Micah Parsons
Linebacker / Edge Rusher · Penn State Nittany Lions (College) / Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
Wild Card Alumination #S11 (S-MP)
Year & Era
2021 — Modern / NIL Era
Card Type
Splintered Insert Parallel (Red)
Grade
Raw — Appears Near Mint to Mint (approx. 7-8 based on visible photo artifacts)
Rarity
Common to Uncommon Insert. As a non-licensed college apparel card, print runs are typically moderate but demand is lower than licensed Panini products.
Overall Assessment
A visually striking insert of a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. It is an excellent entry-level card for a Micah Parsons or Penn State collector, offering great 'shelf appeal' for a low price point.
Condition Grade
Raw — Appears Near Mint to Mint (approx. 7-8 based on visible photo artifacts)
Centering Assessment
Front: Centering on this borderless design is difficult to gauge precisely, but the bottom name bar appears slightly shifted toward the bottom-right corner. Overall eye appeal remains high.
Surface Condition
Surface appears reflective with high-gloss finish; some minor surface scuffing or 'fingerprints' are visible on the red background which may affect a direct grade if not cleaned.
Corner Condition
Corners appear generally sharp; however, the bottom-right corner shows a slight white speck indicating possible minor chipping or a soft corner.
Edge Condition
Edges appear straight, though 'Wild Card' products from this era are known for slight chipping on the darker ink-heavy edges. Top edge appears clean.
Print Quality
High-gloss finish with vibrant red saturation; the 'Splintered' effect is cleanly executed with sharp geometric overlays.
Estimated Value
$5.00 - $15.00 (Raw)
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy has typical centering for the Alumination set. It lacks the 'Auto' or '1/1' markings found on the high-end versions of this splintered design.
Authentication Tips
Check for the ‘Wild Card’ holographic logo effect and the specific thickness of the card stock. These cards use a unique composite material that feels heavier than standard paper stock.
Grading Recommendation
SGC or CGC for cost-efficiency. However, given the market value of non-licensed collegiate cards, grading may not exceed the cost of the service unless it is a 1/1 version.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the card appears to be an authentic Wild Card production.
Provenance Notes
Typically found in 2021 Wild Card Alumination hobby boxes and retail hanger packs targeting the 2021 NFL Draft class.
Historical Context
This card captures Micah Parsons during his transition from Penn State to the NFL, where he has since become one of the most dominant defensive players of his generation.
Market Trends
Micah Parsons cards are highly volatile and tied to the Dallas Cowboys' performance. While his licensed NFL Prizm/Optic cards are rising, non-licensed collegiate cards like this remain relatively stable/low-cost options.
Investment Potential
Low to Moderate. While Parsons is a Hall of Fame talent, collectors heavily prefer cards showing professional NFL team logos (Dallas Cowboys) over collegiate/unlicensed products.
Similar Cards
2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks, 2021 Leaf Metal Draft, and 2021 Sage Hit Micah Parsons rookies.
Display & Preservation
Recommend a standard penny sleeve and top-loader. If displayed, use UV-protected cases to prevent the red ink from fading over time.
Interesting Facts
Wild Card was a major player in the 1990s hobby and made a return in 2021 specifically to capitalize on the new NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era of college athletics.