The sports card collecting world is buzzing, and it’s not just about vintage rookies or rare inserts. A new phenomenon is gaining traction, fueled by live streaming events and a surprising intersection of NFL talent and… manga? Recent activity centered around the “backyard buzz” stream on WhatNot Sports is highlighting this unusual trend.
On , Backyard Breaks, the team behind the stream, announced a series of pulls featuring cards of Tyler Shough, Sean Manga, and Saquon Barkley, all described as “Manga” cards. This isn’t a reference to the Japanese comic art form as a stylistic choice on the cards themselves, but rather appears to be a designation used within the stream’s community to denote particularly desirable or rare pulls. The Instagram post accompanying the announcement playfully questioned if followers were surprised by the streak of high-value cards.
The excitement surrounding these pulls isn’t isolated. A separate post from , also on Backyard Breaks’ Instagram, showcased a Gold Downton Saquon Barkley card pulled during a stream, described as being available for $120 and featuring a “reverse hurdle” – likely referring to a dynamic pose on the card. This reinforces the idea that the “backyard buzz” stream is becoming known for delivering significant finds.
But the story extends beyond just valuable cards. The name Tyler Shough is appearing with increasing frequency, and not just in the context of sports card pulls. Shough, the quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, is generating “Offensive Rookie of the Year” (OROTY) buzz, according to a report from MSN. His recent performance – 333 passing yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions against the Titans – has caught the attention of players and even former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan, who is publicly supporting Shough’s candidacy for the award.
The connection between Shough’s on-field success and his rising popularity in the sports card collecting world is noteworthy. Rookie cards, especially those of promising young players, are always in high demand. The fact that Shough’s rookie cards are being pulled on a popular stream like “backyard buzz” amplifies that demand and contributes to the hype. A TikTok video from Backyard Breaks further emphasizes this, proclaiming “WELCOME TO SHOUGH SZN BABY” and celebrating the pull of his rookie color blast card.
What’s particularly interesting is the role of WhatNot Sports as the platform for these events. The Facebook post linked highlights that the “backyard buzz” channel is unique in its ability to deliver these kinds of high-value pulls. This suggests a curated experience, perhaps with specific boxes or breaks designed to maximize the chances of hitting desirable cards. The stream isn’t just about opening packs; it’s about creating a spectacle and fostering a community around the thrill of the chase.
The use of “Manga” as a descriptor for these sought-after cards is a curious detail. It’s unclear whether this is an internal term developed by the Backyard Breaks team and their audience, or if it has a broader meaning within the sports card collecting community. It could simply be a playful way to indicate cards that are particularly visually striking or rare, drawing a parallel to the vibrant and dynamic art style often associated with manga.
The convergence of factors – a rising NFL star, a popular live streaming platform, and a dedicated community of collectors – is creating a unique moment in the sports card world. While the long-term impact of this trend remains to be seen, it’s clear that the “backyard buzz” stream and the cards of players like Tyler Shough and Saquon Barkley are capturing the attention of collectors and fans alike. The success of these streams demonstrates a shift in how sports cards are being consumed and collected, moving away from traditional brick-and-mortar stores and towards a more interactive and community-driven online experience.
The increasing visibility of these events on platforms like Instagram and TikTok suggests that Backyard Breaks is actively cultivating a broader audience. The short-form video format is ideal for showcasing exciting pulls and generating buzz, and the use of relevant hashtags (#NFL, #Sportscards, #Football) helps to reach potential collectors. As Tyler Shough continues to perform well on the field, and as Backyard Breaks continues to deliver high-value cards on their stream, this trend is likely to continue gaining momentum.
