Today, according to the Mayan calendar, is the end of the world. Although I think that is about as likely as the Jaguars winning the Super Bowl this year, it has inspired me to come up with my list of 5 football cards your collection should not live without. As long as the world is ending today – these are the cards I would want to take with me to the afterlife.

1976 Topps Walter Payton RC

Hundreds of players have come and gone since Payton was playing, and every single player is still compared to his impact. The guy is arguably the best player of all time, and will always be a patron saint of the NFL’s modern era. His rookie card is arguably the most iconic ever created and the plethora of reprints should show why its so important. Both the original card and the hard signed reprints are acceptable.

1976 Topps Walter Payton RC PSA 8.5

1976 Topps Walter Payton RC Autographed PSA Authenticated

1957 Topps Johnny Unitas RC

Like Payton, Unitas is the pre-cursor to the pocket passer that dominates the game today. His card in 1957 was years ahead of the time, and that is one of the main reason it remains one of the most recognized football cards of all time.

1957 Topps Johnny Unitas RC Graded SGC 80

1957 Topps Johnny Unitas RC Graded PSA 8

1998 Playoff Contenders Peyton Manning Ticket Auto

Nothing represents the modern era of football cards like the 1998 contenders auto of Manning and the 2000 Tom Brady. If I can only have one, the Manning seems to be more destined for the hall of fame, as there are that much fewer of them around. On top of that, Manning seems destined for another ring and a bust in canton, so like Brady, its like an investment in gold.

1998 Playoff Contenders Peyton Manning Auto Ticket

1998 Playoff Contenders Peyton Manning Auto Ticket BGS 8

2005 SP Authentic Aaron Rodgers Patch Auto

I know you are all probably wondering why a Packers player would be on my list, but this card could end up being the best SP Authentic card ever produced. Not only is Rodgers an incredible quarterback, but this card has so few copies that it is ridiculously scarce. I love the 2005 design, and I would be proud to own one of these cards. As if you cant tell – im more interested in modern autographed cards than anything.

2005 SP Authentic Aaron Rodgers Patch Auto BGS 9.5

2005 SP Authentic Aaron Rodgers Patch Auto BGS 9

1985 Topps Jerry Rice RC

I love this card. I love it so much that I saved up months worth of allowance to afford one back in the early 1990s. I think it is arguably the best card of the best WR to ever play, and it brings me back to simpler times when base RCs still meant something. You might be wondering why I chose this over Montana’s 1982 Topps RC, and its only because of my personal ties to the nostalgia of this card. Its amazing looking.

1985 Topps Jerry Rice RC PSA 9

1985 Topps Jerry Rice RC PSA 10 Autographed and Authenticated

Honorable Mentions:

1981 Topps Joe Montana RC– Cant argue with Montana
1984 Dan Marino RC – Great look to the card, great year for football
2007 Adrian Peterson Exquisite Auto Patch – She will be mine, oh yes, she will be mine.

Im sure you all have your own lists, im interested to see what you all come up with!