NFL Rookies Learn Football Business, Connect with Partners at 29th Annual NFLPA Rookie Premiere Presented by Panini America
NFLPA will host 45 rookies in Los Angeles for their first major business event, highlighted by brand content studios, Fanatics jersey reveal moment, and Panini America trading card photo shoot in official team uniforms
Click here for the complete roster NFLPA Rookie Premiere 2023
LOS ANGELES, May 15, 2023 – Forty-five rookies from the 2023 NFL Draft will gather in Los Angeles May 18-21 for the 29th edition of the NFLPA Rookie Premiere presented by Panini America, the exclusive trading card partner of the NFLPA. The event, hosted by the NFLPA and NFL Players Inc., aims to educate rookie players about the business aspects of football and help them launch their endorsement careers. Notably, Fanatics will unveil the official jersey for each rookie, while Panini America trading cards will feature an all-day live action and studio shoot on Saturday.
More than 25 NFLPA business partners will have the opportunity to engage with players in innovative ways during the multi-day event, with the goal of creating content for campaigns, marketing activations, and player-identified products. This year's lineup of partners is headlined by Panini America, the presenting sponsor, as well as Fanatics, EA Sports, Pepsi, DraftKings, Procter & Gamble, and Matthew Berry of NBC Sports. A select group of brand partners will provide products, gifts, or services including Sleep Number, Juiced Bikes, Rock ‘Em Socks, True Fans Fine Jewelry, Hyperice, FedEx, OneTeam Partners, On The Mark, Pro Standard, Outerstuff, 500 Level, Homage, Fathead, iSlide, Keyscaper, Pets First, Sporticulture, Anheuser-Busch, Frito-Lay, Gatorade, and Modern Mirror.
Steve Scebelo, President of NFL Players Inc. said, "We are thrilled to announce the upcoming NFLPA Rookie Premiere event, which provides partners with a unique opportunity to engage with influential athletes of tomorrow. This year's class will have the chance to learn about the business of pro football from union leadership, following in the footsteps of established players who have gone through the same experience. We believe that Rookie Premiere is a win-win situation for both the players and our partners, providing connections that will benefit them both."
Players are selected for the Rookie Premiere based on factors such as college performance, draft status, position, and marketability, all of which affect trading card value. The rookie cards and autographs from this year’s class will be featured throughout Panini America’s more than 30 2023 NFL trading card brands including some of the industry’s most popular trading card brands such as Prizm, Donruss, Select, Mosaic and National Treasures. The event attracts unique and talented rookies from various positions and draft rounds, showcasing hidden gems in addition to top picks.
Since its inception in 1994, NFLPA Rookie Premiere has been a trailblazing event in the sports industry. As the first major business and marketing event, it offers partners exclusive early access to marketable new stars in the game. Rookies benefit from the event by gaining insights and connections that help them develop their personal brands and careers off the field. During the event, players receive orientation on union programs and services and learn from past participants. Rookie Premiere generates numerous business opportunities for current and former players, making it an impactful event for all involved.
Media and fans can follow @NFLPA via #RookiePremiere and #RatedRookie for updates, exclusive photos, video, and news throughout the event.
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