Pat Freiermuth
Tight End · Penn State Nittany Lions / Pittsburgh Steelers
Wild Card Alumination #Not visible (typically designated by card number or prefix in the set list)
Year & Era
2021 — Modern Era (NIL/Draft Era)
Card Type
Rookie Insert / Parallel
Grade
7-8 (Near Mint) estimated
Rarity
Common; while the Alumination set features many parallels, this base-style insert was printed in high volume.
Overall Assessment
A great card for a Penn State fan or Steelers team collector, but has minimal financial upside or hobby significance.
Condition Grade
7-8 (Near Mint) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front centering appears slightly bottom-heavy (60/40 Top-Bottom) and slightly off-center left-to-right based on the geometric border points.
Surface Condition
Near Mint; the card features a high-gloss finish typical of Alumination which is prone to light scuffing and fingerprints. No deep scratches are apparent from the photo.
Corner Condition
Upper-right and lower-left corners show minor softening and white specking, common with thicker-stock unlicensed products.
Edge Condition
Excellent; the bottom edge shows slight silvering or rough-cut texture common with this brand\'s die-cut style edges.
Print Quality
Average; colors are saturated, but the image of the player is slightly soft, which is typical for Wild Card production vs. Panini Optichrome.
Estimated Value
$1.00 - $5.00 (Raw); graded copies rarely sell due to low demand for unlicensed cards.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy appears to be a standard specimen; centering is slightly worse than average for this set (which often yields Gem Mint centering).
Authentication Tips
Check for the distinct foil-like sheen and rigidity of the card stock. Counterfeits for this specific player/brand are extremely rare because the market value is low.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended. The cost of grading (approx. $15-$25) significantly exceeds the market value of the card.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the card appears authentic and unaltered.
Provenance Notes
Distributed primarily through retail and hobby boxes of 2021 Wild Card Alumination; features collegiate imagery due to lack of NFL licensing.
Historical Context
Freiermuth, nicknamed \"Baby Gronk,\" was a standout at Penn State. This card captures him in his collegiate uniform just before being drafted by the Steelers in the 2nd round.
Market Trends
Freiermuth values are stable but low; as a Tight End, high-end values are reserved for rare Prizm or National Treasures rookies, not unlicensed brands.
Investment Potential
Low; unlicensed collegiate cards generally do not appreciate in value compared to NFL-licensed counterparts (Panini).
Similar Cards
2021 Panini Prizm Pat Freiermuth RC, 2021 Donruss Pat Freiermuth Rated Rookie.
Display & Preservation
Store in a standard 35pt penny sleeve and top loader to prevent surface scratches.
Interesting Facts
Wild Card returned to the hobby in the 2020s after being a defunct powerhouse brand in the 1990s known for their \"Stripe\" parallels.