Panini America, a leader in the sports collectibles market, has scored big by securing an exclusive autograph trading card deal with University of Alabama’s star quarterback, Jalen Milroe. This partnership marks Panini’s expansion of its roster of collegiate athletes, with the junior standout set to be prominently featured in Panini’s collegiate product lines, including the popular Instant Card platform that showcases top players and standout performances throughout the college football season. Additionally, Milroe will play a pivotal role in Panini’s marketing endeavors as part of this exciting new collaboration.
On the field, Milroe has been a dynamic force this season, tallying an impressive 23 total touchdowns, 12 through the air and 11 on the ground, while throwing for nearly 1,500 yards. His exceptional leadership has been instrumental in guiding Alabama to a strong 5-1 start this season. In the 2023 season, Milroe steered the Crimson Tide to an outstanding 12-2 record, clinching an SEC Championship title and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. His stellar performance earned him the MVP title in the SEC Championship Game and a well-deserved selection to the second-team All-SEC.
This strategic partnership with Jalen Milroe reflects a significant milestone in Panini’s foray into the collegiate Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) landscape. The company recently unveiled “Panini College,” a specialized platform that allows athletes from partner universities to feature on their own Panini trading cards as part of the Panini NIL brand. Initially launched with athletes from Ohio State, Nebraska, and Texas, the platform is set to broaden its reach to encompass more universities and sports disciplines in the forthcoming months.
Jason Howarth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations at Panini America, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Jalen is one of the premier talents in college football, and we are delighted to welcome him to our expanding roster of athletes. As we continue to grow our Panini College platform, Jalen will play a crucial role in our endeavors to offer fans innovative products and memorable collectibles.”
Joining a notable lineup of college football luminaries with exclusive Panini deals, including Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning, Dylan Raiola, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch, Milroe’s partnership underscores Panini’s dedication to engaging with the upcoming generation of football stars and providing fans with premium collectible experiences that resonate.
Milroe shared his excitement about the collaboration, remarking, “Every aspiring athlete dreams of having their own trading card, and now that dream has become a reality for me. Panini boasts exceptional brands, and I am eager to collaborate with them to create something extraordinary for college football enthusiasts.”
As Jalen Milroe continues to shine at Alabama and Panini cements its presence in the NIL arena, the partnership between the two promises to deliver exclusive and enthralling trading card experiences that fans and collectors alike will surely cherish.
