Not every NFL star is a highly touted draft pick from a premier college program. Some fly just under the radar and explode once they become pros, and that looks to be the case for Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
Playing receiver with an occasional stint at safety, Marshall never put up huge stats at Central Florida. He did save his best for his last game, hauling in 11 passes for 210 yards and three scores in the 2005 Hawaii Bowl.
Marshall's 6-foot-4 frame made him an intriguing NFL prospect, and the Broncos snatched him up in the fourth round of the 2006 draft. He overcame injuries to contribute down the stretch run of his rookie campaign, then showed off some of his true potential in 2007. Starting all 16 games, Marshall caught 102 balls for 1,325 yards and seven touchdowns.
Suspended for one game to start 2008, Marshall came back in Week Two to catch 18 passes, two short of the NFL record for a single game. He seems to be coming into his own at a time when the torch is about to be passed from the likes of Randy Moss and Marvin Harrison, and as long as he can keep himself clear of some of the off-field troubles that have plagued him, he's got the talent to be among the best of the next generation of receivers.
Marshall's 2006 rookie cards started out slowly, giving them plenty of growth potential. He's got plenty of autographed issues among them, including six numbered to 275 or less.
2006 Brandon Marshall Rookie Cards
- Absolute Memorabilia # 267 - jersey card #'d to 849
- Bowman # 143
- Bowman Chrome # 253
- Bowman Sterling # BS-BM
- Donruss Classics # 147 - #'d to 1499
- Donruss Elite # 115 - #'d to 599
- Donruss Gridiron Gear # 215 - jersey card with announced print run of 50
- Donruss Threads # 229 - autographed, #'d to 240
- Exquisite Collection # 110 - autographed jersey card #'d to 225
- Finest # 121
- Flair Showcase # 156 - #'d to 499
- Hot Prospects # 216 - autographed jersey card #'d to 999
- Leaf Certified Materials # 217 - jersey card #'d to 1400
- Leaf Limited # 284 - autographed jersey card #'d to 100
- Leaf Rookies and Stars # 266 - jersey card #'d to 799
- Playoff Contenders # 147 - autographed with announced print run of 608
- Playoff National Treasures # 116 - autographed jersey card #'d to 99
- Playoff NFL Playoffs # 74
- Playoff Prestige # 161 - SP
- Score # 424
- Select # 424 - #'d to 599
- SP Authentic # 260 - autographed jersey card #'d to 999
- SPx # 208 - autographed jersey card #'d to 1650
- Sweet Spot # 112 - #'d to 699
- Topps # 385
- Topps Chrome # 266
- Topps Total # 441
- Topps Triple Threads # 123 - autographed jersey card #'d to 99
- Ultimate Collection # 238 - autographed, #'d to 275
- Upper Deck # 246
- Upper Deck Legends # 105 - #'d to 750
- Upper Deck Rookie Debut # 137