Panini America, a leading trading card and collectibles company, has inked an exclusive autograph deal with University of Alabama junior quarterback, Jalen Milroe. This exciting partnership will see Milroe’s presence across Panini’s collegiate product lines, including the Instant Card platform that showcases top players and standout performances throughout the college football season. Not only will Milroe be featured on trading cards, but he will also participate in Panini’s marketing endeavors, adding another layer of engagement to this collaboration.
Throughout this season, Milroe has established himself as a dominant force on the field, accumulating an impressive 23 total touchdowns, with 12 passing and 11 rushing, along with nearly 1,500 passing yards. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding Alabama to a strong 5-1 start this season. In 2023, Milroe led the Crimson Tide to a remarkable 12-2 season, securing the SEC Championship title and a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. His exceptional performance earned him the MVP title in the SEC Championship Game and a second-team All-SEC recognition.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for Panini America in its foray into the collegiate Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) landscape. Recently launching “Panini College,” a platform welcoming athletes from partner universities to feature on their own trading cards under the Panini NIL brand. Initially including athletes from institutions such as Ohio State, Nebraska, and Texas, the platform is poised to expand to more schools and sports in the near future.
Jason Howarth, the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations at Panini America, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, citing Milroe’s standing as one of college football’s premier talents. Howarth highlighted the pivotal role Milroe will play in the development of Panini’s offerings, aimed at providing fans with exciting products and memorable collectibles. Milroe’s addition to the Panini roster places him alongside other prominent college football stars with exclusive Panini deals, such as Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning, Dylan Raiola, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch.
Sharing his excitement about the partnership, Milroe emphasized the fulfillment of a childhood dream, stating, “Every kid dreams of having their own trading card, and now that dream has come true for me.” Acknowledging Panini’s notable brands, Milroe looks forward to collaborating with the company to create something exceptional for college football enthusiasts.
With Jalen Milroe’s burgeoning success at the University of Alabama and Panini America’s expanding presence in the NIL space, this partnership is poised to deliver unparalleled trading card experiences for fans and collectors alike. As Panini continues to engage with the future football talent and offer premium collectible experiences, the collaboration with Milroe promises to be a must-have for avid collectors and enthusiasts in the collegiate sports realm.
