✍ The Collector’s Crossroads

by Brews & Breaks

He threw 41 touchdowns. He took Tampa to the playoffs. He added Emeka Egbuka.
And yet... the hobby still treats him like a meme in a helmet.
This isn’t about stats. It’s about stigma. And it’s costing collectors big.

Let’s run it back:

🏈 4,500 yards
🏈 41 TDs
🏈 67.8% completion (last 2 seasons)
🏈 91.2 passer rating
🏈 NFC South champs

And when Mike Tannenbaum dropped his Top 5 NFC QB list?
No Baker.
Not even an honorable mention.

This isn’t about talent. This is about narrative. And Baker Mayfield’s narrative has been hijacked for years.

🎬 From Headband to Hero — and Still Ignored

Baker’s problem isn’t his performance — it’s his persona.
He’s never fit the mold. Too cocky. Too bold. Too many commercials.
And the hobby? It never forgave him.

The thing is — Baker changed.
He’s no longer trying to be a superstar. He’s just out there, doing the job better than half the “next big things” on hobby watchlists.

He’s matured. He’s efficient. He’s winning.
But because he isn’t a TikTok-friendly hype machine or a brooding media darling, he’s ignored.

If he had Justin Herbert’s hair, you'd be buying Gold Prizms at auction.
If he had Joe Burrow’s jawline, you’d call him the comeback king.
But because he’s Baker? He’s a “sell.”

💰 Hobby Market: Mismatch = Opportunity

Let’s talk cards.

Baker’s market is stupid undervalued for a starting QB1 coming off a breakout year — and running it back with a better WR corps in 2025.

Here’s what’s still flying under radar:

• 2018 Optic Holo Raw ($26), PSA 9s ($115) and 10s ($190)

• 2018 Prizm Orange Die-cut, RAW $60, PSA 10 $190

• Undervalued NT and Impeccable autos

• Dual inserts with Emeka Egbuka (incoming)

• Rare parallels still sitting at raw prices

Meanwhile, people are spending 3x for Anthony Richardson, who hasn’t played a full month yet.

You tell me what’s smarter.

😬 Meanwhile… in Manziel Land

Here’s where it gets wild:

Johnny Manziel

• 7 career TDs

• 8 starts

• Out of the league in 2 seasons

Still? He moves merch. He gets clicks. His cards have a cult following.

Baker Mayfield

• 141 career TDs

• 3 playoff appearances

• Multiple 4K seasons

• Led a franchise from collapse to competition

And yet, hobby silence.

Because the truth is… the hobby doesn’t reward performance. It rewards narrative.
And Baker’s narrative? Quiet excellence. No drama. No dancing.

Just results.

🔍 How to Spot the Buy Window

If you're serious about flipping or collecting QBs, look at the actual metrics.

Baker's:

• Price-per-touchdown = insanely low

• Market pop reports = manageable

• Age = prime QB window

• Weapons = better than last year

• Coaching staff = stable

• Division = winnable

And yet most collectors are chasing rookies they’ve never seen take a snap.

✋ Final Thought: The Hobby Forgot — So Take Advantage

The hobby is weird.
It loves losers with personality and hates winners with history.

But you? You’re smarter than that.

You see the numbers.
You see the value.
You see a proven starter in his prime getting priced like a career backup.

So while the rest of the hobby keeps overpaying for hope,
You can start stacking production.

Baker Mayfield did everything right.
The media won’t admit it.
The hobby won’t acknowledge it.
But the playoffs are coming — and so is the price correction.

🧠 Final Sip: Collect on Facts, Not Feels

Let them hate.

Let the talking heads shout about rookies.
Let the influencers peddle gold Prizms of QBs who can’t throw a spiral.

You?
You collect with clarity.
You sip. You rip. You capitalize.

Because when the narrative finally breaks —
You’ll already be holding.

🔥 Call to Action:

🏷 Holding a Baker slab no one else believes in? Post it.
🧠 Got a take on QB market psychology? Share it.
📈 Ready to stop following hobby trends and create one? You know what to do.

Until next time,
Keep Sippin’ and Rippin’
— Will @ Brews & Breaks 🍻

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