For 13-year-old Jamison Lutz, a dream moment at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh turned into a collector's nightmare. The teenager received a rare Fernando Mendoza trading card during fan festivities at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center—a gift that his family called the happiest moment of his life. But weeks later, that prized possession disappeared somewhere between a local card shop and a grading company, leaving a family in Washington County searching for answers.
A gift that vanished in transit
Mendoza, the Indiana University Heisman Trophy winner and first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, has become a cultural touchstone for Latino sports fans. His rookie cards are among the most sought-after in the hobby, and Jamison's card—handed to him by a prominent industry figure—was a once-in-a-lifetime treasure.
Hoping to maximize its value, Jamison's father, Jonathan Lutz, first submitted the card for professional grading, where it received an 8 rating. Believing it deserved a higher score, Jonathan brought the card to PghPulls, a local card shop in Canonsburg, where the owner offered to prepare and ship it to a different grading company. But weeks passed with no updates. Then came the devastating text: the grading firm had never received the package.
“I had to tell my son that his card was gone,” Jonathan said in an interview. “It was heartbreaking.”
Police and community step in
According to the shop owner, the card was deposited into a FedEx drop box, but tracking information showed no further movement or delivery confirmation. In a statement on social media, the business owner said he has been working with the Canonsburg Police Department, FedEx representatives, card manufacturer Topps, and regional shop owners to locate the item. Local law enforcement confirmed that an active criminal investigation is underway.
The disappearance has sparked a wave of solidarity among collectors, many of whom have shared the story on social media. Some have even offered rewards for information. The Lutz family remains focused on finding closure and recovering the item for their son.
“I just want answers,” Jonathan said. “I want to bring back the joy my son felt when he first held that card.”
This isn't the first time a Mendoza card has made headlines. Earlier this year, Tom Brady paid a record sum for a 1-of-1 Mendoza rookie card, underscoring the explosive market for the quarterback's memorabilia. And Mendoza's crossover appeal continues to grow—his red carpet appearance with figure skater Alysa Liu sparked plenty of conversation.
For now, the Lutz family hopes that community awareness and police involvement will lead to the safe return of the unique NFL collectible. As the investigation continues, collectors across the country are keeping an eye out for a card that means far more than its market value.
