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Leaf Launches "Bet" Michigan Cards Ahead of Big Ten Championship

Autographed collection features Coach Jim Harbaugh, J.J. McCarthy and Donovan Edwards

Michael Ehrlich

Leaf Launches "Bet" Michigan Cards Ahead of Big Ten Championship
Leaf Launches "Bet" Michigan Cards Ahead of Big Ten Championship /
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Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh returns to the sideline this weekend after missing the last three games due to the alleged sign-stealing suspension handed down by the Big Ten.

The undefeated and No. 2 ranked Wolverines face No. 17 Iowa in the Big Ten Championship game on Saturday and to celebrate, Leaf Trading Cards launched a "Bet" collection of autograph cards featuring Harbaugh, quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Donovan Edwards.

The "BET" collection pays homage to the one-word response that a number of Michigan players posted to X when Harbaugh’s Big Ten suspension was announced in November. McCarthy led the charge with even alum Tom Brady joining in on the action.

"Through the BET series of Michigan trading cards, we've elevated the essence of football moments," Leaf Trading Cards President Josh Pankow shared with Sports Illustrated. "With diligence and passion, Leaf Trading Cards captures the dynamic synergy of J.J. McCarthy, Donovan Edwards, and Jim Harbaugh, creating a timeless collection that resonates with the spirit of the Wolverines roster."

Harbaugh's autographed card ($59.99) has already sold out, with limited quantities still available of McCarthy ($49.99) and Edwards ($24.99) through Monday.

The Wolverines are a win away from officially securing their place in the College Football Playoff. A loss to the Hawkeyes, would open the possibilities for a multiple teams across the country, including archrival Ohio State, who Michigan just defeated last week.

This week, McCarthy was named one of 10 finalists for The Manning Award. He also became the first Michigan quarterback to win the Big Ten's Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year Award and earned all-conference first team honors both in the coaches and media ballots.

If the Wolverines win, the reinstated Harbaugh may have quite the photo opp. He'd likely accept the Big Ten Championship trophy from Commissioner Tony Petitti, who imposed the sign-stealing suspension. Leaf's "BET" collection will certainly increase in value.

"Leaf Trading Cards stands out as the premier NIL football trading card company, securing the most talented collegiate skill position players," added CJ Breen, Leaf's Director Of Marketing and Licensing. "Thanks to Josh Pankow's relentless efforts day and night, we've successfully signed top-tier talents. Under his guidance I have been able capture unique moments like the BET Michigan series with J.J. McCarthy, Donovan Edwards, and Jim Harbaugh. The 2023 Michigan team is set to make a historic run and we are thrilled to have many of the Wolverines signed to signature deals."

Michigan faces Iowa on Saturday at 8PM ET on FOX.

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Michael Ehrlich
MICHAEL EHRLICH

Michael Ehrlich is a seasoned sports marketing executive with experience across the global sports brand, athlete representation, media and education sides of the business. The Founder and CEO of Playbook Marketing, Ehrlich consults with brands on all things NIL and athlete partnerships, advises student-athletes on their personal brand building endeavors and is an adjunct professor at his alma mater, the University of Southern California where he teaches a course on athlete communications and marketing. As a writer, his previous bylines include Boardroom, Business of College Sports, DIME Magazine and UPROXX, among others. You can follow him across social media at @MichaelEhrlich and reach out via michael@playbook-marketing.com

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