Panini America has scored a touchdown in the trading card world by signing an exclusive autograph deal with University of Alabama quarterback, Jalen Milroe. This exciting partnership sees the junior standout becoming a prominent figure across Panini’s collegiate product lines, including the popular Instant Card platform which showcases top players and standout performances throughout the college football season. In addition to appearing on trading cards, Milroe will also play a pivotal role in Panini’s marketing campaigns, further cementing his status as one of college football’s rising stars.
Milroe’s on-field performance has been nothing short of spectacular this season, with an impressive 23 total touchdowns under his belt, comprising 12 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns, while also amassing nearly 1,500 passing yards. His leadership qualities have been instrumental in guiding Alabama to a stellar 5-1 start. In the 2023 season, Milroe’s exceptional skills propelled the Crimson Tide to a remarkable 12-2 record, clinching the SEC Championship title and securing a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. His outstanding contributions led to him being awarded the MVP title in the SEC Championship Game and earning second-team All-SEC honors.
This exclusive partnership marks a significant milestone in Panini’s foray into the collegiate Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) arena. The company recently unveiled “Panini College,” a platform that allows athletes from partner universities to showcase themselves on their own Panini trading cards under the Panini NIL brand. Initially featuring athletes from Ohio State, Nebraska, and Texas, the platform is set to expand to include more schools and sports in the near future.
Jason Howarth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations at Panini America, expressed his delight about the collaboration, stating, “Jalen is undeniably one of the standout talents in college football, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our ever-expanding roster of athletes. As we continue to enrich our Panini College platform, Jalen’s involvement will be crucial in offering fans exciting products and enduring collectibles.”
Milroe joins an elite group of college football luminaries who have exclusive Panini deals, including the likes of Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning, Dylan Raiola, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch. This partnership underlines Panini’s dedication to engaging with the future generation of football stars while providing fans with premium collectible experiences.
Excited about this new venture, Milroe shared his enthusiasm, saying, “Every young athlete dreams of having their own trading card, and now that dream has become a reality for me. Panini boasts remarkable brands, and I look forward to collaborating with them to create something truly special for college football enthusiasts.”
With Jalen Milroe’s star on the rise at Alabama and Panini’s expanding presence in the NIL domain, this groundbreaking partnership promises to deliver one-of-a-kind trading card experiences that will undoubtedly captivate fans and collectors alike.
