2016’s Rookie Rush: Dak Prescott & Ezekiel Elliott Football Cards Collectors Must Know

Published: June 11, 2025

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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.

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.

Market Trends and Value Dynamics

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.
  • Prioritize Condition: Invest in cards graded PSA/BGS 9.5–10 for best long-term value preservation.
  • Research Market Cycles: Player performance, playoff runs, and team popularity can shift values—timing your buys and sells around NFL events is crucial.
  • Diversify: Mix flagship releases like National Treasures or Phoenix with more obtainable cards from Donruss or Playoff for a balanced portfolio.

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.