If you were watching Super Bowl LII, you remember the dive. The moment Zach Ertz lunged into the end zone, the ball popped out, and a million Philadelphia hearts stopped beating for a second before the referees signaled touchdown. That play basically cemented his legacy. But for collectors, the story of the Zach Ertz rookie card isn't just about one catch. It's about a 2013 draft class that was weirdly overlooked because it lacked a "franchise" quarterback.
Honestly, most people ignore tight end cards. They'd rather chase a backup QB with a "high ceiling" than a guy who’s actually going to the Hall of Fame. That’s a mistake. Ertz has 709 career catches as of early 2026, and while he’s bounced around from the Eagles to the Cardinals and now the Commanders, his early cardboard remains the bedrock for any serious Philly collector.
The Cards You Actually Want to Own
When you start digging into the 2013 sets, it gets overwhelming fast. You've got Panini, Topps (back when they still had the NFL license), and Leaf all screaming for your attention.
If you're looking for the "Holy Grail," it's the 2013 National Treasures Rookie Patch Auto (RPA). It’s the king. These are usually numbered to 99 or less and feature a massive chunk of a player-worn jersey. In the current 2026 market, a high-grade NT RPA of Ertz is the kind of thing that doesn't pop up on eBay every day.
Then there’s the 2013 Panini Prizm #300. This is the "true" rookie for the modern era. The Silver Prizm version is the one that really holds value because it was before Panini started printing fifty different colors for every set. If you can find a PSA 10 Silver Prizm, you've got a winner.
Topps Chrome and the "Old School" Feel
I still love 2013 Topps Chrome. There’s something about the way those cards shine that Panini just hasn't quite replicated. The Zach Ertz #76 is his base rookie in that set.
You'll see a lot of refractors. Gold ones. Blue ones. The rare "Camo" ones.
The 1986 Topps Autograph insert from this set is also a sleeper hit. It uses the iconic '86 wood-grain border design, and seeing a young Ertz on that retro background is just cool. It’s not the most expensive card in the world, but it’s one of the most aesthetic.
Why the 2013 Draft Class Matters Now
Looking back, 2013 was a "bad" draft for QBs. Remember EJ Manuel or Geno Smith (before his late-career renaissance)? Because the quarterbacks flopped, people stopped buying 2013 boxes.
Less buying means fewer cards were sent to grading companies like PSA or BGS back then.
Today, that means the "pop report" (the total number of graded copies) is surprisingly low for a guy with Ertz’s stats. You might find a raw copy in a shoebox for $5, but if it's clean enough to get a 10, that price jumps significantly.
Spotting a Fake (or Just a Bad Deal)
Don't get fooled by "Custom" cards. You'll see them on Etsy or shady eBay listings. They look like a Zach Ertz rookie card, but they have no licensing and zero resale value.
Always look for the "RC" logo. Check the back for the year 2013. Check the corners.
Tight ends are big guys, and their cards often have "edge wear" because they were handled more by kids who actually liked the players, rather than investors who stuck them in a safe. A card with white chipping on the edges is basically a "filler" copy. It’s fine for a personal collection, but don't pay premium prices for it.
The Value of the On-Card Auto
Collectors are snobs about stickers. We hate them.
The 2013 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket is the go-to for on-card autographs. Zach signed directly on the surface of these. There’s no clear plastic sticker peeling off the card. It feels more personal. If you're buying an autograph, always try to go for a Contenders Ticket or an SP Authentic RPA over the lower-end "sticker" sets like Panini Prestige.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re ready to add a Zach Ertz rookie card to your collection, don't just hit "Buy It Now" on the first thing you see. Prices for veteran tight ends fluctuate wildly based on the time of year.
Start by checking "Sold" listings on eBay. This is the only way to see what people are actually paying, not just what sellers are dreaming of getting.
Look for the 2013 Panini Prizm Silver. It’s the most liquid card he has. If you ever need to sell it, there will always be a buyer for a Prizm Silver.
Verify the autograph. If it’s not certified by the manufacturer (Topps or Panini), make sure it has a third-party authentication like JSA or PSA/DNA. Buying unverified "in-person" autos is a gamble you usually lose.
Focus on the Eagles jersey. While he played great in Arizona and Washington, his legacy is tied to Philly. The cards featuring him in the midnight green will always command a premium over his later-career cards.
Pick a budget, stick to the "True" rookies from 2013, and look for high-grade copies of the Chrome or Prizm parallels. This isn't just about a piece of cardboard; it's about owning a piece of the guy who caught the most important pass in Eagles history.
Next Steps for Collectors: Go to a site like 130Point or eBay Sold and search for "2013 Zach Ertz Prizm Silver PSA 10" to see the current market floor. If you're looking for a cheaper entry point, search for his 2013 Topps Chrome base refractor—it's a classic look for under fifty bucks.
