Florida State star defenders featured in new NIL trading card
Less than two months after launching its first – and successful NIL trading card with Florida State star running back Trey Benson – Johnso Creative is back with another card series showcasing more Seminole star players.
Johnso Creative founder Joe Johnson announced on Monday he’s signed FSU defenders Renardo Green, Tatum Bethune and Fabien Lovett to NIL deals. As part of the deal, all three players will be featured in an “on-card triple autograph and extremely limited” trading card. Johnson told On3 that pre-orders for the card are now available on the company’s website.
Johnso Creative big on stunning trading card design
Working as a creative director and graphic designer for nearly a decade in football offices at Oklahoma State and South Carolina, Johnson saw first-hand the impact edits had on the recruiting process and with players already on the team.
So, when Johnson saw NIL taking a foothold in college sports, he decided to use his design talents to create Johnso Creative.
“I’ve always loved collegiate design, seems like it’s been my entire life the last 10 years,” Johnson told On3. “This past year I was involved with trading card design, and it really opened new doors. I love the industry and as a designer, I wanted to continue in ‘The Hobby.’”
His first NIL deal with Benson was extremely popular with people within The Hobby, and sales did well. The expectation is that this new series with Green, Bethune and Lovett will also be widely collectible. That’s especially true because of the high-end designs that Johnson brings to the table.
His NIL trading cards are widely viewed as some of the most visually stunning in the market. Some trading card insiders say Johnson’s designs far surpass some of the biggest names in the business, such as Leaf and Topps.
“I want to design cards that connect with the fan base, and all cards will be on-card autographs,” Johnson said. “No stickers here.”
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New card spotlights Florida State defenders
Johnson said he also wanted to bring some attention to other key players on the Florida State roster through his new trading card.
Bethune, who transferred to Florida State last January, was the Seminoles’ second-leading tackler this season and earned honorable mention All-ACC honors. In his first season in Tallahassee, Bethune racked up 76 tackles with 8.5 tackles for loss. He also recorded 2.5 sacks and was credited with three pass breakups. Bethune recently announced he was returning for the 2023 season after agreeing to a NIL partnership with The Battles End, a Florida State-focused collective.
Green, a former safety, won a starting cornerback spot during preseason camp and was arguably the Seminoles’ most consistent corner. He finished fourth on the team with 52 tackles and recorded four pass breakups.
As a three-star recruit, Lovett initially committed to Mississippi State and was the No. 421 overall recruit, the No. 39 defensive lineman and the No. 7 recruit out of Mississippi. Through one season with the Bulldogs and three with the Seminoles, Lovett has amassed 71 total tackles, one pass deflection, five sacks and one forced fumble.
“Often times the big-time offensive playmakers get all the love,” Johnson told On3. “So, we wanted to feature a card that showed love to the defensive side of the ball. And Renardo, Tatum and Fabien are key players for Florida State that deserve all the respect and recognition that they can get. We’re happy we showcase them on this new trading card.”