Panini America, a renowned name in the trading card industry, has just sealed a significant partnership with Vernell Brown III, a rising star in high school football, hailing from Jones High School in Orlando, Florida. This exclusive multi-year contract focuses on producing autographed trading cards and memorabilia that will shine a spotlight on Brown’s exceptional talent, especially in Panini’s collegiate product lines.
Often referred to as “VB3,” Vernell Brown III has garnered attention as one of the most promising wide receiver prospects across the nation. His impressive performance last season included 70 receptions for 1,363 yards and 10 touchdowns, while he’s continued to showcase his skills in 2024 with 51 catches for 664 yards and four touchdowns. Earlier this year, he made a commitment to play for the University of Florida, paving the way for him to be prominently featured in Panini’s array of products and marketing initiatives.
Brown joins a select group of talented young athletes like Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers, Dylan Raiola, Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch, all expected to make significant waves in the collegiate sports scene. Jason Howarth, Panini America’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations, has expressed high hopes for Brown, stating, “VB3 showcases immense potential, and we are thrilled to showcase him in our collegiate collections and campaigns.”
This collaboration not only boosts Brown’s visibility but also falls in line with Panini’s strategic move to expand its presence in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) domain. The recent introduction of Panini College allows athletes from partnered universities to have their own trading cards, with the initiative initially launching at Ohio State, Nebraska, and Texas, and poised for further expansion to captivate more college sports fans.
In a statement following the official announcement of the partnership, Vernell Brown III shared his elation, remarking, “Teaming up with Panini is truly a dream come true for me. Since childhood, I’ve envisioned having my very own trading card, and now that it’s a reality, it holds a special place in my heart.”
The collaboration between Vernell Brown III and Panini America not only represents a promising venture for the young athlete but also signifies a significant marketing move for Panini, showcasing a commitment to nurturing emerging talents in the sports world. With Brown’s impressive track record and bright future ahead, fans can look forward to collecting his exclusive trading cards and memorabilia as he embarks on his collegiate football journey at the University of Florida.
