When my son was seven years old, he had two requests for Christmas: A Super Bowl ring and a pack of Pokémon cards. At that time, I thought the Pokémon pack was the more reasonable request, but looking back, I realize the Super Bowl ring might have been the simpler one—after all, it’s just a piece of jewelry. Little did I know, those Pokémon cards would multiply like rabbits, taking over drawers, shelves, and eventually the entire house. If I had known how much space they’d end up occupying, I might have gladly gone for that ring instead… and it probably would have been a lot less expensive in the long run!
Then, one fateful day, he discovered NFL cards. Suddenly, the world of football trading cards grabbed my interest too. Soon, we were diving headfirst into card collecting. It wasn’t long before our house was covered in NFL cards instead. At first, we were just thrilled to pull a simple Joe Burrow base card, feeling like we’d struck gold. But over time, we learned the ins and outs of the hobby—what to look for in rookies, how to spot rare parallels, and the excitement of chasing autographed or patch cards. Our passion soon spread to my sister, brother, and nephew, who caught the card-collecting bug as well. Now, not a day goes by without our group chat buzzing with excitement over the latest pulls, card shop treasures, and WhatNot hits. What started as one person’s interest has turned into a family tradition we all eagerly share.
The WhatNot App: An Online Card Collecting Community
Our card-collecting journey really took off when we first discovered the WhatNot app. It quickly became a game-changer for us, offering live breaks and mystery games where we could buy into events and have a chance to win rare cards. The thrill of the live experience and the excitement of the pulls immediately hooked us. As we immersed ourselves in the app’s vibrant community, my sister Dana became a regular on WhatNot, connecting with fellow card collectors who shared the same passion.
Eventually, she fell so in love with the community and the app’s dynamic environment that she decided to start streaming herself. Not only did she want to contribute to the community, but she also saw it as a way to fund her own card-collecting hobby by selling off some of her non-PC (personal collection) cards. WhatNot quickly became an integral part of our card-collecting adventure, and through it, we’ve made new friends, scored great pulls, and had a ton of fun sharing the hobby together.
Connecting with a Local Card Shop: RS Sports Cards
Not long after we discovered WhatNot, a local card shop called RS Sports Cards opened up nearby in Lawrenceburg, Indiana and it was the perfect addition to our hobby. Gone were the days of waiting for Walmart’s restock days or making the 30-minute drive to the nearest card shop. This new shop made it so much easier to fuel our growing passion, and it quickly became our go-to destination. We could now visit regularly, chat with the knowledgeable staff, and find everything we needed for our collection—all just around the corner. Although I must admit, having the shop so close by is a bit of a double-edged sword. It’s like the world’s most convenient temptation—because the only thing harder than walking past it is walking in without buying something!
As our passion for card collecting grew, we found ourselves spending more time at RS Sports Cards, connecting with the friendly staff and learning even more about the hobby. One person who quickly became a key part of our card-collecting experience was Greg, the owner and founder of RS Sports Cards. His deep knowledge, genuine enthusiasm, and commitment to the community made the shop feel like home. I wanted to learn more about the man behind the counter and get his thoughts on the world of trading cards, so I sat down with Greg to chat about his journey and the shop’s impact on local collectors.
Here’s our conversation:
When did you start getting interested in card collecting and what sparked your interest?
I got into cards when I was 10. My younger brother and I shared a room, and everything was Dallas Cowboys—comforters, piggy banks, even the walls were painted blue and silver with the Dallas star. I’d ride my bike to the local card shop with my chore money to buy Cowboys and Bengals cards. My parents didn’t like the Cowboys, so I’m not sure why we chose them, but there was a kid in the neighborhood named Franky who wore a Cowboys bubble jacket—maybe that’s what got us hooked!
What made you decide to start your own card-collecting store?
I never really quit collecting, just slowed down as life got busy. Even while I was in the Army, we always found ways to get cards. A few years ago, my dad gave me and my brother all the cards he saved for us from our childhood collections. That sparked the idea for the shop. After attending a few card shows, I realized how many people were still passionate about the hobby. A year and a half ago, I started talking with my family and girlfriend about opening RS Sports. It was a big leap—I sold a successful business to focus on this, but I’m glad I did. My favorite hobby has become my full-time job, and I love it. The community loves it, too, and we’re just getting started!
What are some of your favorite players/teams to collect?
When I first opened, I collected mostly Bengals and Cowboys cards—Burrow, Chase, Yoshi, Dak, CeeDee Lamb. But I quickly learned not everyone shares my team preferences! These days, I still collect the bigger Burrow and Chase cards, but my main focus is on Chase Brown. He’s young, ambitious, and I see a lot of potential in him. I remember seeing him walk into the end zone last year before he started, and I told everyone he’d be a beast. He was exactly that last year!
What is the most exciting card you have ever pulled?
The most exciting pull was when I was with my girlfriend and friends in Cape Coral a couple of years ago. I went to JP Sports Cards, and it just so happened that 2023 Obsidian had been released. I bought three boxes, and the first one I opened had a CJ Stroud color blast black—unbelievable! I put it on eBay right away and it was the first one on there. It sold the next day for $3,500. That’s still the coolest and most expensive card I’ve pulled.
