Many people hadn't heard of Roddy White when he joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2005. It's a safe bet a lot more fans and collectors know his name now, as he's quickly established himself as one of the best young receivers in the NFL.
Much of White's low profile coming out of college was a result of playing for UAB, a Conference USA school not known as a pro football factory. Nevertheless, his speed and knack for making acrobatic catches caught the eye of many talent evaluators, and the Falcons were happy to select him 27th overall.
White became a part of the Atlanta passing game immediately, receiving playing time in every game during his first two NFL seasons. But like many wideouts, he blossomed in his third year, hauling in 83 passes for over 1,200 yards despite a revolving door at quarterback.
In 2008, White took another step forward by forming an instant bond with Matt Ryan. He surpassed 1,300 yards receiving in his first 14 games, earning a Pro Bowl spot and setting a pace to break the Falcons' single-season yardage record.
White is a prime candidate to be a household name well into the 2010's, and having Ryan slinging him the ball will only help - both on the field and in the hobby. His selection of 40-plus 2005 rookie cards includes nine autographed cards, the rarest of which is his Zenith # 172.
2005 Roddy White Rookie Cards
- Absolute Memorabilia # 227 - jersey card #'d to 750
- Bazooka # 196
- Bowman # 134
- Bowman Chrome # 199
- Bowman's Best # 125 - jersey card
- Donruss Classics # 212 - #'d to 999
- Donruss Elite # 178 - #'d to 499
- Donruss Gridiron Gear # 115 - #'d to 399
- Exquisite Collection # 111 - autographed jersey card #'d to 199
- Finest # 124
- Leaf Certified Materials # 221 - jersey card #'d to 749
- Leaf Limited # 222 - autographed jersey card #'d to 100
- Leaf Rookies and Stars # 271 - jersey card #'d to 750
- Leaf Rookies and Stars Longevity # 271 - jersey card #'d to 299
- Playoff Contenders # 163 - autographed
- Playoff Honors # 222 - jersey card #'d to 750
- Playoff Prestige # 206
- Reflections # 294 - #'d to 299
- Score # 354
- SP Authentic # 237 - autographed jersey card #'d to 499
- SPx # 211 - autographed jersey card #'d to 1275
- Sweet Spot # 275 - autographed, #'d to 650
- Throwback Threads # 222 - jersey card
- Topps # 437
- Topps Chrome # 196
- Topps Draft Picks and Prospects # 163
- Topps Heritage # 346A - SP
- Topps Pristine # 88
- Topps Total # 489
- Topps Turkey Red # 212
- UD Mini Jersey Collection # 83
- UD Portraits # 131 - #'d to 425
- Ultimate Collection # 226 - autographed, #'d to 150
- Ultra # 227
- Upper Deck # 216
- Upper Deck ESPN # 116
- Upper Deck Foundations # 245 - autographed, #'d to 375
- Upper Deck Kickoff # 110
- Upper Deck Legends # 109 - #'d to 725
- Upper Deck Rookie Debut # 186
- Upper Deck Rookie Materials # 115
- Zenith # 172 - autographed, #'d to 99