The Philadelphia Eagle franchise has a long football tradition that goes back to its founding in 1933. The team's players have been cherished by some of the most passionate fans in sports. And the rookie cards of Eagles players are highly collectible. One of the earliest great players for the Eagles was Chuck Bednarik whose high-priced 1948 rookie card will not be included on this list. But below are some other first-year Eagles' issues that you can add to your collection.

Harold Carmichael 1974 Topps 

Image via Goldin

Today's NFL is littered with jumbo pass catchers who create matchup problems with their speed. Harold Carmichael was an early model of this type of player. After drafting Carmichael as a tight end, the Eagles converted him to wide receiver where he would dominate for several years.

Carmichael would make four Pro Bowls on his way to being named to the 1970s NFL All-Decade team. He has remained close to the team and earned a Super Bowl ring in 2017 for serving as a team administrator. Carmichael's rookie card comes in the 1974 Topps set and can be had for less than $100 in mint condition.

Reggie White 1986 Topps 

Image via PSA

Reggie White was a star at the University of Tennessee. After his college career, he chose to play for the USFL's Memphis Showboats rather than join the NFL. After the USFL folded, White signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and immediately became a dominant player for the franchise.

White would go on to record double-digit sacks in each of his seasons in Philadelphia and made a total of 13 Pro Bowls. He later signed with Green Bay where he would win a Super Bowl. Considered to be one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, White's 1986 Topps rookie card sells for $200 in PSA 9 condition.

Randall Cunningham 1987 Topps 

Image via PWCC

The Eagles have employed better quarterbacks than Randall Cunningham, but they've never employed a cooler quarterback. The Eagles signal-caller was a dynamic two-way threat whose running and passing complimented a dominant Philly defense. Cunningham made three Pro Bowls with the Eagles and won the Comeback Player of the Year Award in 1992.

After his time with the Eagles, Cunningham became a strong starter for some very good Vikings Teams. Still collectible today, the quarterback's rookie card comes in the 1987 Topps set. It sells for around $900 in PSA 10 condition or under $100 in a PSA 9.

Brian Dawkins 1996 Topps Finest 

Image via eBay

Led by Andy Reid, the Donovan McNabb era was a successful one for the Eagles. But a large part of that success was also due to a leader on the defensive side of the ball: Brian Dawkins. The safety would play for the Eagles from 1996-2008, making 7 Pro Bowls with the team.

One of the most beloved Eagles in team history, Dawkins was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. He has remained involved with the team like Carmichael and also won a Super Bowl ring in 2017. Dawkin's most sought-after rookie card is his 1996 Topps Finest card which can sell for up to $500 in gem mint condition.

Jalen Hurts 2020 Panini Prizm 

Image via PWCC

This one takes a bit of projection as Hurts has only been the Eagles' starter for two full seasons. But they were two incredible seasons. And now Hurts stands as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. The dual-threat quarterback could win the MVP award at any time and the Eagles are a threat to win the Super Bowl as long as he is under center.

Hurts has several rookie cards, but his base rookie card in the Panini Prizm set remains one of the top options. The card has several parallels but a PSA 10 base option will sell for around $250 in PSA 10 condition.

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