Hobby Musings: Meet Pittsburgh Steelers Valerian Ume-Ezeoke – The Pittsburgh Steelers center, Valerian Ume-Ezeoke, is the latest player to take part in Panini’s externship program. Done as part of their partnership with the NFLPA, the program allows an NFL player the opportunity to work with Panini and see the ins and outs of working in the trading card industry. It’s a bit of a departure from his action on the field, but it seems as if he’s been enjoying himself. He took a break from his work to answer some questions about his experiences as a Panini extern. The following interview was conducted via email.
KS: How did you become involved with Panini’s NFLPA externship program?
VUE: The opportunity was brought to me when I visited the NFLPA headquarters back in the fall. I was given information about the Externship program and thought it would be very beneficial for me to participate in one. Panini America is based in the Dallas area, so I thought it would be perfect to do my externship at Panini since that’s where I reside during the offseason.
KS: What responsibilities have you had in your role?
VUE: I’ve had multiple roles and responsibilities in my time here. I have been involved in many different 
parts of this company. I have helped with numerous things, including picking the initial checklist for the 2017 NFL Sticker Collection and breaking boxes of the 2016 Plates & Patches Football. During my time here, I’ve worked with the Pre-Press/Photo, Production, Product Development, Acquisitions and Marketing Departments – so it’s been really eye opening to see all the pieces that go into building trading card products.
KS: How similar and different would you say it is from your professional football career?
VUE: I would say the difference is that you aren’t doing anything physically demanding to your body but similar in the fact that you have to rely on your cognitive skills to communicate well and process information on the move.
KS: How have you felt about the program so far?
VUE: I am really enjoying it. I didn’t know what to expect when I first started, I didn’t fully know how the experience would go. But all that has changed. My experience has been substantial. I can feel my knowledge about marketing, acquisitions and production grow with every day that I spend here.
KS: What do you think is the most surprising thing about the trading card business you’ve learned working with Panini?
VUE: I would say the production of the cards. There are so many things that go into creating the cards that it blows you away when you see the steps that have to be followed to make sure each single card is made perfectly.
KS: Who would you say is the coolest person you’ve met so far doing this?
VUE: I would say everyone that I’ve met here is cool. But mostly Chuck Gutilla since he is a huge Steelers fan. Ha ha ha. Go, Steelers!
KS: Is there anything in the Panini offices you’ve seen that you wished you could take home with you?
VUE: I would say one of the Flawless card sets.
KS: If you had to pick your most amusing story/experience doing this, what would it be?
VUE: Going to the NFL combine with Tracy Hackler, Scott Prusha, Jason Howarth, Nick Matijevich, Elizabeth Galaviz, Brian Bayne and Ben Ecklar was an unbelievable experience. Being around great people from Panini America made the trip even better.
KS: What was your exposure to the trading cards and sports memorabilia world before you started the externship?
VUE: My exposure was very minimal.
KS: Do you plan to stay involved with trading cards and memorabilia once the externship ends?
VUE: Yes, I told them once I retire in years to come that they better hire me right away! Ha ha ha.
KS: As for your own cardboard, when can we expect to see you on a trading card?
VUE: I’ll let you guys know a little secret. Mine was created about two weeks ago. You can get it at a store 
near you soon.
KS: How bizarre do you think it would be to pull a card of yourself out of a pack?
VUE: It would be a dream come true for any offensive lineman.
KS: As a football player, you’re no stranger to signing autographs. What is the strangest thing anyone has asked you to sign though?
VUE: A kid asked me to sign his forehead. Kids just being kids.
KS: If you could give any advice to players participating in the NFLPA externship in the future, what would it be?
VUE: Keep an open mind because the experience you gain from the externship may one day be helpful for you in the future.
Editor’s Note – For more about Valerian’s experience, watch the following interview which aired on Go GTS Live – The Hobby’s Web Show, last night.
Hobby Musings: Meet Pittsburgh Steelers Valerian Ume-Ezeoke
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