Johnny Manziel
Date of Birth: 12/6/1992
Rookie Card Year: 2014
Investment Rating: 6.0
Overview
Few players in the NFL or collecting world have received the hype and media-focus bestowed on Johnny Manziel. The most polarizing NFL figure since Tim Tebow, Manziel is still popular with collectors despite a disappointing rookie season in the NFL.
Johnny Manziel emerged from relative anonymity as a mid-level quarterback recruit to take college football by storm. During his first college season, Manziel put up huge numbers, helped Texas A&M upset the defending NCAA National Champions, the University of Alabama, and became the first true freshman to ever win the Heisman Trophy.
"Johnny Football" followed up his Heisman season with another great year, but was dogged by allegations that he broke NCAA rules by accepting money for signing autographs. Although there were fears that he might lose his eligibility, Manziel was only suspended for one half. While the team's title aspirations were eventually dashed, the Aggies and Manziel finished on a high note, winning a shoot-out against Duke in the 2013 Chick-fil-a Bowl.
Soon after, Johnny Manziel announced that he would forego his junior year and declared for the 2014 NFL Draft. The gunslinger continued to make headlines leading up the draft, with most expecting him to be taken in the first round. While he was not the first quarterback taken, Manziel was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 22nd overall pick in the first round.
In an interesting development, the NFL was not the only league to draft Johnny Manziel. In addition to Cleveland, he also heard his name called by the San Diego Padres in the 28th round of the 2014 MLB Draft and the Harlem Globetrotters also selected him in their annual draft.
After a rookie season that nearly killed all the hobby excitement for Manziel, fans and collectors are left with more questions than answers and his future in Cleveland is very uncertain.
Collectors should be aware that Manziel signed an exclusive with Panini Authentic, so that is the best place to start the search for any of his Cleveland Browns autographed memorabilia.
Johnny Manziel cards from college-themed and prospect products can be seen on the next tab. Leaf was the first major producer to get on the Johnny Football bandwagon, producing cut signature cards while he was still in college.
The following list includes all the Johnny Manziel rookie cards from Panini and Topps that are currently available. The Topps rookie cards are shown first, followed by the Panini cards.
Johnny Manziel Rookie Cards
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Topps Cards
2014 Bowman Johnny Manziel RC #9
An early option for collectors, 2014 Bowman goes with the air-brushed look, but the action shot gives the card a better overall appearance. Like previous Bowman products, the various parallels are among the most appealing options for collectors. Both the base rookie and Rainbow Foil Refractor version for Johnny Manziel are shown below.
2014 Bowman Chrome Johnny Manziel RC #130
A fresh image and a chromium finish might make collectors wonder why Topps even produces Bowman Football. 2014 Bowman Chrome offers collectors another Johnny Manziel rookie option if the Topps Chrome design is not to their liking.
2014 Bowman Sterling Johnny Manziel RC #4
Offering a more high-end look, 2014 Bowman Sterling features a intricate design with a dark background that make the image of Johnny Manziel pop off the card.
2014 Topps Johnny Manziel RC #429
A yearly favorite for budget and set collectors, the flagship football product from Topps offers a simple Johnny Manziel rookie card. 2014 Topps Football features a common base version, shown on the left, as well as a rare variation, shown on the right.
2014 Topps Chrome Johnny Manziel RC #169
The chromium version of flagship Topps, the same design and images for Manziel are refined with the familiar Chrome look. The various Refractors offer a more rare chase for collectors.
2014 Topps Chrome Mini Johnny Manziel RC #169
Found in a shrunken version of the base Topps Chrome set, these mini Johnny Manziel rookies look identical to their larger football counterparts. Just like in the main set, 2014 Topps Chrome Mini also includes a photo variation short print.
2014 Topps Finest Johnny Manziel RC #125
Featuring a more tame design that what is traditionally associated with Finest, the subtle orange striping really pops on the Johnny Manziel rookie card. Like most Finest product, Refractors are the big draw.
2014 Topps Fire Johnny Manziel RC #143
While it won't actually burn your fingers, 2014 Topps Fire offers a Johnny Manziel rookie card that should light up your collection. Arguably one of the better base designs in 2014, these budget rookies are a solid collection option.
