Alright, let’s talk about my little adventure with Sports Illustrated magazines. I’ve always been a bit of a collector, you know, keeping things that might be worth something someday. So, I started digging into my old Sports Illustrated stash, wondering if any of these bad boys were worth more than just the paper they’re printed on.
First off, I started going through my collection, issue by issue. It’s a bit of a mess, honestly, magazines piled up everywhere. But hey, that’s part of the fun, right? I noticed some of them were in pretty decent shape, while others, well, let’s just say they’ve seen better days. I remember spilling soda on a few back in the day – whoops!

Sorting and Checking
- Pulled out all the magazines.
- Sorted them by year, just to get some kind of order.
- Checked the condition of each one – some are like new, others not so much.
Then came the research part. I hit up the internet, trying to figure out what makes these magazines valuable. Turns out, it’s all about who’s on the cover and how old the issue is. I learned that some of the older ones, especially from the ’90s, can fetch a decent price. Like, we’re talking between $2 and $40 a pop for the ones in good shape. Not bad, right?
The Tom Brady Effect
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. I found out that issues featuring Tom Brady, especially his first cover appearance in April 2002, are like gold dust. And guess what? I actually have that one! It’s a bit worn, but still, it’s a Tom Brady cover. Apparently, a championship edition from 2004 is also pretty valuable, but I don’t have that one, unfortunately.
I also found out that the date on the address label can tell you when the subscription expires. I mean, I always knew there was a date there, but I never really paid attention to it. It’s kinda cool to know when these magazines were originally sent out.
What’s Next?
So, what am I gonna do with all this info? Well, I’m thinking of selling some of them. I checked out some online platforms, and it seems like that’s the way to go. I saw that a really well-graded copy of that 2004 issue sold for $1500. That’s insane! Mine aren’t in that kind of condition, but still, it gives me hope.
- Found out about Tom Brady covers being super valuable.
- Learned about the importance of the subscription date.
- Decided to maybe sell some of my collection.
Overall, it’s been a fun little project. I mean, who knew these old magazines could be worth something? It’s not just about the money, though. It’s also about the memories and the history behind each issue. Each magazine tells a story, you know? It’s like a time capsule of sports history.
I’m not gonna lie; it’s a bit overwhelming to think about selling them. Each one has its own little story, its own memory attached to it. But hey, maybe it’s time to let someone else enjoy them. And if I can make a few bucks in the process, why not, right? It’s been a wild ride, going through these magazines, and I’m excited to see where this little adventure takes me next.