Jack Hughes became a pseudo American hero this year. Of course heroes in sports are much different than heroes in everyday life, but for the role he plays, Hughes inspired a nation. After making the team despite injuring his hand during the regular season and costing him months of Devils hockey, Hughes made the Olympic team and even played an essential role of marketing the team, announcing the rosters on the Today show.
Then, Hughes had a chance to play scapegoat. He committed a penalty near the end of the game that could have lost it for the Americans. He was almost public enemy number one.
Of course, nobody remembers that part. All we remember is Hughes, draped in an American flag and missing a few teeth after taking a high stick to the mouth in the third period, celebrating Team USA’s first gold medal since the Miracle on Ice.
Hughes was the man who brought that gold medal home. He scored the Golden Goal, beating Jordan Binnington in overtime to take down rival Canada 2-1.
This is one of the great Olympic moments that will live in infamy. People will talk about that play for generations. It was a moment, and that’s what sports are about.
Since it was such an important moment, every company under the sun will try to monetize it. Jerseys, hats, photos, action figures, posters, and anything else worth a darn will be sold in bunches. However, one thing that will be monetized beyond a shadow of a doubt will be sports cards. Hundreds of cards will be produced over the next decade, and one card in particular stands out.
Incredibly rare Jack Hughes card could be an award winner
The 1/1 Hughes card with the inscription “Golden Goal! Go USA!” is the only one in existence. In the card industry, scarcity is king. We’re already getting predictions that this card could be worth as much as $500,000.
As of now, the Devils star’s top card is in a collection and nobody knows where. Obviously, this would be a big payday for someone. However, that person has decided to keep the card.
Still, while the card has a chance to be an award winner. The ESPYs announced a new category: Best Sports Card Nominees. Hughes is up against some decent competition, including a Macklin Celebrini rookie patch auto, an Aaron Judge/Shohei Ohtani dual patch auto, and a Caitlin Clark patch auto with inscription.
Best Sports Card Nominees 👀
— ESPYS (@ESPYS) July 13, 2026
Retweet from the thread below to vote for your favorite 🗳️⬇️
1 RT = 1 Vote pic.twitter.com/54rlsNnBOx
Right now, the voting is happening in Twitter, and Hughes is not winning. He currently has 272 retweets, which Clark's card has 1,300 retweets. Oddly enough, Celebrini is leading the pack with 1,400 retweets.
Hughes is in trouble in this voting process but there is still time to help Hughes get more hardware. Although, does Topps get the award or does Hughes?
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