Panini America, a leading trading card and memorabilia company, has recently unveiled a new partnership with Vernell Brown III, a standout high school football player hailing from Jones High School in Orlando. Brown, known affectionately as “VB3,” has solidified his place as a top wide receiver prospect in the nation. His exceptional performance on the field has caught the attention of many, including Panini America, leading to an exclusive multi-year deal covering autographed trading cards and memorabilia.
The young talent put up impressive numbers in the previous season, showcasing his skills with 70 receptions for 1,363 yards and 10 touchdowns. Brown has continued his stellar performance in 2024, already accumulating 51 catches for 664 yards and four touchdowns. This outstanding track record has solidified his reputation as a rising star in the world of high school football.
Earlier this year, Brown made a significant commitment to play for the prestigious University of Florida, further elevating his status as a player to watch. Panini America plans to highlight Brown in their collegiate product lines and marketing campaigns, leveraging his growing popularity and talent to appeal to fans and collectors alike. VB3 joins a roster of promising young athletes, including Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers, Dylan Raiola, Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch, set to make a splash on the collegiate scene.
Jason Howarth, Panini America’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations, expressed confidence in Brown’s potential, emphasizing his impact on the field and in the trading card industry. Howarth stated, “VB3 is poised to be a game-changer, and we are thrilled to showcase his talent in our collegiate collections and promotional campaigns, engaging fans with his journey.”
This collaboration with Vernell Brown III aligns with Panini America’s strategic focus on expanding in the Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) realm. The recent introduction of Panini College marks a significant move towards empowering athletes from partner universities to have their own exclusive trading cards. Initially launching at Ohio State, Nebraska, and Texas, the initiative is set to expand further, creating more opportunities for student-athletes to benefit from their image and reputation.
Reflecting on the newfound partnership, Brown expressed his elation at the prospect of having his own trading cards, a childhood dream turned into reality. He remarked, “Teaming up with Panini is a dream come true for me. As a kid, I always imagined seeing myself on a trading card, and now that it’s happening, it feels incredibly special. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to connect with fans through this partnership.”
With this exclusive deal between Vernell Brown III and Panini America, the world of trading cards welcomes a fresh and dynamic addition, amplifying the excitement surrounding the rising star as he prepares to embark on his collegiate journey with the University of Florida.
