C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Safety / Defensive Back · Detroit Lions (also played for New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles)
Panini Certified — Gold Team #GT-CJG or similar insert numbering
Year & Era
2023 — Modern Era
Card Type
Insert / Gold Parallel
Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint to Mint
Rarity
Uncommon insert from a popular modern retail/hobby product, part of the Gold Team insert subset
Overall Assessment
An attractive modern insert featuring a high-energy defensive back in his Detroit Lions uniform, ideal for team set builders and player collectors
Condition Grade
Raw — appears Near Mint to Mint
Centering Assessment
Front appears reasonably well-centered within standard modern tolerances, slight heavy left/right shift common to Certified inserts
Surface Condition
Glossy finish shows light glare reflections typical of foil card stock, no major scratches or indentations visible through the penny sleeve
Corner Condition
Sharp corners visible inside the holder with minimal to no whitening
Edge Condition
Clean edges with standard factory cutting, no major chipping or denting observed
Print Quality
High gloss foil stamping with vibrant gold refractor-style background, crisp text and player imagery
Estimated Value
$5 - $15 USD raw, depending on specific parallel scarcity
Comparison to Known Examples
Comparable to standard modern defensive inserts from Panini Certified with standard factory alignment
Authentication Tips
Check for official Panini foil stamping, correct card stock thickness, and sharp fonts on the reverse and front nameplate
Grading Recommendation
Raw / Ungraded recommended unless pulled from a high-tier pack as a numbered parallel, as grading costs generally exceed the card value
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; standard pack-fresh modern insert appearance
Provenance Notes
Sourced from 2023 Panini Certified football wax packs or boxes
Historical Context
Features C.J. Gardner-Johnson during his tenure with the Detroit Lions as a key defensive contributor
Market Trends
Stable to modest demand, primarily driven by team collectors and player PC (Personal Collection) enthusiasts
Investment Potential
Hold for personal collection; modern non-rookie defensive insert cards typically hold niche rather than appreciating financial value
Similar Cards
Other 2023 Panini Certified inserts, parallels of C.J. Gardner-Johnson from Saints, Eagles, or Lions eras
Display & Preservation
Penny sleeve followed by a top loader or semi-rigid holder, stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Interesting Facts
The 'Gold Team' insert set traditionally highlights standout defensive or playmaking stars across the league