Panini America, a major name in the trading card industry, recently unveiled a significant partnership with high school football standout Vernell Brown III. Commonly referred to as “VB3,” Brown is a highly regarded four-star recruit and a top wide receiver representing Jones High School in Orlando. This exclusive, multi-year deal will see Brown featured in autographed trading cards and memorabilia within Panini’s collegiate product lines, showcasing his exceptional talent on the football field.
Standing out as one of the most promising wide receiver prospects in the nation, Brown has been making waves with his outstanding performances. In the previous season, he showcased his skills by racking up 70 receptions for an impressive 1,363 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. In the ongoing 2024 season, Brown continues to shine with 51 catches for 664 yards and four touchdowns. Earlier this year, he committed to the University of Florida, where his presence will be prominently highlighted in Panini’s various product lines and marketing campaigns.
VB3 will be joining a prestigious roster of young talents within Panini America, including notable names like Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers, Dylan Raiola, Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch. Brown’s addition is expected to bring significant value to the collegiate football scene, and Jason Howarth, Panini America’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations, expressed his confidence in Brown’s potential. Howarth mentioned, “VB3 is on track to be a dynamic player, and we’re excited to feature him in our collegiate collections and campaigns.”
This exclusive partnership also marks Panini America’s foray into the Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) domain. With the recent launch of Panini College, athletes from partnered universities will have the opportunity to have their own trading cards. Initially launching at Ohio State, Nebraska, and Texas, this initiative is set to expand to include more universities in the near future.
Delighted about this new venture, Vernell Brown III shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Partnering with Panini is a dream come true. Growing up, I always imagined having my own trading card, and now that it’s a reality, it feels incredibly special.” This collaboration with Panini America not only signifies a significant milestone in Brown’s career but also highlights the unparalleled potential he possesses as a rising star in collegiate football.
