Chris Olave
Wide Receiver · Ohio State Buckeyes (College) / New Orleans Saints (NFL)
Wild Card Matte (Rookie Heat Insert) #Not visible
Year & Era
2022 — Modern Era (Post-Panini Gold Rush)
Card Type
Insert Rookie Card
Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint (Estimated 7-8)
Rarity
Common insert. As an unlicensed (non-NFL logo) college-uniform card, the supply is high with moderate hobby demand.
Overall Assessment
An attractive, budget-friendly rookie insert of a star NFL receiver. While not a high-value investment piece, it is a great addition for Ohio State fans or Chris Olave completists.
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint (Estimated 7-8)
Centering Assessment
Front centering appears slightly skewed toward the bottom right. Due to the artistic bleed design, precise measurements are difficult without a back view.
Surface Condition
The matte finish on these cards is prone to fingerprint oils and light scuffs. The visible surface appears clean but lacks the protection of a top-loader.
Corner Condition
Corners show minor softening, particularly the bottom left and top right. Consistent with cards stored in binder sleeves without penny sleeves.
Edge Condition
Edges appear relatively sharp but may have minor chipping common to non-glossy card stock used in Wild Card products.
Print Quality
Good color saturation with the signature Wild Card smoke/fire effect. Lacks the crispness of premium licensed products like Panini Prizm.
Estimated Value
$1.00 - $5.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy represents an average pack-pulled example. Many copies exist in PSA 9 or 10 condition due to being modern stock.
Authentication Tips
Check for the distinct textured 'Matte' finish and the gold foil stamping on the 'Rookie Heat' logo. Counterfeits of unlicensed inserts are extremely rare.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading. The cost of grading (approx. $15-20) significantly exceeds the market value of the card.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; card appears authentic. Direct storage in binder pages without penny sleeves often leads to micro-scratches.
Provenance Notes
Commonly found in Wild Card Matte hobby and retail boxes released during Olave's draft year in 2022.
Historical Context
Chris Olave was a standout at Ohio State and a 1st-round pick (11th overall) in 2022. This card captures his transition from college star to NFL rookie.
Market Trends
Values for unlicensed cards generally decline once a player has established NFL-licensed cards in their pro uniform. Olave is a top-tier WR, keeping his base items liquid.
Investment Potential
Low. Unlicensed inserts rarely appreciate significantly over time. It is a 'Player Collector' piece rather than a 'Financial Investment' piece.
Similar Cards
Garrett Wilson, Drake London, and Jameson Williams 2022 Wild Card Rookie Heat inserts.
Display & Preservation
Recommended to move from the binder page into a penny sleeve and then a top-loader to prevent surface damage and corner softening.
Interesting Facts
The Wild Card brand returned to the hobby in the 2020s after a long hiatus. They are known for high-clutter designs and being one of the primary unlicensed alternatives to Panini.