Panini America has just announced a groundbreaking agreement with Vernell Brown III, a top-notch high school football recruit known for his exceptional skills on the field. Referred to affectionately as “VB3,” Brown is a four-star wide receiver hailing from the renowned Jones High School in Orlando. With an impressive track record, boasting 70 receptions for 1,363 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, Brown is undoubtedly a rising star in the football realm.
His stellar performance has not gone unnoticed, as he continues to shine in the current season with 51 catches for 664 yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, Brown cemented his commitment earlier this year to play for the University of Florida, a decision that sparked further excitement in the football community. Panini America, a prominent name in the trading card industry, seized the opportunity to establish an exclusive partnership with the promising athlete.
The multi-year deal will see Brown featured in Panini’s collegiate product lines, with autographed trading cards and memorabilia showcasing his undeniable talent. Joining an elite group of young football talents like Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers, and Arch Manning, Brown is set to play a significant role in Panini’s marketing campaigns and product offerings. Jason Howarth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations at Panini America, expressed great optimism about Brown’s potential impact, highlighting his dynamic playing style and promising future.
Furthermore, this collaboration aligns with Panini’s strategic expansion into the Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) realm, a crucial development in the sports memorabilia industry. The launch of Panini College, aimed at providing athletes from partner universities with personalized trading cards, marks a significant step towards recognizing and showcasing young talents in the collegiate sports arena. The initial rollout includes universities such as Ohio State, Nebraska, and Texas, with plans for further expansion in the near future.
In response to the partnership, Brown shared his elation, emphasizing the significance of realizing a childhood dream. He expressed his joy at the prospect of having his own trading card, underscoring the special nature of this collaboration with Panini America. As he embarks on his collegiate football journey with the University of Florida, Brown’s partnership with Panini symbolizes a major milestone in his burgeoning football career. With a bright future ahead, VB3 is poised to leave a lasting impression in the world of sports memorabilia and trading cards.