2014 Topps Five Star Base Autograph Johnny Manziel #FSA-JM
While it might not be an official Johnny Manziel rookie because of the lack of a true base set in 2014 Topps Five Star, this is a very appealing option for collectors thanks to the premium design and brand power.
2014 Topps Inception Johnny Manziel RC #1 Autograph #/50
With a distinct look and on-card signature, 2014 Topps Inception brings collectors a popular autographed rookie card. Although the majority of the cards have a non-numbered base version, as well as various numbered parallels, it appears that several players, including Manziel, are short prints. The most common card for Johnny Manziel is his Magenta parallel, numbered to 50.
2014 Topps Museum Collection Johnny Manziel RC #30
Not as exciting as the hits that populate the high-end product, the base rookie for Johnny Manziel in 2014 Museum Collection goes with a simple and classic design.
2014 Topps Platinum Johnny Manziel RC #126
One of the nicer budget rookies for Johnny Manziel, all the base rookie cards are Refractors and the minimal design allows that to be the main focus of the card.
2014 Topps Prime Johnny Manziel RC #144
While there is not much fundamental difference between this and the Johnny Manziel rookie in 2014 Topps Flagship, collectors who enjoy full-bleed over bordered cards should check 2014 Topps Prime out. Continuing a common theme in the hobby today, the base variation is shown on the right.
2014 Topps Strata Johnny Manziel RC #200
A busy background gives the Strata rookie card for Manziel a distinct look but the there is little value for the budget card. A subtle short print is also available and can seen below on the right.
2014 Topps Supreme Johnny Manziel RC #88 #/162
Quality stock and a limited print run makes this Johnny Manziel rookie card in 2014 Supreme one of the better base options. Several subtle parallels add a splash of color.
2014 Topps Triple Threads Johnny Manziel RC #135,160,162 Autographed Jersey #/99 (3 Versions)
One of the more plentiful rookie options in Triple Threads, this Johnny Manziel rookie card is numbered to 99 but there are actually three versions. While the card has an appealing design and layout, the sticker is disappointing and the dark jersey pieces seem to blend into card.
2014 Topps Turkey Red Johnny Manziel #1
Part of the all-rookie retail release, the vintage feel of 2014 Topps Turkey Red gives it a distinct look. The base Johnny Manziel card also has short print variation and the product is only found at Target.
2014 Topps Valor Johnny Manziel RC #50
Easily one of the most distinct designs of the year, the Johnny Manziel rookie card in Valor is a great option for collectors that want a unique look for budget prices. Parallels utilize written themes, which can distract from the design some.
Panini Cards
2014 Panini Absolute Johnny Manziel RC #150, #224 Autographed Jersey #/99
A tight image of Manziel combined with an abstract background gives the 2014 Absolute rookie a familiar look to other Panini products. The Spectrum Silver parallel is shown below. There is also a quad autograph card for Manziel found in the same main set.
2014 Panini Black Gold Johnny Manziel RC #100 #/199
While the brand is new, the concept is very familiar, combining black and gold in a very unique base rookie card for Johnny Manziel. The base version is numbered to 199 and there are several parallels including the Gold (#/99) below.
2014 Panini Certified Freshman Fabrics Mirror Signatures Johnny Manziel RC #225 #/199
There is a lot happening on this 2014 Certified rookie card for Johnny Manziel. Part of the Freshman Fabric subset, the horizontal card features a variety of text along with a sticker autograph and plain jersey piece. Although it is a largely unremarkable card, the somewhat limited print run will keep interest higher
2014 Panini Contenders Johnny Manziel RC #204
Among the most popular overall rookie cards for Johnny Manziel, 2014 Contenders makes its living with on-card autographs and short prints. The first version is the most common, with the remaining two checking in as short prints. The middle Manziel card is limited to 50 copies and the the final card has only 27 copies.
2014 Panini Crown Royale Johnny Manziel RC #201 Autographed Jersey #/299
One of the better autograph designs in the hobby, Silhouettes combine an on-card autographed for Manziel with a medium jersey piece. The print run of 299 keeps prices from getting too high and there is also an unsigned version with a print run of 99.
