Lot 20. Benny Friedman Signed 1950 Letter. Generally considered to be the first great passer in the NFL, Friedman was finally enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. He died in 1982. Friedman was a two-time All-American at Michigan. Playing for the Detroit Wolverines in 1928, his second season in the NFL, he led the league in scoring. Tim Mara, owner of the New York Giants, was so impressed with Friedman that he bought the Wolverines’ franchise just to gain the rights to Friedman. In a 1950 letter on his business stationery, Friedman sends autographed cards to “Master Bert Sugar,” the future boxing writer and sports historian. Friedman’s signature is nm-m 8. The stationery was folded for mailing and has a small tear and soling along the right edge, well away from the autograph, which Kevin Keating and JSA Authentication both authenticated. Friedman’s signature comes with a Letter of Authenticity from the Sugar estate. The JSA Auction Letter of Authenticity may be exchanged for a full LoA at a discount. Letters signed by Friedman are scarce.
Current Bid $134
Lot 254. Autographs of Army’s Glenn Davis and Doc Blanchard on the Sept. 16, 1945 “Life” Issue. Blanchard and Davis were one of the best backfield tandems in the history of college football. With Blanchard at fullback and Davis at right halfback, Earl Blaik’s Army teams went 27-0-1 from 1944-46 and captured three national championships. Together, they were known as the “Touchdown Twins,” and they won back-to-back Heisman Trophies - Blanchard, known as “Mr. Inside,” in 1945, and Davis, “Mr. Outside,” in 1946. Blaik called Blanchard “the quickest starter I ever saw” and Davis, “the greatest halfback I ever knew.” Davis died in 2006, and Blanchard, in 2009. This is one of the finest items you’re likely find signed by these two college Hall of Fame players. The magazine, without a label, is vg+ to ex with a very light stain in the upper right corner, and the autographs are mint 9 to gem mint 10. Authenticated by Kevin Keating and JSA Authentication. The JSA Auction Letter of Authenticity may be exchanged for a full LoA at a discount.
Minimum Bid $100
Lot 255. Otto Graham Autographed Rawlings Football Helmet. Graham’s large black-sharpie signature stands out boldly on the white helmet, which is youth-size but will fit some adults. Nm-m 8 signature with a couple of tiny, insignificant smudges. Graham added “H.O.F. 1965.” The Cleveland Browns’ star quarterback is a member of both the College and Pro Halls of Fame. Graham led the Browns to league championship games from 1946-55 and won seven of them. With Graham as the quarterback, Browns teams won 114 games while losing only 20 and posting four ties. He passed away in 2003. Kevin Keating authenticated the autograph.
Minimum Bid $75
Lot 256. “Red” Grange Autographed 8” x 10” B&W Photo. A charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Grange helped to ensure the growth and success of professional football. He is also a member of the College Hall of Fame. Grange died in 1991. His signature is large, bold, mint 9 and authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Current Bid $75
Lot 257. Joe Namath Autographed June 10, 1969 “Life” Cover. Huge mint 9 autograph authenticated by Kevin Keating. The article inside explores issues related to Namath’s “hoodlum haunted Manhattan nightclub named Bachelors III.” Vg+ to ex issue.
