Dak Prescott & Ezekiel Elliott 2016 Rookies

Published: June 11, 2025

⏱️ 7 min read

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Table of Contents

Introduction

The 2016 NFL season was unforgettable, marked by the dynamic rookie debuts of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. Both stars ignited the league and captured hobbyists’ attention, leading to a surge in demand for their football cards. In this post, we’ll walk through the top 2016 rookie cards featuring these Dallas Cowboys icons, market dynamics, and how to collect or invest smartly in their cards today.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2016 Panini National Treasures Rookie Dual Signatures featuring both Prescott and Elliott is the most valuable card, reaching several thousand dollars.
  • Quarterback cards like Prescott’s typically hold stronger long-term value than running back cards due to position longevity and career earning potential.
  • Dallas Cowboys cards command 10-20% premiums over comparable cards from less popular franchises due to the team’s massive global fanbase.
  • Budget collectors should target base rookies from 2016 Donruss and Playoff products, which offer excellent ROI potential when graded PSA 10.
  • Focus on PSA/BGS 9.5-10 graded cards, low-numbered parallels, and autographs for best long-term value preservation and market liquidity.

Noteworthy Rookie Card Releases

Both Prescott and Elliott received a range of impactful rookie cards in 2016. Some of the most recognized and sought-after cards include:

  • 2016 Panini National Treasures Rookie Dual Signatures #8: Featuring both Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott’s autographs, this dual-signed limited card is a crown jewel for collectors.

  • 2016 Panini Instant #881: Highlights their shared rookie status and the Cowboys’ promising season.

  • 2016 Donruss #368 Ezekiel Elliott Base: An accessible and popular choice, especially when PSA-graded as a PSA 10.

  • 2016 Playoff Dak Prescott RC #272: Known for accessible parallels like Goal Line and Kickoff, appealing to both new and avid collectors.

  • 2016 Panini Phoenix Ezekiel Elliott Autograph Jersey #/49: Limited to only 49, making it a rare and valuable chase.

The market for 2016 Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott rookie cards has remained vibrant. While quarterbacks like Prescott typically hold the highest long-term value, Elliott’s cards—especially low-numbered and autograph editions—also enjoy strong demand. Notably, Cowboys cards often see an added value premium due to the franchise’s loyal fanbase.

  • Dual-signature and limited print-run cards (especially from sets like National Treasures and Phoenix) command the highest prices.

  • Base rookie cards in PSA 10 or BGS 10 condition retain excellent liquidity and value.

  • Less common dual-player rookie cards, such as Panini Instant, are unique collector targets.

Best Practices for Collectors and Investors

Whether you’re collecting for joy or profit, taking a strategic approach makes a big difference in the volatile football card market.

  • Focus on Rarity: Target low-numbered parallels, autographs, or cards with unique features like dual signatures. Consider emerging rookies like Cam Ward for similar investment opportunities.

  • Prioritize Condition: Invest in cards graded PSA/BGS 9.5–10 for best long-term value preservation. Learn more about grading sports trading cards to maximize your returns.

  • Research Market Cycles: Player performance, playoff runs, and team popularity can shift values—timing your buys and sells around NFL events is crucial. Stay updated on grading trends collectors are prioritizing.

  • Diversify: Mix flagship releases like National Treasures or Phoenix with more obtainable cards from Donruss or Playoff for a balanced portfolio. Understand how to build value in your sports card collection for sustained growth.

Looking to expand your sports card knowledge? Check out these related guides:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most valuable Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott card from 2016?

The 2016 Panini National Treasures Rookie Dual Signatures #8 featuring both Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott’s autographs is the most valuable and sought-after card from their rookie class. With extremely limited production and featuring two of the Cowboys’ biggest stars, this dual-signed card commands premium prices, often reaching several thousand dollars depending on condition and specific serial numbering. Low-numbered versions (particularly those numbered to 10 or less) are especially coveted by high-end collectors.

Are Dak Prescott or Ezekiel Elliott cards better long-term investments?

Quarterback cards, including Dak Prescott’s, typically hold stronger long-term value than running back cards due to position longevity and career earning potential. However, Elliott’s exceptional rookie season and consistent production during his peak years have kept his cards valuable, especially limited autograph editions. For balanced investment, focus on Prescott’s base rookie PSA 10s and autographs for stability, while targeting Elliott’s low-numbered parallels and unique memorabilia cards for scarcity premiums.

What 2016 rookie cards should budget collectors target?

Budget-conscious collectors should focus on base rookie cards from accessible products like 2016 Donruss and 2016 Playoff. The Donruss #368 Ezekiel Elliott base card and Playoff #272 Dak Prescott base rookie offer affordable entry points, especially in raw condition. If planning to grade, target cards with excellent centering and sharp corners—PSA 10 examples of these budget cards often sell for 5-10x their raw value, providing excellent ROI potential for patient collectors.

Do Dallas Cowboys cards carry a premium over other teams?

Yes, Dallas Cowboys cards typically command 10-20% premiums over comparable cards from less popular franchises due to the team’s massive global fanbase and America’s Team mystique. This Cowboys premium applies consistently across both rookie and veteran cards, making Prescott and Elliott cards more resilient during market downturns. The premium is especially pronounced for dual-player cards, autographs, and cards from championship-contending seasons when Cowboys hype peaks.

Conclusion

Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott’s breakout 2016 rookie campaigns produced some of the most exciting modern football cards. With the Cowboys’ continued profile and the players’ achievements, key cards from this season still hold major appeal. Whether you’re a lifelong Cowboys fan or a savvy investor, their 2016 rookie cards remain cornerstone pieces in any football card collection.

The 2016 class represents a unique moment in NFL history where a fourth-round quarterback and a top-5 running back both exceeded expectations immediately, creating dual demand for Cowboys rookie cards. This combination of positional diversity, team success (13-3 record), and America’s Team branding created a perfect storm for collector interest that persists nearly a decade later. Their cards serve as reminders that draft position doesn’t always predict on-field success or collectible value.

For modern collectors, the 2016 Prescott and Elliott rookies offer lessons in balanced portfolio building: quarterback stability (Prescott) combined with peak-performance position players (Elliott’s prime years) creates diversification across career arcs and position-specific market dynamics. As both players enter veteran stages of their careers, their rookie cards maintain relevance due to the Cowboys’ perpetual playoff aspirations and the emotional connection fans maintain with players who delivered immediate franchise success.

The enduring appeal of their 2016 rookies demonstrates how team success, media market size, and immediate production create lasting value in football cards. Collectors who invested in graded examples of their premium rookies during the 2016-2018 window have enjoyed sustained appreciation, while those targeting affordable base cards found excellent entry points that deliver emotional value and moderate financial returns. Whether pursuing the ultra-premium dual signatures or budget-friendly Donruss base rookies, the 2016 Cowboys class remains a cornerstone of modern football card collecting.