Justin Herbert
NFL Pro-Bowl Quarterback & 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year · Football - NFL / NCAA
University of Oregon Ducks / Los Angeles Chargers
Era
College Era (circa 2016-2019)
Item Type
Apparel
Condition
Good/Fair. The signature shows significant 'feathering' or bleeding into the fabric fibers, which is common for markers on soft textiles. The fabric appears worn with some visible pilling.
Rarity
Moderate. Herbert signed quite a bit while at Oregon, but early career college-inscribed items are highly sought after by Ducks boosters and Chargers fans alike.
Overall Assessment
A very desirable early-career specimen for an Oregon Ducks fan. While not a 'Premium' medium like a game-day jersey, the 'Go Ducks' inscription adds significant emotional and regional value.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on speed and specific stroke patterns; however, fabric signatures are notoriously difficult to authenticate due to ink bleed. Confidence: 75% without physical inspection.
Signature Style
Stylized shorthand featuring a sharp 'J' and 'H' combination, accompanied by jersey number '#2' and the inscription 'Go Ducks!!'. The handwriting for the inscription matches Herbert's distinctively rounded 'u' and 'c'.
Signature Characteristics
Natural pen speed is high, evidenced by the tapering at the end of the strokes. The baseline is slightly ascending. Pressure is consistent with a felt-tip marker on a soft surface.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (likely Sharpie) on yellow cotton or polyester-blend fabric (T-shirt or jersey).
Item Description
Yellow University of Oregon Ducks themed apparel, likely a fan T-shirt or jersey, featuring a bold black marker signature and team-specific inscription.
Estimated Value
$150 - $300 USD (As a fabric item vs. $500+ for a helmet or professional jersey).
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches known Herbert 'in-person' college signatures where the 'H' is compressed and the jersey number 2 is elongated. The exclamation points are consistent with his typical enthusiastic inscriptions.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp upward stroke of the 'J' and the way the 't' in Herbert often crosses back into the 'H'. For the inscription, Herbert's 'D' in Ducks usually has a very flat vertical stem and a wide loop.
Certification Recommendation
Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) or JSA (James Spence Authentication) are highly recommended for modern NFL stars and fabric items.
Red Flags
The bleeding of the ink (feathering) makes forensic analysis of pen lifts difficult. Fabric signatures are occasionally faked using light-projection tracing, though the flow here looks too fast for a trace.
Provenance Notes
Ideal provenance would include a photo of the signer at an Oregon Ducks fan event or a 'Duck Store' signing appearance during his 2016-2019 tenure.
Historical Context
Justin Herbert is arguably the greatest quarterback in University of Oregon history and transitioned into a record-breaking NFL starter, making his early college-era signatures foundational for a football collection.
Market Trends
Herbert's market is stable but highly dependent on the Chargers' postseason success. Oregon-inscribed items have a secondary 'niche' market that remains strong regardless of his NFL performance.
Investment Potential
Moderate/High. As a young elite QB, his items have a high ceiling if he wins an MVP or Super Bowl, though T-shirt signatures generally appreciate slower than helmets or cards.
Similar Autographs
Marcus Mariota, Dan Fouts, Joey Bosa, Keenan Allen.
Display & Preservation
Fabric items should be mounted using acid-free materials in a shadow box with UV-protective glass to prevent the yellow fabric from fading and the marker from 'ghosting' onto the glass.
Interesting Facts
Herbert was known for being a relatively quiet student-athlete at Oregon, often staying late after practice to sign for fans near the Casanova Center, though his signature has become increasingly truncated in the NFL.