants quarterback would shine like no other when the lights were brightest.

Manning was named the MVP of both Super Bowl XLII and XLVI. And both of those wins came in massive upsets against the Tom Brady-led Patriots. Today, Eli stays in the public eye thanks to his wildly popular Manning Cast, hosted with his brother Payton. Manning's best rookie comes from the 2004 Topps Chrome set. A PSA 9 runs for $80, while a PSA 10 sells for closer to $400.

Joe Montana 1981 Topps 

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The name Joe Montana is synonymous with Super Bowl success. In his Hall of Fame career, Montana won 4 Super Bowls (XVI, XIX, XIII, XIV), and he was named the MVP of the game in three of those contests. The 6-time All-Pro was elected to the Hall of Fame shortly after his playing days ended.

Despite his rookie card being more than 40 years old, Montana's first offering is surprisingly affordable. Collectors can get their hands on a PSA 8 copy of his 1981 card for between $300 and $400. A PSA 9 copy will run closer to $1800.

Ray Lewis 1996 Bowman's Best 

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It has commonly been said that a team has to have a top tier quarterback in order to win a Super Bowl. But there are a few teams that have proven that a dominant defense could also get the job done. The most dominant defense of the last few decades belonged to the 2000 Baltimore Ravens and the leader of that defense was Ray Lewis.

Lewis, a middle linebacker, has gone down as one of the best defensive players of all time. The Hall of Famer made 13 Pro Bowls and was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXV. His Bowman's Best rookie card is highly collectible, going for around $100 in a PSA 9.

Cooper Kupp 2017 Panini Donruss Optic Rated Rookie Auto 

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In most cases, the winner of the Super Bowl MVP is either a quarterback or a defensive player who makes a huge play. If a wide receiver wins the award, that means they had a massive game. That was the case with Cooper Kupp's performance in Super Bowl LVI, which saw him finish with 8 catches for 92 yards and 2 TDs.

Since Kupp's rookie season was recent, there are many opportunities to purchase a signed rookie card. The 2017 Donruss Optic Rated Rookie auto is a great option. A base-level PSA 9 copy will run around $250.

Terrell Davis 1995 SP 

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Terrell Davis remains one of the great "What If" stories in NFL history. Only a 6th round pick by the Denver Broncos, he rushed for 6,413 yards and 56 touchdowns in his first four seasons. The three following seasons, though, Davis was injured and he retired in 2001 after just 7 seasons.

In his short time in the NFL, Davis was a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams. He was the MVP of Super Bowl XXXII after rushing for 157 yards and 3 touchdowns. Davis' best rookie is his 1995 SP issue which can be had in a PSA 10 for $200ish.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.