2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalists

One of the most anticipated events for card collectors is the announcement of new Hall of Fame inductees. Enshrinement in the Hall of Fame can give cards of a player an immediate bump in value and popularity. It also usually guarantees that their cards, especially rookie cards, will continue to be sought after for years to come. This year there are a number of finalists for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame who football card collectors will not want to ignore. Inductees will be announced in February.

Of all the finalists nominated this year, perhaps the best bet to be inducted as a first ballot Hall of Famer is former league cornerback Deion Sanders. One of the most popular players of his era, "Primetime" was an eight time Pro Bowler and multiple time Super Bowl winner. If he is elected in February, collectors can count on his 1989 Score rookie card receiving significant attention on sites like eBay for the foreseeable future, even though it features a less than flattering picture of Sanders. His other rookie cards may see some increased attention as some collectors would probably try to get a cheaper Sanders rookie if he is selected.

This year there are three running backs eligible for the first time that most consider Hall worthy. Marshall Faulk, of The Greatest Show on Turf Fame, is probably the flashiest of the trio. If he is inducted, action for his rookie cards and autographed cards is sure to heat up. Standard rookie cards like his 1994 Upper Deck rookie card would sell quick as football card collectors try and get a reasonably priced piece of a new Hall member. Jerome Bettis should also get serious consideration for Hall enshrinement. If he makes it, his more affordable rookie cards like his 1993 Upper Deck rookie card will fly off the shelves. Last but not least of the prolific trio is Curtis Martin of New York Jets fame. Maybe a little less popular than the other two, his rookie cards will also pick up steam if he is elected.

There are also four pass catching players who are among the finalists for induction again. All Buffalo Bills fans will be pulling for wide receiver Andre Reed, a fifth year finalist. If Reed is inducted, his 1986 Topps rookie card should see a decent increase in value. More prolific but perhaps less legendary as Reed is former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter who is also again a finalist. Though his cards have never been very popular, collectors may try and grab a Carter rookie, like his 1989 Topps offering, if he is selected. Very much in the Carter mold is Tim Brown, who is also a multi-time finalist. Also with a rookie card in the 1989 Topps set, Brown collectors will be sure to give his rookie cards some increased attention if he is elected. Tight end Shannon Sharpe is also a finalist this year. Not always the most popular with collectors, Sharpe rookie cards should finally get some respect if he is inducted.

This years finalist also includes many finalists who played non-glamour positions in their careers. The most relevant of these great players is probably Richard Dent as far as card collectors are concerned. If elected his rookie card will probably receive a modest permanent bump in value. Football card collectors would probably all but ignore ignore the selection of players such as Pittsburgh Steelers' center Dermontti Dawson, former defensive linemen Chris Doleman, Charles Haley, and Cortez Kennedy, or tackle Willie Roaf. However, signing events including these players will probably become a little more expensive to attend if any of them are announced as new Hall of Fame members in February.