Why this matters for athletes and creators
When someone searches your name, you want them to find your real profiles, your site, and accurate info. A Google Knowledge Panel ties your identity to a single entity and connects your official accounts, so fans, event organizers, and brands land in the right place.
I walked Jordan Kilganon and several JumpX coaches through the full claim process on a live call. This write-up covers exactly what we did, the wording we used in the claim form, and the proof Google asks for.
Quick overview of the call
- Found each athlete’s entity with a public Knowledge Graph Explorer tool
- Opened Google Search and hit “Claim this knowledge panel”
- Wrote the credibility paragraph that goes in the “Tell us why you’re claiming” box
- Gathered the right screenshots showing edit/admin access to profiles
- Submitted the claims and watched for the decision email (quoted up to 72 hours; we typically see 12–24)
Step 1 — Find your entity and KG MID
On your phone, search for a public Knowledge Graph Explorer (the one we used links from a BlitzMetrics article). In the Explorer:
- Search your name
- Note the confidence score (how distinctly Google recognizes you)
- Note the KGMID (your permanent ID in Google’s system)
The MID is basically your digital ID number. When profiles are linked to it, Google can keep people with the same name separate.
Step 2 — Open your panel and click “Claim”
From the Explorer, use the “C on Google” button or search your name in Google.
Click the three dots on the panel, then “Claim this knowledge panel.”
If a visible panel doesn’t appear yet, you can still follow through. Google may already recognize the entity behind the scenes.
Step 3 — Fill out the form the right way
- Are you trying to claim this knowledge panel? Yes
- Most relevant option: “I am this person.”
- The make-or-break box: “Tell us why you’re claiming this knowledge panel”
This is where most people go wrong by saying things like “I want my Google to look better.” Keep it factual: identity, credibility, and why correct linkage helps your audience and partners.
Below are paste-ready examples for each person from the session, based only on statements made on the call.
Exact examples we used on the call
Jordan Kilganon
“I’m a professional dunker with more than a decade of performances and media coverage. My work has driven over a billion views across platforms. I’ve performed at NBA All-Star Weekend (including celebrity game activations), G League events, FIBA World Cup activations (including China), Quai 54, Dunk League, and other major contests. I’ve collaborated with brands such as Nike, C4, BodyArmor, NBA, and Sennheiser, and have been featured by The New York Times, ESPN, and Men’s Health. I also have a signature shoe with Serious Player Only.
I’m requesting verification so Google connects the correct social profiles and my personal brand website to this entity. This helps fans, event organizers, and brands find the right accounts and information.
I’m supplying screenshots that show edit access to my official profiles and a photo ID to confirm name and likeness.”
Brodie Stephens
“I’m a professional dunker and coach with appearances at FIBA 3×3, Venice Ball (Venice Beach), Summerjam AU, and events with Australia’s NBL (dunk shows and contests). My image has appeared in Foot Locker promotional material tied to Summerjam. Across platforms, my content is in the ~10–15 million views range. I’ve also received Nike gear through FIBA 3×3 events, and performed at FTBL 3×3 (Hong Kong).
I’m requesting verification so Google connects my official profiles and directs event organizers, media, and brand partners to the right pages.
I’m including screenshots that show I have edit access to my accounts and a photo ID to confirm name and likeness.”
Finn Addy
“I’m a professional dunker and JumpX athlete with tens of millions of views across social media. I’ve performed at FIBA 3×3, The Next Chapter, Their Opportunity (Toronto), and Dunk Camp. I’ve worked with Way of Wade and provided feedback to Serious Player Only.
I’m requesting verification so Google links my correct profiles, supports future brand collaborations, and routes athletes to my coaching and affiliate pages.
I’m providing screenshots that show edit access to my official profiles and a photo ID to confirm identity.”
Step 4 — Build your proof package
Google asks for 2–5 screenshots proving you control the official profiles for the entity. Each screenshot should clearly show:
- Your name and handle
- Visible Edit or Admin controls
- Enough interface to make it obvious you’re logged in (URL bar or app settings)
Good targets:
- Instagram profile with Edit Profile visible
- TikTok profile settings
- YouTube Studio or channel dashboard
- X (Twitter) or Facebook Page settings
- Your site’s CMS (e.g., WordPress admin bar)
Also include:
- A selfie holding your government ID
- A clear photo/scan of the ID itself
Make sure the ID text is readable and the selfie actually looks like you. Inconsistent names across platforms slow things down, so align handles and display names where you can.
Step 5 — Submit and track the email
The form sends updates to the Google account you’re logged into. Google quotes up to 72 hours; based on our experience helping athletes, 12–24 hours is common. If they need more proof, they’ll reply with specifics.
Common mistakes we see
- Writing a vanity reason in the “why I’m claiming” box
- Screenshots without edit/admin access visible
- Submitting from the wrong Google account
- Blurry or cropped ID
- Inconsistent naming across platforms
What changes once you’re verified
- Correct social profiles appear on your panel
- Fewer mismatches with people who share your name
- Easier verification for media, partners, and event organizers
- Clearer path for coaching, brand deals, and product launches
What we actually did on this call
- Found each person’s entity and opened the claim flow
- Drafted the credibility paragraph for Jordan, Austen, Brodie, and Finn using only facts stated on the call
- Gathered sample screenshots that show edit access
- Checked that IDs were legible
- Submitted from emails everyone actually monitors
Want help?
If you want a quick sanity check on your wording or screenshots before you submit, send them over. If you’re an athlete or creator working to build authority around your name, this process is low-effort and pays off fast.
Contact: add your contact form or email
Coaching: link to your JumpX coaching/program page
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