1985 Topps Football Cards Most Valuable
The 1985 Topps football set stands as one of the most iconic and uniquely designed collections of the 1980s. It captured a pivotal era in NFL history, featuring rising legends, dominant defenses, and future Hall of Famers. Due to the scarcity of high-grade examples—especially in PSA 10 condition—this list ranks the most valuable cards based on their PSA 9 values. While some PSA 10s have fetched eye-popping figures, their limited populations make PSA 9s the more reliable benchmark for market value. That said, we’ve also included the most recent PSA 10 sale and the current PSA 10 population count for each card to give collectors a fuller picture of scarcity and high-end value.
Below is a breakdown of the most valuable cards from the 1985 Topps football set, complete with context on each player’s career achievements and legacy.
1. Walter Payton (All Pro) #33
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $300–$400
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $1,955 (March, 2019)
PSA 10 Population: 15
Significance: Walter “Sweetness” Payton is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs of all time. Known for his agility, balance, and unmatched work ethic, he retired as the NFL’s all-time rushing leader with 16,726 yards. A 9-time Pro Bowler and 1977 NFL MVP, Payton was the heart of the Chicago Bears offense and helped lead them to victory in Super Bowl XX.
2. Richard Dent (All Pro) #24 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $150–$250
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $7,200 (May, 2022)
PSA 10 Population: 22
Significance: Richard Dent was a key figure in the fearsome 1985 Chicago Bears defense. The Super Bowl XX MVP recorded 137.5 sacks over his career, making him one of the premier pass rushers of his era. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2011 and was instrumental in redefining the importance of edge pressure in modern defenses.
3. John Elway #238
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $125–$250
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $4,200 (September, 2023)
PSA 10 Population: 20
Significance: John Elway, known for his rocket arm and incredible comeback ability, played his entire career with the Denver Broncos, winning back-to-back Super Bowls in the late 1990s. He retired with over 51,000 passing yards and 300 touchdowns, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
4. Warren Moon #251 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $150–$200
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $2,880 (December, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 88
Significance: After dominating the CFL, Moon transitioned to the NFL and racked up over 49,000 passing yards. A 9-time Pro Bowler, he is the only player enshrined in both the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, reflecting his impact on professional football across borders.
5. Steve McMichael #32 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $150–$200
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $300 (May, 2022)
PSA 10 Population: 20
Significance: Steve “Mongo” McMichael was a powerhouse on the Bears’ defensive line. A 2-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XX champion, McMichael was a consistent anchor in Chicago’s front seven for over a decade. His toughness and leadership made him a fan favorite and a Chicago sports icon.
6. Dan Fouts #372
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $100–$150
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $780 (May, 2022)
PSA 10 Population: 5
Significance: Dan Fouts was a trailblazer in the “Air Coryell” offense, revolutionizing the passing game during his time with the San Diego Chargers. A 6-time Pro Bowler, Fouts became the first quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards in three consecutive seasons, helping set the foundation for today’s high-octane offenses.
7. Joe Montana #157
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $100–$150
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $1,313.88 (September, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 56
Significance: Joe Montana, the ultimate clutch performer, led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl victories and was named Super Bowl MVP three times. Known for his poise and pinpoint accuracy, Montana remains one of the most iconic quarterbacks in NFL history and a symbol of 1980s football dominance.
8. Dan Marino (All Pro) #314
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $100–$150
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $4,256.50 (December, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 42
Significance: Dan Marino was one of the most prolific passers the NFL has ever seen. In 1984, he became the first quarterback to throw for over 5,000 yards in a single season. A 9-time Pro Bowler and 1984 NFL MVP, Marino’s quick release and deep ball accuracy made him a nightmare for defenses.
9. Walter Payton (Record Breaker) #6
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $70–$125
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $1,500 (May, 2022)
PSA 10 Population: 9
Significance: This card celebrates Payton’s record-breaking feats, including surpassing Jim Brown as the NFL’s all-time rushing leader at the time. It’s a tribute to his historic impact on the game, both as a dominant athlete and as an inspirational figure on and off the field.
10. Mike Singletary #34
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $100–$120
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $525 (September, 2018)
PSA 10 Population: 4
Significance: Mike Singletary was the emotional leader and middle linebacker of the legendary 1985 Bears defense. Known for his intense stare and relentless drive, he was a 10-time Pro Bowler and 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. His leadership helped Chicago capture Super Bowl XX and define a defensive era.
11. Dan Marino/Joe Montana (Passing Leaders) #192
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $60–$90
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $1,900 (December, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 25
12. Lawrence Taylor (All Pro) #124
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $50–$75
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $760 (March, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 28
13. Jim McMahon #31
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $50–$75
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $1,225 (April, 2023)
PSA 10 Population: 7
14. Eric Dickerson (All Pro) #79
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $50–$70
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $540 (May, 2022)
PSA 10 Population: 12
15. Walter Payton (Bears Team Leaders) #22
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30–$60
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $249 (March, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 73
16. Mike Munchak #253 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $40–$50
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $1,011 (January, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 25
17. Darryl Talley #207 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $40
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $240.50 (December, 2021)
PSA 10 Population: 15
18. Joe Morris #120 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30–$40
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $111 (January, 2021)
PSA 10 Population: 21
19. Dan Marino (Record Breaker) #4
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25–$40
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $255 (May, 2023)
PSA 10 Population: 26
20. Dan Hampton #30
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30–$35
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $325 (January, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 24
21. Jim Plunkett #297
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30–$35
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $112.49 (January, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 46
22. Marcus Allen #282
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25–$35
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $500 (January, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 25
23. Ronnie Lott #156
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25–$35
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $2,400 (May, 2022)
PSA 10 Population: 17
24. James Lofton #75
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $528 (December, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 17
25. Tony Dorsett #40
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $321 (February, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 56
26. Steve Largent #389
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: No Recent Sales Data
PSA 10 Population: 9
Final Thoughts
The 1985 Topps football set is more than just a colorful blast from the past—it’s a cardboard celebration of some of the NFL’s most iconic players. From legendary quarterbacks like Joe Montana and Dan Marino to defensive juggernauts like Richard Dent and Mike Singletary, these cards remain deeply valued by collectors for both their visual appeal and historical significance.
Because PSA 10s are so rare in this set, we’ve ranked the cards based on their PSA 9 prices, which better reflect the market’s accessibility and demand. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a nostalgic fan, these cards represent some of the finest football talent the 1980s had to offer—and they continue to hold strong value today.
