Will Levis Injury Impact NFL Card Market

Published: July 21, 2025

⏱️ 12 min read

Track Your Collection with
Hall of Cards

Want to keep track of your sports cards and manage your collection? Download our free app to scan cards, track values, and stay updated with the latest market trends.

Download Now

Table of Contents

Introduction: Will Levis’ Injury Sends Shockwaves Through NFL, Titans, and Card Markets in 2025

The Tennessee Titans were dealt a major blow as quarterback Will Levis, once touted as a franchise cornerstone, underwent a season-ending shoulder surgery just as the 2025 NFL season was taking shape. Levis’ abrupt exit has not only forced a dramatic pivot in the Titans’ strategy but also ignited seismic changes in the NFL sports card market, where player performance and hype drive values. Collectors, investors, and fans are now sharply re-evaluating both the short-term and long-term outlook of Levis’ trading cards, while monitoring the Titans’ quarterback situation and exploring other emerging young talents across the league.

Key Takeaways:

  • Will Levis’ season-ending shoulder surgery caused his card values to drop 15-30 percent across the market.
  • His 2023 Panini Prizm Rookie Auto dropped 28 percent while Optic Base Rookie fell 15 percent since July 2025.
  • The Titans’ quarterback uncertainty has created volatility in Tennessee-related sports card collectibles.
  • Successful returns from major injuries can dramatically boost card values, creating potential comeback opportunities for Levis cards.
  • Diversifying between Levis and other promising young quarterback rookies provides hedge against NFL career unpredictability and maximizes potential investment upside.

Will Levis’ Injury and Surgery: Timeline, Details, and Reactions

Since joining the NFL as a promising second-round pick, Will Levis had been under scrutiny for both his on-field potential and injury resilience. Lingering from the previous season, Levis’ troublesome shoulder finally necessitated surgery, as confirmed by Titans’ officials in July 2025. The move effectively ends his sophomore campaign before it began, denying him critical playing time during a developmental window crucial for quarterbacks. Social media erupted with mixed reactions: many Titans fans expressed frustration, while collectors and sports media debated the impact on his long-term prospects. As recovery from major shoulder surgery can be unpredictable, the future of Levis in both gridiron and the hobby market has become a speculative question mark.

Card Market Shockwaves: How Collectors Are Reacting to Levis’ Absence

The NFL card market is notoriously sensitive to injury news, and Will Levis’ 2025 absence sent ripples through trading platforms and hobby shops. Historically, a significant injury or lost season leads to a swift dip in demand for a player’s rookie and autographed cards. Over the past weeks, auction and resale data shows Levis’ card prices sliding 15-30%. Speculators who held Levis cards as breakout assets are now faced with tough decisions, while others see an opportunity to acquire undervalued cards at a discount. Analysis of hobby forums reveals division—some collectors are panic selling, but a surprising number believe a comeback could radically boost his card value in future seasons if he bounces back.

  • Levis 2023 Panini Prizm Rookie Auto: Down 28% in June-July 2025

  • Levis 2023 Optic Base Rookie: Down 15% since injury news

Timing Strategies for Buying Injured Player Cards

Savvy collectors recognize that injury-related price drops create strategic buying windows. The steepest declines typically occur immediately following injury announcements, with prices potentially stabilizing 2-3 weeks later once initial panic subsides. For Levis cards specifically, collectors should monitor three critical timing windows: the immediate post-surgery period when prices hit bottom, the early rehabilitation phase when positive recovery updates can trigger rebounds, and the pre-training camp period ahead of the 2026 season when speculation intensifies.

Understanding what makes sports cards valuable becomes especially important during volatile periods like these, as fundamentals like card scarcity, player pedigree, and historical significance often outweigh short-term performance concerns.

Risk Assessment: Hold vs. Sell Decision Framework

For current Levis cardholders, the hold versus sell decision hinges on several factors. High-grade PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ rookie autographs represent the strongest hold candidates, as their scarcity provides downside protection and maximum upside potential upon a successful return. Conversely, base rookies and lower-numbered parallels face more competition in the market and may be better candidates for sale during temporary rebounds in price.

Consider your investment timeline carefully. Collectors with 2-3 year horizons can afford to weather the uncertainty, potentially benefiting from Levis’ 2026 comeback season. Short-term investors or those needing liquidity should consider taking losses now rather than facing further deterioration if rehabilitation setbacks emerge. Protecting your collection with proper sports card insurance becomes even more critical when holding volatile assets during uncertain periods.

