"Couldn't Resist the Offer": Educator Auctions LeBron Rookie Card to Tom Brady for $250K, Securing Third Place at Fanatics Contest
In a thrilling weekend of celebrity encounters, sporting challenges, and massive winnings, a Philadelphia high school teacher named Matt Dennish outshone some sports legends at the Fanatics Games held at the Javits Center in New York City.
This one-of-a-kind event, brainchild of Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, drew over 125,000 spectators and introduced a fascinating "pros vs. joes" format, with 50 prominent athletes and celebrities going head-to-head with 50 everyday fans. The multi-event showdown featured an impressive prize pool of nearly $2 million[1][4].
While NFL legend Tom Brady claimed the top spot and $1 million[1][3], UFC champion Justin Gaethje took second, driving away with a 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB[1]. Yet it was Dennish who captured one of the weekend's most memorable moments.
As a third-place finisher, he earned a coveted 2003-04 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor LeBron James rookie card[1]. In an unexpected twist during the award ceremony, Brady offered to buy the card on the spot - for an eye-popping $250,000 in cash, right from his own prize stack[1][3].
"Backstage, I was chatting with Tom," Dennish told CNN Sports. "I had the opportunity to meet him beforehand, and he inquired about my interest in collection. I replied that I wasn't a collector, and I had no idea he was considering making a deal on stage. I thought he was just conversing."
Kevin Hart, a fellow competitor, joined the conversation, encouraging the deal. "Luckily, Kevin Hart stepped in, sort of acting as my advocate, and said: 'I'll make you a good offer.' And with Justin sitting beside me as the second-place winner, he caught my attention. He asked: 'Are you taking this deal?' I responded: 'I suppose I should see what it is.' And it all went down so quickly."
When Dennish learned the amount, he accepted the offer, knowing the card's value[1][3]. Rubin handed over the cash live on stage, and his security team delivered it to Dennish's home the following day. Brady also added a signed card and jersey to sweeten the deal.
The Fanatics Games tested participants across eight sports-themed events, including quarterback accuracy, basketball shooting, soccer goal-scoring, puck shooting, UFC striking power, WWE-style entrances, and a golf simulator challenge[4][5]. Competitors collected points throughout the three-day event, with referees judging performances live on the Fanatics Fest main floor[1][4].
Dennish made his mark in the MLB pitching accuracy challenge, outperforming all 100 participants[1]. "I played baseball until sixth grade," he said. "My grandfather played a little bit of minor leagues, so we're diehard Philadelphia Phillies fans. My dad shares the same passion."
Dennish managed to secure a spot in the competition by submitting a two-minute video demonstrating his athletic abilities, including footage of a once-in-a-lifetime shot[1][5]. "Last year, I was a Philadelphia Sixers season ticket holder and had the chance to shoot a half-court shot, and I made it. So I included that in the video, and it helped a bit."
With his $250,000 winnings, Dennish plans to save most of it, spending only minimally. "I'm not much of a spender, so it'll primarily be saved, with a few small purchases here and there," he said. "I know it won't last forever."
Though the money isn't life-changing, Dennish acknowledges that his return to the classroom in the fall will be different, with increased attention likely due to the event's widespread media coverage. "After the half-court shot, I received quite a bit of attention," Dennish said. "I didn't think that would get out. I didn't expect anyone to know I was participating in the competition unless I placed[1][5]."
"With all the attention this event generates and Michael Rubin's incredible hosting and promotion skills, footage is everywhere," he continued. "So it'll be a challenge answering questions when I return to the classroom, but it'll be enjoyable, and there are plenty of teachable moments from this event."
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/01/tom-brady-wins-1-million-at-fanatics-games-upsets-justin-gaethje.html[2] https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/35116955/tom-brady-gives-away-million-dollar-fanatics-games-winnings[3] https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/01/sport/tom-brady-matt-dennish-fanatics-games-stunning-deal-trnd/index.html[4] https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/philadelphia-high-school-teacher-earns-250000-fanatics-games[5] https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2025/03/07/Facilities/Fanatics-Games-NYC-Fanatics-Fest.aspx
- The multi-event showdown at the Fanatics Games, held in New York City, showcased various sports, including football, baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, racing, and tennis, as well as mixed-martial-arts.
- The Fanatics Games introduced a unique format, pitting celebrities and athletes against everyday fans in a series of sports-themed events.
- In addition to sports, the event was packed with entertainment, such as WWE-style entrances and UFC striking power contests.
- Tom Brady, a renowned NFL legend, emerged as the top winner, taking home $1 million, while UFC champion Justin Gaethje drove away with a 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB.
- Philadelphia high school teacher Matt Dennish, a third-place finisher, stole the show with his acquisition of a 2003-04 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor LeBron James rookie card after NFL legend Tom Brady offered to buy it on the spot.
- In the MLB pitching accuracy challenge, Dennish outperformed all 100 participants, shocked by his victory since he played baseball only until sixth grade.
- Dennish's winnings from the Fanatics Games, totaling $250,000, will be primarily saved, with only a few small purchases planned.
