Panini Inks Johnny Manziel to Trading Card Deal; Exclusive for Autograph Memorabilia

Panini America, the world’s largest sports and entertainment collectibles company, announced today that it has signed NFL prospect, Heisman Trophy winner and former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel to a multiyear agreement that will include his first NFL-licensed Rookie Cards and autographed trading cards. In addition, Johnny Manziel will join Panini as an exclusive athlete for autographed memorabilia through Panini Authentic, the autograph and memorabilia division of Panini America.

Panini America, the world’s largest sports and entertainment collectibles company, announced today that it has signed NFL prospect, Heisman Trophy winner and former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel to a multiyear agreement that will include his first NFL-licensed Rookie Cards and autographed trading cards.  In addition, Johnny Manziel will join Panini as an exclusive athlete for autographed memorabilia through Panini Authentic, the autograph and memorabilia division of Panini America.
Manziel joins other exclusive Panini Authentic athletes including NBA superstars Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Kyrie Irving, and NFL stars Andrew Luck and EJ Manuel.

Manziel’s first NFL Rookie Cards and autographed cards will arrive in the May release of Panini America’s 2014 Score Football, where he will debut on NFL-licensed product packaging as a Panini athlete. Panini will also have some other unique plans for collectors of Johnny’s NFL autographed trading cards, which will be available in all 2014-15 Panini NFL trading card products.
“Johnny Manziel is one of the most exciting players to enter the NFL Draft in quite some time and his arrival has been heavily anticipated for years by fans and collectors alike. He’s at the head of a 2014 draft class that will drive trading card sales not just in 2014, but for many years afterward.” said Panini America CEO Mark Warsop. “Making Johnny an exclusive member of the Panini America family has been a top priority for us since he declared for the NFL Draft.
“We’re excited to add him to the Panini Authentic family as an exclusive autograph and memorabilia athlete. Fans and collectors can take comfort in knowing that going forward, all of his autograph and memorabilia signings will be witnessed by a Panini Authentic representative and will have serial Panini Authentic holograms on products and matching COAs to ensure authenticity for all collectors,” added Warsop.
This autographed memorabilia – including signed helmets, jerseys and photographs – is available exclusively on the Panini Authentic Website.
During his freshman season at Texas A&M, Manziel accounted for more than 5,100 total yards (including 1,410 rushing) and 47 touchdowns (21 rushing), becoming the first freshman ever to win the Heisman Trophy. In 2013, Manziel passed for 4,114 yards and 37 touchdowns, and added 759 yards and nine more touchdowns on the ground. He finished his college career as Texas A&M’s all-time leader in total touchdowns (94) and total yards (9,989).
“I’m honored that Panini America wanted me to be a part of their great team,” said Manziel. “I remain focused and committed to doing everything I can – on the field and off — to be the best quarterback I can be.”
Stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for continued coverage. Below, find a gallery showcasing the Manziel-signed memorabilia available now at Panini Authentic.