Breaking Sports Story: Avery Johnson Inks Historic NIL Deal with Panini America, Surprises Sports World with Purdue Donation
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape and beyond, Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson has signed a groundbreaking Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal worth a reported $4.5 million over multiple years with Panini America, the world-renowned sports memorabilia company. The agreement includes exclusive trading cards, autographed merchandise, limited-edition collectibles, and immersive fan experiences—making Johnson one of the most valuable NIL athletes in college sports.
The news was officially announced Tuesday morning at a press conference held in Manhattan, Kansas, where Johnson appeared alongside Panini executives and Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman. Dressed in a sharp lavender suit—an homage to the Wildcats’ colors—Johnson thanked his family, teammates, coaches, and fans for supporting him on his journey. But the most surprising twist came moments later.
In a heartfelt moment that stunned the sports community, Johnson pledged 15% of his earnings from the Panini deal—approximately $675,000—to the Purdue University Men’s Basketball Program.
Yes, Purdue.
“I know it sounds crazy,” Johnson said with a grin, “but Purdue was my dream school growing up—not for football, but basketball. I modeled my game after guys like Carsen Edwards and Jaden Ivey. This donation is my way of giving back to the program that inspired me to be an athlete long before I picked up a football.”
Purdue officials later confirmed the donation, stating it would go toward facility upgrades, NIL resources for basketball players, and academic support services. Head basketball coach Matt Painter called the gift “humbling and unprecedented,” and noted that it “represents the kind of intercollegiate camaraderie and respect that should define the NIL era.”
Meanwhile, Johnson’s partnership with Panini is expected to reshape how college athletes engage with the sports memorabilia market. As part of the deal, Panini will release a series of “Avery Johnson: Origins” trading cards, documenting his evolution from a top dual-threat prospect out of Maize High School to Kansas State’s starting quarterback. The collection is slated for release during the 2026 college football season and will include limited holographic inserts, signed cleats, and game-worn jersey swatches.
Sources close to the negotiations say Panini beat out multiple contenders—including Fanatics and Leaf—in a highly competitive bidding war for Johnson’s NIL rights. His charisma, elite playmaking ability, and marketable personality reportedly made him a top priority.
Johnson is currently projected as one of the top returning quarterbacks in the Big 12, and is widely considered a Heisman dark horse. As he leads the Wildcats into a title-contending 2025 season, this deal adds another layer of spotlight to a rising star who’s proving that today’s athletes can make bold moves on and off the field.
In an era where NIL is redefining college sports, Avery Johnson’s deal isn’t just about money. It’s about identity, legacy, and rewriting the playbook on what’s possible.