Historical Context: Quarterback Injuries and Card Market Recovery Patterns

The sports card market has weathered numerous quarterback injury situations, offering valuable historical perspective for Levis collectors. Examining past cases reveals both cautionary tales and inspiring comeback narratives that inform today’s investment decisions.

Case Study: Carson Wentz’s 2017 ACL Tear

Carson Wentz suffered a devastating ACL tear during his MVP-caliber 2017 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. His rookie cards immediately plummeted 35-40% as collectors feared his career trajectory had permanently shifted. However, Wentz’s successful return in 2018 triggered a dramatic 60% rebound in his card values over the following six months. This pattern demonstrates that young quarterbacks with established talent can recover market confidence quickly with positive rehabilitation progress and strong return performances.

The Andrew Luck Precedent: Worst-Case Scenario

Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement following persistent shoulder and kidney injuries represents the nightmare scenario for collectors of injured quarterbacks. His premium rookie cards, which commanded four-figure prices during his prime, lost 70-80% of their value virtually overnight. While Luck remains a cautionary tale, his situation differed significantly from Levis—Luck faced multiple injuries over several seasons and chose retirement at his peak rather than continuing rehabilitation.

Joe Burrow’s Rapid Value Recovery

Perhaps the most encouraging recent example is Joe Burrow’s 2020 ACL tear during his rookie season. Despite the devastating injury, Burrow’s exceptional pre-injury performance and strong draft pedigree maintained collector confidence. His cards experienced only a 20-25% decline—far less severe than typical season-ending injuries—and rebounded to new highs within 18 months as he led the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI. Burrow’s case suggests that elite quarterback prospects can maintain substantial card value through major injuries if their talent remains unquestioned.

The Titans’ Transition: New Quarterback Era and Collector Impact

With Will Levis sidelined, the Tennessee Titans have been forced to pivot to their backup quarterback options, creating uncertainty for both the team and the card market. This situation has shifted collector focus away from Levis cards in the short term, while creating potential opportunities for other Tennessee players and backup quarterbacks to emerge. The quarterback instability has made Titans-related collectibles more volatile, with hobbyists closely tracking the team’s roster decisions and performance. The contrast between Levis’ injury setback and the emergence of other young quarterbacks across the league is fueling speculation about Tennessee’s future direction. Additionally, general market enthusiasm for established rookie quarterbacks seems stronger than ever, mirroring trends across the broader NFL sports card sector in 2025.

Backup Quarterback Situation and Its Market Implications

The Titans’ backup quarterback depth chart directly impacts Levis card values in ways collectors often overlook. If Tennessee’s replacement performs exceptionally well, it could diminish Levis’ perceived importance to the franchise and accelerate his card value decline. Conversely, poor backup performance reinforces Levis’ value to the organization, potentially supporting his card prices by demonstrating he remains the clear franchise quarterback when healthy.

This dynamic creates a unique paradox for Levis collectors: you’re simultaneously hoping for his successful recovery while recognizing that the Titans’ 2025 struggles without him could actually strengthen his long-term card value by proving his irreplaceability. Monitor the Titans’ win-loss record and offensive performance metrics throughout 2025, as stark declines compared to Levis’ 2024 season will likely correlate with reduced selling pressure on his cards.

Recovery Timeline and 2026 Season Value Projections

Shoulder surgery recovery timelines significantly influence card value trajectories for quarterback prospects. Standard rehabilitation for major shoulder surgery typically spans 6-9 months, positioning Levis for participation in 2026 offseason programs if surgery occurred in July 2025. This timeline becomes critical for collectors planning entry and exit strategies.

Key milestone dates to monitor include January 2026 (initial throwing program begins), April 2026 (draft implications and franchise commitment signals), and July 2026 (training camp performance). Each milestone presents a potential catalyst for card value movement. Positive progress reports during these windows could trigger 15-25% price increases as speculative buyers re-enter the market ahead of the 2026 season.

The optimal buying window for value-focused collectors typically occurs during the rehabilitation “dead zone” between September 2025 and January 2026, when Levis remains out of headlines and collector attention focuses on active players. Strategic acquisitions during this period, particularly during the holidays when many collectors liquidate holdings, can yield significant discounts. Understanding seasonal buying patterns can help maximize value during these windows.

