Emmett Johnson
Running Back · Nebraska Cornhuskers
SAGE Artistry (Next Level Insert) #NL-EJ
Year & Era
2024 — Modern NIL/Prospect Era
Card Type
Insert Rookie/Prospect Card
Grade
7-8 (NM) estimated
Rarity
Common; high print run, non-serial numbered insert.
Overall Assessment
A standard modern collegiate insert card of a prospect; primarily desirable for team collectors (Nebraska) or player completions rather than financial investment.
Condition Grade
7-8 (NM) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front: 60/40 Top-Heavy (based on layout), 50/50 Left-Right. Back: Not visible.
Surface Condition
Near Mint; visible light scratches and potential fingerprint oils from being handled in a raw stack without protection.
Corner Condition
Softening/white chipping visible on top-right and bottom-right corners (facing the card) due to storage in an unprotected stack.
Edge Condition
Minor chipping along the top edge and right side; typical for lower-end card stock used in SAGE products.
Print Quality
Average; colors are saturated but the card stock is thin prone to easy damage compared to premium brands like Panini Prizm.
Estimated Value
$0.50 - $2.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy shows slightly more edge wear than mint examples found in pack-fresh sets because it is stored in a loose stack.
Authentication Tips
Look for the SAGE foil stamp and glossy finish. Counterfeiting risk is extremely low for this specific player/brand combo.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The grading fees (typically $15-$25) significantly exceed the market value of the card.
Red Flags
No significant red flags other than general handling wear (corner dings and scratches).
Provenance Notes
Likely pulled from a retail 'blaster' box or hanger pack found at big-box retailers like Target or Walmart.
Historical Context
Part of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era where collegiate players appear on cards before being drafted into the NFL.
Market Trends
Stable to declining; SAGE and other unlicensed collegiate products lose value quickly once major licensed NFL products (Panini/Topps) hit the market.
Investment Potential
Low; Emmett Johnson would need to become a high-impact NFL starter for these unlicensed collegiate cards to gain significant value.
Similar Cards
2024 Panini Mosaic Draft Picks, 2024 Bowman University football cards.
Display & Preservation
Immediately place in a penny sleeve and top-loader to prevent further corner dinging and surface scratches.
Interesting Facts
SAGE is one of the oldest independent manufacturers specializing in 'Draft' products, known for being first-to-market with rookies.