News

Panini America announced a new multi-year, exclusive partnership with high school football standout Vernell Brown III, a four-star recruit and top wide receiver from Jones High School in Orlando. The agreement covers autographed trading cards and memorabilia, spotlighting Brown’s talent in Panini’s collegiate product lines.

Brown, known as "VB3," has emerged as one of the most promising wide receiver prospects in the country. Last season, he posted impressive stats with 70 receptions for 1,363 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he’s continued to deliver in 2024 with 51 catches for 664 yards and four touchdowns. Earlier this year, he committed to play for the University of Florida, where he’ll be featured prominently in Panini’s line of products and marketing efforts.

Joining a notable lineup of young talents like Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers, Dylan Raiola, Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch, Brown is expected to make a major impact at the collegiate level. Jason Howarth, Panini America’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations, expressed confidence in Brown’s potential, saying, “VB3 is on track to be a dynamic player, and we’re excited to feature him in our collegiate collections and campaigns.”

This partnership also aligns with Panini’s expansion in the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) space. The recent launch of Panini College provides athletes from partnered universities with their own trading cards, initially rolling out at Ohio State, Nebraska, and Texas, with plans for further expansion.

Reflecting on the deal, Brown shared his excitement, saying, “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.”