Advanced NFL Card Investment Strategies After Will Levis’ Injury

  • Track Will Levis’ rehabilitation progress and Titans’ official updates—positive news could sharply reverse price trends for his cards. Understanding market trends is crucial during these volatile periods.

  • Diversify collections with both Levis and other promising young quarterback rookie cards to hedge against the unpredictability of NFL careers and maximize potential upside.

  • Look for graded, serial-numbered Levis cards that may be oversold during the current dip; these could offer the best value on a resurgence.

  • Engage with online card communities, auction marketplaces, and price tracking tools like Card Ladder or eBay for real-time sentiment and deals.

  • Don’t overlook related Titans collectibles—team sets and memorabilia may appreciate if the franchise enjoys a turnaround season with their new quarterback situation.

  • Review our rookie cards investment guide for strategies on emerging players across the NFL.

For collectors navigating the Will Levis injury situation and broader NFL card market dynamics, these comprehensive resources provide additional strategic insights:

  • What Makes Sports Cards Valuable: 10 Factors in 2026 - Understanding fundamental value drivers helps you assess whether Levis cards are truly undervalued or appropriately priced given his injury situation. This guide covers scarcity, player performance, historical significance, and other critical factors that determine long-term card value beyond short-term injury concerns.

  • 2025 Sports Trading Card Market Trends: Collectors Guide - Stay informed about broader market forces affecting NFL cards during this volatile period. This comprehensive trend analysis helps you distinguish between Levis-specific price movements and general market dynamics, ensuring your investment decisions account for both micro and macro factors.

  • Top Rookie Sports Cards 2025: Investment Guide - Explore alternative quarterback investments and emerging rookie opportunities while Levis recovers. This guide identifies promising young players across all positions who could provide portfolio diversification and risk mitigation during uncertain periods for individual player investments.

  • Sports Card Insurance Protection Guide for 2025 Collectors - Protect your valuable Levis cards and entire collection with proper insurance coverage. This essential resource explains coverage options, valuation strategies, and risk management approaches particularly important when holding volatile assets through uncertain periods.

  • Seasonal Buying Guide: Best Time to Buy Sports Cards - Maximize value by timing your Levis card purchases strategically. This guide reveals optimal buying windows throughout the year, helping you acquire cards during seasonal dips and avoid overpaying during peak demand periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much have Will Levis cards dropped since his injury announcement?

Will Levis cards have experienced a 15-30% decline since his season-ending shoulder surgery was announced in July 2025. His 2023 Panini Prizm Rookie Auto dropped approximately 28%, while his Optic Base Rookie fell around 15%. These declines reflect typical market reactions to significant injuries that cost players entire seasons.

Should I sell my Will Levis cards now or hold them?

This depends on your investment strategy and risk tolerance. Some collectors are selling to minimize losses, while others see this as an opportunity to acquire discounted cards before a potential comeback. History shows that successful returns from major injuries can dramatically boost card values. Monitor his rehabilitation progress and Titans updates for informed decision-making.

How should I approach investing in other young quarterbacks during this period?

With the Titans’ quarterback situation creating uncertainty, investors should look at other promising young quarterbacks who have shown consistent performance. Focus on quarterbacks with established track records, strong supporting casts, and clear paths to playing time. Diversifying between multiple promising young quarterbacks can help manage risk during periods of team instability.

What’s the best strategy for collecting Titans cards right now?

Consider a diversified approach: hold quality graded Levis cards if you believe in his comeback potential, while monitoring the Titans’ quarterback situation for new opportunities. Focus on serial-numbered cards and autographs, as these tend to retain value better during market volatility. Stay actively engaged with price tracking tools and community sentiment to identify the best entry and exit points during this period of uncertainty.

Conclusion: Injury, Uncertainty, and Bold New Opportunities in the 2025 NFL Card Market

Will Levis’ season-ending surgery has drastically shifted the landscape for Titans fans and collectors, introducing new risk and reward calculations for everyone invested in NFL cards. While Levis’ future is uncertain, history suggests memorable comebacks can spark sudden rebounds in card value. Meanwhile, the emergence of other young quarterbacks across the league presents compelling storylines for collectors. For savvy hobbyists, the 2025 NFL season offers both caution and promise, making it critical to stay informed, agile, and strategically diversified as the quarterback carousel spins on in Tennessee and beyond.