Panini America, a leading trading card and memorabilia company, recently revealed a groundbreaking partnership with Vernell Brown III, a standout high school football player known for his skills as a wide receiver. Recognized as “VB3” in the sports community, Brown has solidified his position as a top prospect with an impressive track record and commitment to the University of Florida.
Hailing from Jones High School in Orlando, the four-star recruit has been making waves with his exceptional performances on the field. Last season, Brown amassed remarkable numbers, recording 70 receptions for 1,363 yards and 10 touchdowns. In 2024, he has continued to showcase his prowess with 51 catches for 664 yards and four touchdowns, solidifying his status as an emerging talent in the football landscape.
The exclusive partnership between Panini America and Vernell Brown III covers autographed trading cards and memorabilia, offering fans a unique opportunity to collect items featuring the promising young player. With a focus on showcasing Brown’s talent in Panini’s collegiate product lines, the collaboration aims to highlight his potential both on and off the field.
Acknowledging Brown’s rising status in the football world, Jason Howarth, Panini America’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations, expressed his confidence in the player’s abilities. Howarth stated, “VB3 is on track to be a dynamic player, and we’re excited to feature him in our collegiate collections and campaigns.” This endorsement reflects the company’s belief in Brown’s future impact in collegiate football.
Vernell Brown III joins an esteemed roster of young talents partnering with Panini America, including notable names such as Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers, Dylan Raiola, Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch. With this collaboration, Brown is poised to make a significant mark at the collegiate level, enhancing his visibility through Panini’s wide array of products and marketing initiatives.
Furthermore, the alliance between Brown and Panini aligns with the company’s strategic focus on the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space. As part of its expansion efforts, Panini recently introduced Panini College, a platform that enables athletes from partnered universities to have their own trading cards. Initially launched at universities like Ohio State, Nebraska, and Texas, this initiative aims to extend to additional institutions in the future.
Expressing his elation regarding the partnership, Vernell Brown III shared his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Panini America. Brown remarked, “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 underscores the significance of the agreement for Brown and heralds a new chapter in his burgeoning football career.
As Vernell Brown III embarks on his collegiate journey with the University of Florida, fans and collectors alike can anticipate exclusive trading cards and memorabilia featuring the rising star, courtesy of the innovative collaboration between Brown and Panini America.