2014 Panini Elite Johnny Manziel RC #151 #/499
Heavy foil and a mid-level print run make this Johnny Manziel rookie card in 2014 Elite Football an intriguing options for collectors that don't want or need an autograph. Multiple parallels, including die-cuts, add an additional chase.
2014 Panini Flawless Johnny Manziel RC #108 Diamond #/20
The rarest rookie card option for Manziel, Flawless is an extremely high-end product that features base cards with real diamonds. This Johnny Manziel rookie card is limited to only 20 copies and is among one of his most valuable unsigned cards.
2014 Panini Hot Rookies Johnny Manziel RC #387
Virtually identical to Johnny Manziel's Score rookie card, the only real difference for this 2014 Panini Hot Rookies card is the brand logo.
2014 Panini Immaculate Collection Johnny Manziel RC #151 Autographed Jersey #/99
Immaculate Collection is one of the more high-end options for collectors and this Johnny Manziel rookie brings collectors an on-card signature, patch and limited run. While it was originally available as a redemption, the live cards are now surfacing.
2014 Panini Limited Johnny Manziel RC #191 Autographed Jersey #/99
The darker design give Manziel's Limited rookie card a bold look but the limited print run and large jersey piece are not enough to overcome the sticker autograph.
2014 Panini National Treasures Johnny Manziel RC #306 Autographed Jersey #/99
One of the top overall rookie sets each year, 2014 National Treasures is the place to find the best Johnny Manziel rookie card. Part of the Century Signatures RPAs, the limited card is numbered to just 99 copies.
2014 Panini Playbook Johnny Manziel RC #175 Autographed Jersey Gold #/99
One of several short printed rookies in Playbook, Johnny Manziel's signed booklet card features dual jersey pieces and a print run of 99. The booklet aspect makes it an appealing alternative for collectors who are looking for something a little different.
2014 Panini Prestige Johnny Manziel RC #253
With a re-used image and generic feel, this base 2014 Prestige rookie card for Manziel is not likely to wow anyone. Collectors have shown more interest in the base rookie variation, which shows Manizel in his NFL gear.
2014 Panini Prizm Johnny Manziel RC #287
The 2014 Prizm design is nothing new for those familiar with product, but Panini ups the ante with multiple base variations. Not content with just one or two different cards, Johnny Manziel actually has four different cards in addition to the base version.
2014 Panini Rookies & Stars Johnny Manziel RC #153
Another low-end base card, 2014 Panini Rookies & Stars presents a solid and largely unremarkable rookie card for Johnny Manziel. One appealing aspect is that is it is one of the first products to include a common Manziel rookie card in his NFL gear. There is also a short print that includes a subtle image variation.
2014 Panini Score Johnny Manziel RC #387
A popular low-end release, 2014 Score is a great way for budget collectors to obtain a simple rookie card for Johnny Manziel. Purists may be turned off by the unlicensed look and the fact that it is the third base rookie from Panini to showcase the exact same image, but it gives anxious collectors an early chance to collect their favorite players. There is also a Preview version that was exclusively found in 2014 Panini Draft packs.
2014 Panini Select Johnny Manziel RC #234 Autographed Jersey #/99
It is hard to look at the Select rookie card for Johnny Manziel and see anything but the sticker autograph. The print run of just 99 makes things more interesting for collectors but there are much better options.
2014 Panini Spectra Johnny Manziel RC #174 #/149, #240 Autographed Jersey #/149
Collectors have two Johnny Manziel rookie cards to chase in the main 2014 Spectra set. The first is a base card, limited to 149. The second is also limited to 149, but includes an on-card signature and small jersey piece.
2014 Panini Stickers Johnny Manziel RC #94, 91 (Foil)
Simple and inexpensive, the are actually two Johnny Manizel cards in 2014 Panini Stickers. The main rookie is very similar to the Score rookie card and the foil subset is a close ringer for Topps Chrome.
2014 Panini Totally Certified Johnny Manziel RC #168
A budget rookie card with a lot of etched foil, Totally Certified offers collectors another option in base rookies. The colorful parallels command significant interest and value.
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College/Pre-Rookie Cards
Johnny Manziel College Cards
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2014 Exquisite Collection Rookie Signature Patch Johnny Manziel #134 #/75
Although it is only available as a redemption, once the Exquisite Collection Rookie Signature Patch for Johnny Manziel is live, it will immediately become one of his top overall cards. The likely large patch, on-card signature and Exquisite legacy presents a strong combination.
