1948 Bowman #7 Steve Van Buren ROOKIE PSA NM 7

1948 Bowman #7 Steve Van Buren PSA 7 – Power and Glory in a True Rookie Classic

Before Jim Brown, before Gale Sayers, there was Steve Van Buren—the original workhorse who defined what a dominant running back could look like. A four-time rushing champion, two-time NFL Champion, and Hall of Famer, Van Buren was the engine behind the Philadelphia Eagles’ late-1940s dynasty. His bruising style, elite field vision, and quiet toughness made him virtually unstoppable at a time when ground-and-pound ruled the gridiron.

The 1948 Bowman Football set marked the beginning of modern football cards, and Van Buren’s #7 rookie is one of its defining centerpieces. Simple in design yet rich in historical significance, this black-and-white card captures the stoic, determined presence of a player who revolutionized the role of the ball carrier. His pose, hands on hips and eyes fixed, radiates confidence—the kind earned through punishing defenses and carrying a franchise on his back.

Graded PSA 7, this example offers strong contrast, crisp image clarity, and a clean surface—traits that are far from guaranteed in this inaugural post-war football release, which is often plagued by print flaws and centering issues. For a card now 75 years old, its preservation in near-mint condition adds serious appeal for collectors seeking cornerstone rookies in vintage football history.