Panini America, a powerhouse in the trading card industry, has hit another home run by securing an exclusive autograph deal with University of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. This exciting partnership further solidifies Panini’s dominance in the collegiate sports collectibles market, as Milroe joins a prestigious lineup of college football stars in the Panini family.
The talented junior standout has been making waves on the field, boasting an impressive stat line of 23 total touchdowns, a combination of 12 passing and 11 rushing, along with close to 1,500 passing yards. Milroe’s exceptional leadership has been instrumental in guiding Alabama to a stellar 5-1 start this season. Notably, in 2023, Milroe steered the Crimson Tide to a remarkable 12-2 record, clinching the SEC Championship title and a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. His standout performances earned him the MVP title of the SEC Championship Game and a well-deserved second-team All-SEC recognition.
The collaboration with Panini marks a significant milestone in the company’s venture into the collegiate Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) arena. Recently, Panini introduced “Panini College,” an innovative platform that features athletes from partner universities on their own trading cards under the Panini NIL brand. Initially launched with athletes from prominent schools like Ohio State, Nebraska, and Texas, the platform is poised to expand to include more universities and sports in the near future.
Jason Howarth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations at Panini America, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Jalen is one of the top talents in college football, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to our growing family of athletes. As we continue to build out our Panini College platform, Jalen will be a key part of our efforts to offer fans exciting products and memorable collectibles.”
Milroe now joins a star-studded roster of college football luminaries who have exclusive deals with Panini, such as Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning, Dylan Raiola, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch. This collaboration underscores Panini’s dedication to engaging with the upcoming generation of football talent and providing fans with premium collectible experiences that resonate with their passion for the game.
Expressing his elation about the collaboration, Milroe shared, “Every kid dreams of having their own trading card, and now that dream has come true for me. Panini has some incredible brands, and I’m excited to work with them to create something special for college football fans.”
As Jalen Milroe continues to make his mark at Alabama and Panini solidifies its position in the ever-evolving NIL landscape, this partnership promises to deliver unparalleled trading card experiences that will captivate fans and collectors alike. Stay tuned for the innovative and exciting products that will emerge from this dynamic collaboration between a rising football star and a leading collectibles brand.