Panini America, a leading trading card and memorabilia manufacturer, has proudly announced a groundbreaking partnership with Vernell Brown III, a rising star in high school football circles. The exclusive multi-year deal will see Brown, known by his moniker “VB3,” featured in autographed trading cards and memorabilia within Panini’s collegiate product lines. Hailing from Jones High School in Orlando, Brown is a four-star wide receiver recruit with an impressive track record on the field.
Renowned for his exceptional skills, Brown has solidified his reputation as a top prospect in the nation with stellar performances in recent seasons. During the previous year, he recorded remarkable statistics, boasting 70 receptions for 1,363 yards and 10 touchdowns. In the current 2024 season, Brown has continued to shine, accumulating 51 catches for 664 yards and four touchdowns. His commitment to the University of Florida earlier this year has only heightened the anticipation surrounding his future collegiate career.
As part of this strategic collaboration, Panini America has underscored its belief in Brown’s potential impact at the collegiate level. Jason Howarth, the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations at Panini America, commended Brown’s talent, expressing confidence in his trajectory. Howarth stated, “VB3 is on track to be a dynamic player, and we’re excited to feature him in our collegiate collections and campaigns.”
Brown joins a prestigious roster of emerging young talents, including notable names like Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers, Dylan Raiola, Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch. The collective presence of these promising athletes is set to redefine the landscape of collegiate sports and trading card memorabilia. With Brown’s addition, Panini America continues to solidify its position as a frontrunner in celebrating and showcasing the brightest stars in sports.
Moreover, this partnership showcases Panini America’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) sphere. The recent launch of Panini College exemplifies this dedication, offering athletes from partner universities the opportunity to have their own personalized trading cards. Initially unveiled at Ohio State, Nebraska, and Texas, this initiative is poised for further growth and inclusion of additional universities in the near future.
Reflecting on the significance of this collaboration, Brown expressed his elation at the prospect of working with Panini America. He shared, “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 sentiment encapsulates Brown’s gratitude for this milestone in his career and the realization of a childhood aspiration.
In conclusion, Vernell Brown III’s exclusive trading card deal with Panini America signifies not only a significant achievement for the young athlete but also a mutually beneficial partnership that heralds an exciting future in the trading card industry. As VB3 prepares to embark on his collegiate journey at the University of Florida, fans and collectors alike can anticipate the release of his autographed trading cards and memorabilia, further cementing his status as a standout talent in the world of sports.
