Kevin Greene
Linebacker / Defensive End · Los Angeles Rams
1989 Topps Football #134
Year & Era
1989 - Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Base Card (Rookie Card)
Grade
4 to 5 (VG-EX) estimated
Rarity
Common. This card was mass-produced during the peak of the Junk Wax Era. However, high-grade (PSA 10) copies are rarer due to poor quality control (centering issues) and white-border chipping.
Overall Assessment
This is a nostalgic rookie card of a Hall of Fame legend. While it holds significant sentimental and historical value, its technical condition and centering prevent it from being a high-value investment piece. It is a perfect 'filler' card for a team set or a budget-friendly player collection.
Condition Grade
4 to 5 (VG-EX) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front: Heavily off-center toward the right and bottom borders. Top and left borders are significantly thicker than the right and bottom, likely 75/25 or worse.
Surface Condition
There appears to be a significant horizontal scratch or crease running across the middle-right of the card surface, near the player's hip. General surface dullness is present.
Corner Condition
Softening is visible on all four corners, with noticeable rounding on the bottom-right corner. They lack the needle-point sharpness required for high-grade status.
Edge Condition
Edges show minor chipping and 'fuzziness' common with Topps card stock from this era. The right edge shows some unevenness.
Print Quality
Average for 1989. The color saturation is decent, but the heavy centering shift is a major production flaw common to this specific set.
Estimated Value
Raw: $3 - $10; PSA 10: $300 - $500; This specific copy: $1 - $5 due to centering and surface damage.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy is below average due to the extreme centering shift and the horizontal surface defect. Most surviving copies share the corner softening, but better-centered examples are readily available.
Authentication Tips
Look for the classic Topps grainy card stock. Counterfeits are rare for this card, but check for pixelation in the team name/logo which would indicate a modern reprint or digital copy.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading. The estimated cost of grading exceeds the market value of the card in this condition. Professional grading is typically reserved for copies that appear to be Gem Mint.
Red Flags
The horizontal line across the right side appears to be a surface crease rather than a print line, which significantly impacts the technical grade. No signs of trimming or artificial alteration.
Provenance Notes
Distributed in wax packs, jumbo packs, and factory sets in 1989. This era remains the most plentiful in the history of the hobby.
Historical Context
This is the true Topps rookie card of one of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history. Kevin Greene retired with 160.0 sacks, which ranked 3rd all-time at the time of his retirement.
Market Trends
Greene's cards saw a value bump after his 2016 Hall of Fame induction and again following his passing in 2020. Collectors generally target his 1989 Topps or 1989 Score rookie cards.
Investment Potential
Low for this specific copy due to condition issues. Higher-grade PSA 9 or 10 copies of this Hall of Fame rookie card have moderate long-term growth potential as 'Blue Chip' vintage-era cards.
Similar Cards
1989 Score Kevin Greene #250, 1989 Pro Set Kevin Greene #181, 1989 Topps Traded Troy Aikman #70T.
Display & Preservation
A simple penny sleeve and top loader are sufficient. The card should be kept away from direct sunlight to prevent the white borders from yellowing and the blue ink from fading.
Interesting Facts
Despite being an 11th-round draft pick, Greene became a 5-time Pro Bowler and 2-time All-Pro. He also had a brief career in professional wrestling with WCW while still an active NFL player.