2014 Flair Showcase Johnny Manziel (Row 2 - #2, Row 1 - #103, Row 0 - #160)
Calling upon the nostalgia of 1990s collecting, the Flair Showcase reboot includes multiple Rows of Johnny Manziel cards. Presenting Manziel in his Aggie gear, 2014 Flair Showcase contains three different designs and images for the young quarterback, with a premium feel.
2014 SP Authentic Johnny Manziel #232 Autographed Jersey #/150
SP Authentic has a strong history with rookie collectors and while the final card for Johnny Manziel is not yet available, it will likely be one of his most popular non-NFL cards.
2014 SPx Rookie Autograph Jersey Johnny Manziel #83 #/125
A solid jersey piece and colorful layout make this an appealing card for Johnny Manziel. As one of the short prints in 2014 SPx, this early Manziel card is numbered to 125. An on-card autograph would have taken this card to the next level, but the sticker is subtle and nicely incorporated into the card design.
2014 UD Goodwin Champions Johnny Manziel #68
While it is unlikely to appeal to all collectors, this offbeat Johnny Manziel card from 2014 Goodwin Champions presents an interesting alternative for those searching for something different. The art-like look and plain clothing make it a little tougher to immediately identify Manziel.
2014 Upper Deck Star Rookies Johnny Manziel #80
The very first Johnny Manziel card from the major brands, this 2014 Upper Deck card allows collectors to obtain an NCAA licensed card before Manziel is even drafted. Also, the various Johnny Manziel autographs in the product are receiving considerable interest.
2014 Upper Deck Star Rookies SP Hobby Variation Johnny Manziel #251
Dropping only two per case, these rare short prints from 2014 Upper Deck offer a chase element for Johnny Manziel collectors. Technically part of the base set, they are easy to distinguish from the base card because of the uniform. Although it is not an exact match, it is possible to see something similar to a Heisman pose in this Johnny Football card.
2013 Exquisite Collection 2014 Preview Rookie Signatures Johnny Manziel #ER-JM #/49
Technically a 2013 card despite dropping in 2014, the late-releasing Exquisite Collection Football product from Upper Deck included preview cards for some of the biggest names found in the 2014 rookie class. Originally inserted as redemptions, live cards for Johnny Manziel have emerged and are numbered to 49. Although the the college theme may turn away some collectors, the Exquisite name, on-card autograph and limited run will make this a a very valuable card for the foreseeable future.
Johnny Manziel Pre-Rookie Cards
2014 Leaf Draft Johnny Manziel #JM1
Basically Leaf Metal Draft, minus the Metal, these 2014 Leaf Draft Johnny Manziel cards are found in retail blasters. The boxes also promise random Manziel autographs.
2014 Leaf Metal Draft Johnny Manziel #BA-JM2 Base Autograph SSSP
2014 Leaf Metal Draft is an on-card autograph-only product with a Chrome look. The Johnny Manziel base autograph is not numbered, but Leaf revealed that it is a SSSP, or super duper short print, with a print run of 25% or less than the rest of the regular print run. Manziel has multiple base colored parallels and two additional signed cards in the product.
2014 Leaf Draft Predictor Johnny Manziel
Although predictor cards are not a new concept, Leaf takes things to another level with this direct standalone offering. Issued in one-card packs, fans of each NFL team can get in on the Manziel excitement with specific cards for every team. The 2014 Leaf Draft Predictor cards are randomly packed and only 41 cards are available for each team, with a total run of 1,312 cards when accounting for all 32 teams. Adding to the intrigue, collectors holding the version featuring the Cleveland Browns can redeem it for an autograph.
2014 Leaf Originals Johnny Manziel #JM1 Base Autograph
Another Leaf product with only autographs, 2014 Leaf Originals goes the more classic route with simple designs and only a few different cards. Paying homage to vintage Leaf products, the Johnny Manziel cards are slightly undersized and feature on-card sigantures.
