Michigan CB Will Johnson to release trading cards using NIL rights

Michigan sophomore cornerback Will Johnson is using his NIL rights to release autographed, limited-edition trading cards through The M Den. Johnson’s line of trading cards will be available starting at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, June 15.

The M Den is an official merchandise retailer of Michigan Athletics.

Two styles will be available. One is called “Blue Lightning.” Ninety cards will be available for $60 each. The “Maize Lightning” series includes 10 trading cards that cost $125 each.

Since the spring, The M Den has released a new series of trading cards weekly.

Previous editions of autographed trading cards include those of running back Blake Corum, tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Cornelius Johnson, linebacker Junior Colson and cornerback Mike Sainristil. Trading cards for each of those players are currently available through The M Den.

The sports marketing agency Valiant Management Group has worked with The M Den to facilitate NIL opportunities for Michigan athletes, including the series of trading cards. Valiant Management Group also powers the NIL collective Champions Circle.

Former Michigan fullback Jared Wangler is the CEO of Valiant Management Group.

Will Johnson’s stats, NIL profile

Johnson is a former five-star recruit in the 2022 recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, where he was ranked No. 16 nationally and the No. 2 cornerback.

He enrolled at Michigan after receiving reported scholarship offers from schools including Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State and Texas A&M.

As a true freshman, Johnson appeared in all 14 of Michigan’s games in the 2022 season. He started five games at cornerback. The Wolverines won the Big Ten Championship and advanced to the College Football Playoff for the second year in a row.

He recorded 27 total tackles, including two tackles for loss, plus three interceptions and six pass breakups. He made a season-high eight tackles in Michigan’s win over Ohio State, including seven solo stops.

Johnson received Freshman All-American honors from Pro Football Focus and The Athletic. He also received Defensive Freshman of the Year honors within Michigan’s program.

Michigan named Johnson its Defensive Freshman of the Game four times last season, plus Special Teams Freshman of the Game once.

Johnson has an On3 NIL Valuation of $537,000. As of June 12, that ranks No. 98 in the On3 NIL 100 and No. 64 among college football players.

Johnson has previously partnered with eFuse and Wolverine Boots.