What are some of your favorite products and/or cards?
My favorite products are Obsidian Hobby Football and Rookies and Stars Hobby. I’ve had the most luck with those. I also love Flawless and National Treasures, though they’re out of most people’s price range. I feel like Mosaic has the most bang for the buck. There are more case hits than any other product. For baseball, I like Heritage—it’s fun to see new players on old cards. This year, I really enjoyed 2024 Topps Update and Topps Archives. I don’t open much basketball, so I can’t really pick a favorite there.
Advice for someone just starting out in card collecting?
Start small. Focus on singles that could grade well as PSA or SGC 10s (though that’s not easy!). Make sure it’s a well-known player, then send it off for grading. When it comes back, you can often triple your money. While buying boxes isn’t a bad option—retail or hobby—you can still make money if the cards grade well. If you’re collecting for your personal collection (PC), don’t chase specific cards through wax. Instead, check eBay, local card shops, or card shows. Someone out there has the card you’re looking for. You might pay more for it, but if it’s important to you, it’s worth it. That’s how I feel about Chase Brown. If I want a card, I’ll buy it without haggling.
In general, it can be an expensive hobby, but with research or a little luck, you can get ahead. It’s a fun hobby for all ages—just don’t let greed take over. Some people spend their whole paycheck chasing cards. Treat it as a hobby, spend when you can, and most importantly, have fun. The card market is bigger than ever, and it’s here to stay. If you don’t have the money now, don’t worry—it will still be around when you’re ready.
WhatNot Streaming: Advice from a Local Card Collector and Fan Favorite
From the excitement of owning a local card shop to the digital world of WhatNot, let’s shift gears to hear from Dana, a local WhatNot streamer who’s quickly become a fan favorite in the community. Let’s dive into her journey and explore what it’s like to experience the card collecting hobby through the lens of a streamer.
When did you get interested in cards and what sparked your interest?
A few years ago, I asked our 9-year-old nephews what they wanted for Christmas, and they both said, “NFL cards.” Little did I know, that simple request would ignite my own love for the hobby—and lead me to become a streamer on WhatNot! I owe my new obsession (and my bank account) to them, haha.
How did you learn about WhatNot?
My sister told me about WhatNot when a friend of hers from college made a post about an app where you can get NFL cards. She thought it might be a way for me to get the nephews some cards for Christmas while supporting her friend. We both downloaded the app and joined her friend’s stream, which I believe was a break. It was a lot of fun!
How did you get into Mystery games?
I’ve always loved games, and when I discovered there was a whole niche of NFL cards and mystery games on WhatNot, I was immediately hooked. Plus, I have crazy luck when it comes to mystery shows!
What made you decide to start streaming?
After receiving a lot of cards from WhatNot that weren’t my or my husband’s PC, I decided streaming would be a fun way to sell the extras. It beats selling them individually on eBay! It’s been such a blast meeting other collectors who share my love for the hobby.
Who are some of your favorite players and teams to collect?
I’m a huge fan of any Bengal players, especially Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase. I’ve also been collecting a lot of Chase Brown’s cards. For my husband, I collect Raiders cards—Bo Jackson is a favorite, and we’re also big fans of Brock Bowers!
What’s the most exciting card you’ve ever pulled?
This one’s tough! Case hits are always exciting, but my personal favorite was pulling a PSA 9 2022 Joe Burrow Downtown from a mystery show. When I hit it, I screamed so loud that I scared the dogs! That’s still my favorite card in my PC.
Where do you usually find new cards to add to your collection or stream?
Most of my cards come from WhatNot, but I also love supporting our local card shop, RS Sports Cards. Greg, the owner, is amazing and super knowledgeable!
What are some of your favorite products or cards?
I’m all about the big case hits like Downtowns and Kabooms. For non-case hits, I love Origin RPAs (rookie patch autos), Firebursts, and Pandora’s—so much fun!
Do you have any advice for someone just starting out in card collecting?
My best advice is to have fun with it! If you love a card, even if it’s not highly valued by others, go ahead and get it for your PC. There’s such a wide variety of cards out there, and it’s exciting to explore the hobby. Also, be cautious with spending—it can add up quickly!
How can we find you on WhatNot?
If you’re into mystery shows for sports cards, feel free to join me on WhatNot! My username is dhowe24, and I host a mystery show every Friday night. I try to make it a fun, value-packed experience where everyone leaves happy—even if they don’t win. And if anyone figures out how to land a job designing NFL cards, let me know—I think that would be my dream job!
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the knowledge and passion shared by both Greg at RS Sports Cards and Dana on WhatNot are invaluable resources for anyone looking to dive deeper into the world of card collecting. They not only offer insights into the hobby, but also embody the spirit of supporting local businesses and communities. So, whether you’re stopping by the local shop to chat with Greg or joining Dana’s next live stream, you can be sure you’re engaging with people who truly care about the hobby—and the community that surrounds it.
***You can find RS Sports Cards in Lawrenceburg Indiana, and at their Facebook Page at RS Sports Cards or on Instagram at @rs_sports_cards. You can find Dana on WhatNot at Dhowe24. Don’t be shy, pop in and say hi! They would love to hear from you!
