California born and raised, Aaron Rodgers had one dream heading into the 2005 NFL Draft: to play quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Rodgers had supported the team ever since his childhood, and with the Niners holding the first overall pick in that year’s draft, he believed that San Fran would make his boyhood dream come true. But when NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue stepped to the podium to announce the 49ers’ pick, he did not call Rodgers’ name—instead, his favorite team chose Alex Smith out of Utah to take snaps behind center for San Fran. Down Rodgers slid to the Green Bay Packers at the 24th pick, and though he celebrated, the 22-year-old quarterback did not forget the 49ers’ slight. “How disappointed are you that you will not be a 49er?” one reporter asked. “Not as disappointed as the 49ers will be that they didn’t draft me,” Rodgers replied.
Two decades later, the Niners likely still regret their choice. Smith’s time in San Francisco yielded mixed results while, despite riding the bench for his first three seasons behind Brett Favre, Rodgers developed into a franchise QB and led the Packers to a Super Bowl in only his third year as the team’s starter. Today, Rodgers stands as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever suit up, which explains why this 2005 Exquisite Collection auto relic ranks among collectors’ favorites.
Exquisite Collection lives on as Upper Deck's premier premium line when they held the NFL license. This Super Jersey Autographs card features Rodgers' rookie signature on a jumbo game-worn swatch. Adding to its significance is the 12/15 jersey-match serial number.
The certification number on this card has been checked against the third-party grader's online database and is active as of 06/17/2026.
