Alright, sports fans, we’ve got some controversy brewing in the world of memorabilia, and this one’s got Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady at the center of it. The seven-time Super Bowl champion is being called out for what one expert is calling an ““unprecedented”” move—signing autographs with a ““HOF 2028”” inscription before he’s even eligible for induction.
Now, let’s be clear—no one is questioning whether Brady “will” make the Hall of Fame. That’s a done deal. The guy played 23 seasons, holds just about every major passing record, and has more rings than any other quarterback in history.
His spot in Canton is as certain as the sunrise. But here’s where things get dicey: players traditionally wait “until they’ve actually been inducted” before they start signing their name with that prestigious Hall of Fame designation.
According to “cllct”, at least seven of these preemptively inscribed cards exist, all part of the exclusive “TB12 Collection” authenticated by PSA/DNA. And let’s just say, the move isn’t sitting well with everyone—especially autograph expert Steve Grad, who slammed Brady’s decision, calling it a ““lack of respect”” for the legends who came before him.
“This isn’t how it’s done,” Grad told “cllct”. “Players “earn” the honor first, then they sign their name with ‘HOF’—not the other way around.”
It’s an unwritten rule in the sports memorabilia world: “You wait your turn.” And even though Brady’s induction in 2028 is essentially guaranteed, some collectors and historians see this as a bit of a bad look.
Of course, there’s another angle to this—”money”. Autographs with Hall of Fame inscriptions typically carry a premium, and collectors are already eyeing these cards as potential goldmines.
One of the signed Brady rookie cards with ““HOF 2028”” has been listed on PSA’s eBay page for a cool $6,600—though it’s currently marked as out of stock. PSA has since clarified that these specific cards won’t actually be sold “until” Brady’s presumed induction, but that hasn’t stopped the conversation.
Meanwhile, Brady has just wrapped up his first season as Fox’s lead NFL analyst, covering marquee matchups like the Eagles-Chiefs showdown in New Orleans. But as this autograph controversy heats up, the GOAT might have some explaining to do—at least to the collectors who think he jumped the gun.
The bottom line? Brady’s legacy is untouchable, but in the world of sports history, tradition matters. And right now, it looks like the Hall of Fame committee will have to officially vote him in “before” his signature does.
