“Freddy, you’re an idiot. He’s one of only 17 NFL players in history to score 5 or more TDs in a single game and the first since Alvin Kamara scored 6 TDs against the Minnesota Vikings last Christmas.

He is… along with Bob Shaw, Dub Jones, Jim Brown, Abner Haynes, Billy Cannon, Cookie Gilchrist, Paul Hornung, Gale Sayers, Kellen Winslow, Jerry Rice, Ricky Watters, James Stewart, Shaun Alexander, Clinton Portis, Jamaal Charles, and the aforementioned Alvin Kamara.

“Jim Brown. Gale Sayers. Jerry FREAKIN Rice! That’s an impressive list.”

Talent wise absolutely… but herein lies the football card investing conundrum. Of the 15 retired players on this list, only 3 from this list continue to enjoy any modicum of enduring hobby love. That’s only a 20% hit rate on running backs and receivers who have scored 5 or more touchdowns in a single game.

“Jonathan Taylor is different. You just keep hatin’ on all non-QBs.”

I might have mentioned not to buy non-QBs for investment purposes in ANOTHER 6 WAYS NOT TO LOSE ALL YOUR MONEY IN SPORTS CARDS… but I don’t hate any football players. Their skill and pain tolerance is otherworldly. I do hate the probability of hitting on a true 3 down Hall Of Fame Super Bowl MVP winning running back in this era of running back committees… and that is what it takes to have lasting growth and value in the running back market. There is only one Emmitt Smith.

“Don’t tell me you’re a Cowboys fan.”

[crossing fingers] I’m not a Cowboys fan.

“They are so annoying and overrated.”

But sooooo good at marketing and hype… why are we talking about the Cowboys again?

“Exactly.”

Emmitt Smith… Jonathan Taylor. That’s right. The odds of Jonathan Taylor rookie cards growing and holding their value in the long run are low unless Jonathan Taylor becomes THE centerpiece of a football championship dynasty like Emmitt Smith. It wouldn’t hurt if Jonathan Taylor also becomes a fan favorite and wins Dancing With The Stars. Do you see Carson Wentz taking the Colts to the promised land? Or Jonathan Taylor taking home the Mirror Ball trophy?

“I’ve never seen Jonathan Taylor dance.”

Me neither. How about Carson taking the Colts to the promised land?

“He could.”

He could. Sure. He could Flacco or Foles his way there. If only his name was Fentz. But is there a high probability of it?

“There’s a chance.”

Yes. But there’s a better chance that you’re buying Jonathan Taylor at the height of his market right now. Even if he becomes Emmitt Smith, there will be opportunities in the offseason or the inevitable injured reserve stint to buy low again on JT. Then you can flip him during his next touchdown streak, or keep building your JT PC on the cheap. Either way, collector or investor, you’ll have more money to buy more cards.

Isn’t that the whole point?

“You’re finally making some sense.”

If you take enough shots eventually a few go in.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.

As always, I’m Freddy… and you’re welcome.