Duke Johnson
Running Back · Cleveland Browns
Donruss Gridiron Kings #Not visible
Year & Era
2015 — Modern/Chrome Era
Card Type
Gridiron Kings Rookie Portraits Jersey Relic
Grade
4-5 (VG-EX) estimated
Rarity
Uncommon but mass-produced; player-worn relic cards were standard inserts for this set and don't carry high rarity premiums.
Overall Assessment
A mid-grade rookie relic card for a specialist collector. While it features an authentic jersey swatch, the physical condition (chipped edges/scratched surface) limits its hobby appeal to 'filler' status.
Condition Grade
4-5 (VG-EX) estimated
Centering Assessment
Appears relatively well-centered (approx. 55/45), though the artistic border makes precise measurement difficult without a formal tool.
Surface Condition
Poor to Fair. Frequent surface scuffing, scratches, and significant white flaking/chipping across the dark chocolate-colored finish.
Corner Condition
Softened corners with visible white 'dings' on the bottom right and top right; typical of thick card stock from this era.
Edge Condition
Heavy chipping and wear along the bottom edge, where the white card stock is showing through the dark ink.
Print Quality
Average for the set; the 'Portrait' art style is intentional, but the ink adhesion on these dark borders is known to be fragile.
Estimated Value
$3.00 - $8.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy shows significantly more edge and surface wear than a typical NM-MT example found in protected collections.
Authentication Tips
Check for the 'fuzziness' of the relic window edges and the holographic Panini seal usually present on the card back.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading. The cost of grading exceeds the market value of the card, particularly in this condition.
Red Flags
Significant edge chipping (white showing through brown ink) and possible surface moisture damage or heavy friction wear.
Provenance Notes
Originally distributed in 2015 Panini Donruss/Gridiron Kings hobby and retail packs; this specific copy likely spent time in a loose box based on edge wear.
Historical Context
Duke Johnson remains the all-time leading rusher for the University of Miami; this card represents his entry into the NFL with Cleveland.
Market Trends
Static to declining. Duke Johnson is a journeyman veteran; market interest is limited to Browns team collectors or Miami Hurricanes alumni fans.
Investment Potential
Low. Relic cards of non-Hall of Fame players in secondary condition tiers rarely appreciate in value.
Similar Cards
2015 Panini Prizm Duke Johnson RC, 2015 Topps Chrome Duke Johnson RC.
Display & Preservation
Place in a thick 100pt-130pt top-loader to prevent further corner dings; current soft sleeve is insufficient protection.
Interesting Facts
The Gridiron Kings series is intended to mimic oil paintings, a design heritage that traces back to the early 1990s Donruss baseball sets.