2014 Leaf Pop Century Autographs Johnny Manziel #BA-JM1
Likely not the first place collectors will expect to find a Johnny Manziel signature, 2014 Pop Century is an autograph-only product from Leaf that covers a wide variety of stars from various fields. The sticker autograph and plain design give it the appearance of a base Leaf autograph.
2014 Leaf Valiant Base Autographs Johnny Manziel #BA-JM2
Offering only autographs, 2014 Leaf Valiant has proven to be a very popular release for football collectors. The on-card signature and limited print run makes it an intriguing option for collectors. The Orange parallel is shown below.
2014 Leaf Trinity Johnny Manziel Autographs
With only three different possible card designs and all on-card autographs, it can be hard to decide which is the "base" card for Johnny Manziel in 2014 Leaf Trinity. The glass-like Pure Autographs might be the most popular, but the Inscriptions and Autographed Patches are equally impressive early cards for Manziel.
2014 Press Pass Johnny Manziel #30
Also getting in on the pre-draft fun, 2014 Press Pass opted for a close-up shot of Johnny Manziel on their base card. There are also several Johnny Manziel cards that include on-card autographs.
2014 Press Pass Gameday Gallery Signatures Johnny Manziel #GG-JM
Another autograph-only release from Press Pass, 2014 Press Pass Gameday Gallery Signatures applies an art-like design and horizontal layout to this on-card autograph for Johnny Manziel. The base Bronze versions is not numbered, and multiple parallels apply a subtle foil change and increased rarity.
2014 Press Pass Showbound Signatures Johnny Manziel #SM-JM
Unlike most products, 2014 Press Pass Showbound Signatures features the gold design for the base autographs, and a variety of other colorful parallels add to the totals. Playing on the popular Chrome-look, the autograph-only product is headlined by on-card autographs for Manziel.
2013 Sports Illustrated for Kids Johnny Manziel #210
Sports Illustrated for Kids has a long-standing tradition of including a nine-player card sheet with perforated edges in each magazine issue. Johnny Manziel received the SI for Kids card treatment in the March, 2013 edition. While they are generally thought of as a novelty, don't forget about the Tiger Woods rookie card that can command thousands of dollars. Normally sold as individual cards, Johnny Manziel is joined on the uncut sheet by several other star players, including David Price, Blake Griffin, Damian Lillard, Buster Posey, Alfred Morris and Rory McIlroy.
2013 Leaf Johnny Manziel Original Art Signature Cut Autographs
Leaf made waves in 2013 when it was announced that their "Mystery" redemptions would be for cut signature art cards from Johnny Manziel. They were able to get around the licensing and likeness issues because each card is an original art piece and the autograph was obtained by adding cut signatures from authenticated photos. The redemptions can be found in 2013 Leaf Metal Draft and 2013 Leaf Valiant Football.
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Autograph Guide
Johnny Manziel Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Johnny Manziel's authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company. Some of the trusted sources within the sports memorabilia market include the following companies: PSA, JSA, Steiner, Tristar and Mounted Memories. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.
Johnny Manziel Cut Signature Exemplar
Johnny Manziel Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Johnny Manziel signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features. However, it will be interesting to see how and if his signing habits change as his career progresses.
- Manziel's signature is relatively consistent and incredibly unique.
- The letter "J" is over-sized in nature with and angular, triangle-like shape forming the top loop and an oval forming the bottom.
- The letter "o" is large and oval shaped.
- What looks like a "7" runs through the bottom portion of the "J".
- An odd character resembling a number "8" with a dot and a circle attached with a line.
- Usually inscribed is his jersey number "#2".
Johnny Manziel Texas A&M Authentic Replica Jersey
Johnny Manziel Signed Photo
Johnny Manziel Signed Football
Johnny Manziel Signed Helmet
Johnny Manziel Signed Jersey
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More Info
Be sure to check out our other collecting guides and articles on Johnny Manziel:
- Johnny Manziel Autographs Kickstarting 2014 Football Card Season
- Johnny Manziel Signs Exclusive Autographed Memorabilia Deal with Panini Authentic
- 2014 Leaf Johnny Manziel Draft Predictor Football Cards
- Johnny Manziel Autographs Confirmed as Leaf Mystery Redemption
- Johnny Baseball: Johnny Manziel Baseball Cards Coming from Leaf
For general information and player statistics visit:
