QBs King, Mertz, Corral sign NIL deal with trading card company

Miami’s D’Eriq King, Wisconsin’s Graham Mertz and Ole Miss’ Matt Corral signed a partnership deal this week with Panini, a memorabilia and trading card company. The three quarterbacks will soon start selling memorabilia, taking advantage of the legalization of name, image and likeness. 

Mark Warsop, Panini America CEO, discussed the deals last week.

“NIL has created an opportunity for us to work with college student athletes in a new way. We are committed to working with these athletes under the new guidelines, ensuring they are compliant and maintaining the integrity of the college student athlete,” said Warsop. “We are excited to partner with these great players to grow their personal brands and connect them to their fans through autograph memorabilia and trading cards. Starting our relationship with these athletes under NIL is just the first step in what will be a very long partnership with us as these players compete on the collegiate football field and make their way to becoming athletes that play at the professional level.”

The trio of quarterbacks gives Panini a foot into the untapped market that is college football players. King, Mertz and Corral all project to lead big-time programs in 2021.

D’Eriq King, Miami (FL)

SUPER EXCITED TO JOIN THE @PaniniAmerica FAMILY AS ONE OF THEIR FIRST #NIL ATHLETE BIG THINGS AHEAD!! pic.twitter.com/CncpmYsoUC

— King (@DeriqKing_) July 28, 2021

King wasted no time once he was able to negotiate NIL deals. The Miami Hurricanes quarterback was actually the first, signing a deal with College Hunks Hauling Junk when the clock struck midnight. 

Prior to his deal with Panini, King signed a bevy of others. A South Florida bar named The Wharf, Murphy Auto Group and King’s own company, Dreamfield, which he started with Florida State quarterback McKenzie Milton.

However, King isn’t all flash and no substance. The Miami quarterback was named to the Maxwell Award watch list earlier in July. 

Graham Mertz, Wisconsin

Huge thank you to @PaniniAmerica for selecting me to be one of their first college athlete partners. Looking forward to getting some signed memorabilia in your hands!

Excited to officially announce our exclusive memorabilia partnership. We’re just getting started! #PaniniNIL pic.twitter.com/hZ80jRSOBX

— Graham Mertz (@GrahamMertz5) July 28, 2021

Mertz did something different when NIL officially came to fruition.

First, he released a custom logo for himself, much like Tom Brady’s of the world. Then, he released his own clothing line, featuring everything from shirts and hats to baby onesies. 

Now, Mertz is growing his brand by joining Panini. Before the Badgers quarterback attempts to lead Wisconsin to a Big Ten title, he’ll be able to sell signed memorabilia to his fans. 

Matt Corral, Ole Miss

Honored to be one of the first @PaniniAmerica #NIL athletes!

Excited to officially join the family and announce our exclusive autographed memorabilia partnership 🙏📈📈#PaniniNIL pic.twitter.com/1lHBGDA9vq

— M A T T Y (@corral_matt) July 28, 2021

Corral made headlines when he announced fans would have the opportunity to book him for personal appearances after NIL was passed. However, it would cost $10,000 an hour.

Well, Corral believes he’s worth it, and Lane Kiffin may agree. The Ole Miss quarterback was electric inside Kiffin’s offense last season, passing for 3,337 yards and 29 touchdowns. 

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah believes the Ole Miss quarterback could be this year’s Zach Wilson. If Corral rockets up draft boards like Wilson did, Panini’s investment in the quarterback will age like wine.

Image courtesy of Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images via Getty Images