Panini signs Andrew Luck to exclusive autograph, memorabilia deal
By Susan Lulgjuraj | Beckett Football Editor
Panini America has added another star to its lineup.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has signed an exclusive multi-year autograph and memorabilia deal to its Panini Authentic division. Luck is the first NFL player to reach an exclusive deal with Panini Authentic, joining NBA stars Blake Griffin, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant.
Signed helmets, jerseys and photographs of Luck will only be available exclusively through the Panini Authentic website.
“We’ve been waiting for just the right player to spearhead Panini Authentic’s expansion into other sports. Andrew Luck is that player,” Panini America CEO Mark Warsop said in a statement.
The agreement does not involve trading cards – so Luck’s memorabilia and signed cards will continue to appear in products from different companies.
Luck has thrown for more than 1,400 yards in his first five NFL games. He currently ranks fifth in the league in passing yards per game with 297.6 – trailing only Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Matthew Stafford.
His abilities have brought hope to a Colts franchise that finished 2-14 last season. Luck is also a key member of one of the most highly-touted rookie quarterback classes in decades, alongside Redskins QB Robert Griffin III and Dolphins signal-caller Ryan Tannehill.
The Stanford University grad discussed the Panini Authentic partnership in a statement.
“From producing my first rookie trading cards this season, to this new partnership with Panini Authentic, Panini America has been a great supporter during my rookie season,” Luck said. “It is an honor to be the first NFL player to join Panini Authentic and I look forward to working with them in this new capacity moving forward.”
Susan Lulgjuraj is an editor of Beckett Football. You can email her here with questions, comments or ideas. Follow her on Twitter here.
This is horrible for the hobby, as Panini products are the only ones that consistently turn $50 in $5. Panini products are the scourge of the industry! This is horrible!
Steve R,
Rest easy my friend. Notice this says NOTHING about trading cards. This looks like an merchandise deal only.
The NFL doesn’t allow exclusives for cards. This is signed memorabilia/game-used memorabilia only.
I was curious if this would alter Upper Deck’s plan for the Gold Upper Deck Trade card, which, by all accounts, was said to be Luck. Seeing that the deal is exclusive to everything but trading cards, I am guessing this card is still a safe bet to be Luck?
Card companies can still use Luck in their product. So if UD decides to go the Luck route, it can.