Panini America, a leading name in the trading card industry, has scored big by signing an exclusive autograph deal with University of Alabama’s star quarterback, Jalen Milroe. This partnership marks a significant expansion for Panini, adding the junior standout to their roster of collegiate athletes. Milroe’s dynamic gameplay will be showcased across Panini’s collegiate product lines, including the popular Instant Card platform, which celebrates top players and remarkable performances throughout the college football season. Additionally, Milroe will be actively involved in Panini’s marketing endeavors as part of this exciting collaboration.
Throughout the current season, Milroe has emerged as a dominant force on the field, impressively tallying 23 total touchdowns – 12 passing and 11 rushing – while accumulating nearly 1,500 passing yards. His exceptional leadership skills have played a pivotal role in guiding Alabama to a strong 5-1 start. In the 2023 season, Milroe steered the Crimson Tide to a remarkable 12-2 record, clinching an SEC Championship title and securing a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. Notably, his standout performances earned him the title of MVP in the SEC Championship Game and a well-deserved second-team All-SEC recognition.
This strategic partnership signifies a significant milestone in Panini’s foray into the collegiate Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) domain. The company recently unveiled “Panini College,” a groundbreaking platform that allows athletes from partner universities to feature on their bespoke Panini trading cards under the Panini NIL brand. Initially launched with athletes from Ohio State, Nebraska, and Texas, the platform is poised for expansion to encompass more schools and sports in the near future.
Jason Howarth, the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations at Panini America, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Jalen is undeniably one of the top talents in college football, and we are delighted to welcome him to our ever-growing array of athletes. As we continue strengthening our Panini College platform, Jalen will play a pivotal role in our mission to provide fans with exciting products and unforgettable collectibles.”
Milroe now joins an illustrious lineup of college football luminaries under exclusive Panini agreements, including Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning, Dylan Raiola, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch. This partnership underscores Panini’s dedication to engaging with the next generation of football prodigies and delivering premium collectible experiences for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Enthusiastic about the collaboration, Milroe remarked, “Every young athlete dreams of seeing themselves on a trading card, and now that dream has materialized for me. Panini boasts remarkable brands, and I am thrilled to collaborate with them to craft something truly special for college football aficionados.”
With Jalen Milroe’s burgeoning success at the University of Alabama and Panini’s expanding influence in the NIL landscape, this partnership holds the promise of delivering exclusive trading card experiences that fans and collectors will undoubtedly cherish.