Current Bid $50
Lot 258. Johnny Unitas Autographed Doug West Print. Nm-m 8 signature by one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks. In “The Sporting News” list of top 100 football players of the 20th century, Unitas came in at No. 5, and Joe Montana was the only quarterback rated ahead of him. ESPN selected him as the 32nd best athlete of the century. Among his many accomplishments are touchdown passes in 47 consecutive games, four NFL championships and selection for the Pro Bowl 10 times. Unitas passed away in 2002. The open edition poster print is matted and framed to 20” x 24.” Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Minimum Bid $75
Lot 259. 20 Signed Football Photos – 10 by HoFers Including Starr, Lilly, Alworth, Etc. Unless otherwise noted, the autographs are nm-m 8 or better on color 8” 10” photos: Lance Alworth (personalized, b&w drawing), Jeff Blake, Chuck Foreman, Jimmy Johnson, Bob Lilly (added “HOF ‘80”), John Mackey (“HOF 92!”), Don Maynard (b&w, bold signature, smudge on “y”), Lenny Moore (b&w photo), Babe Parilli (sepia photo), Eric Rhett, Asante Samuel, Mark Rypien (9” x 12” magazine photo, added “Super Bowl XXVI M.V.P.”), Billy Sims (1978 Heisman Trophy winner), Bubba Smith (b&w, photo from a “Police Academy” movie), Jesse Solomon (color photo of the Georgian Dome), Bart Starr (personalized), Charley Taylor (“HOF 84”), Charley Trippi (sepia photo), Ron Yary (“HOF-01”) and Scott Zolak. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Minimum Bid $70
Lot 260. 15 Football Autographs - Rice, Butkus, Marino, Dorsett, Etc. - All on Baseballs! Except as noted, these autographs are nm-m 8 or better on the sweet spots of nm-m official baseballs that are white to off-white with strong pre-printed areas. Scattered discoloration of the ball, when present, is noted with an asterisk (*). Discoloration touching the signature is noted with two asterisks (**). Some players added their uniform number, which we have not noted. This group includes: Jerry Rice**; Dick Butkus**; Dan Marino*; Tony Dorsett**; Howie Long**, signed a side panel; Bob Lilly, added “#74” and “H.O.F. 80” (Rawlings Official League ball); Eric Dickerson*; Joe Theismann (Rawlings Official League ball); John David Crow**; Billy White Shoes Johnson; Floyd Reese**; Jackie Sherrill; Ken Burrough, added “HO Oilers”; Drew Pearson, nm 7 to nm-m 8 autograph (Rawlings Official League ball); and Coach Buddy Ryan, ex-m 6 to nm 7 autograph (Rawlings Official League ball). This collection holds potential interest for Pittsburgh, Dallas and Houston fans. Dorsett and Marino each played for Sherrill when he was either an assistant or head coach at the University of Pittsburgh. Dorsett, Lilly and Pearson played for the Dallas Cowboys. And Johnson and Burrough played for Houston, where Ryan coached. Rice, Butkus, Marino, Dorsett, Long, Lilly and Dickerson are all in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In addition, Theismann, Crow and Johnson are members of the College Hall of Fame. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Current Bid $81
Lot 261. 6 HoF Football Autographs on 11” x 14” Photos Including Gayle Sayers and Larry Little. Sayers added a huge 2” x 5” gem mint 10 signature to a photo presenting the NFL logo. Below, he wrote “HOF – 77” and “ROY – 65.” The other autographs are an action photos: Paul Krause, Larry Little, Tom Mack, Jan Stenerud and Dave Wilcox. The Krause, Little, Mack and Stenerud signatures are nm-m 8 or better on color photos. The Wilcox autograph is nm-m 7 on a sepia photo. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Minimum Bid $35
Lot 262. 15 Football Autographs – Namath, Sanders, Lane, Ditka, Etc. – on Single-Signed Baseballs! Except as noted, these autographs are nm-m 8 or better on the sweet spots of nm-m official baseballs that are white to off-white with strong pre-printed areas. Scattered discoloration of the ball, when present, is noted with an asterisk (*). Discoloration touching the signature is noted with two asterisks (**). Some players added their uniform number, which we have not noted. Seven of the signers are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Joe Namath**; Barry Sanders**; Dick Night Train Lane** (died 2002), signature extends from the west panel to the sweet spot; Earl Campbell*, signed a panel; Mike Ditka (Rawlings Official League ball); Len Dawson (Rawlings Official League ball), and Warren Moon. Four more are in the College Football Hall of Fame: Jack Pardee**; Giff Nielsen**; Archie Manning (Rawlings Official League ball), and Tommy Nobis (Rawlings Official League ball). Four other balls are signed by Al Smith (Houston, (Rawlings Official League ball); Mike Renfro (Rawlings Official League ball); Lou Rymkus (died 1998), signature extends from the west panel to the sweet spot, and Eric Metcalf**. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Current Bid $73
Lot 263. 15 Single-Signed Baseballs – with Football Autographs: Jim Brown, Bradshaw, Sayers, Etc.! This collection comprises seven autographs by members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, four by College Hall of Fame members and four others. Except as noted, these autographs are nm-m 8 or better on the sweet spots of nm-m official baseballs that are white to off-white with strong pre-printed areas. Scattered discoloration of the ball, when present, is noted with an asterisk (*). Discoloration touching the signature is noted with two asterisks (**). Some players added their uniform number, which we have not noted. The Pro Hall of Fame members are: Jim Brown**; Terry Bradshaw, ex-m 6 autograph that extends from the west panel to the sweet spot (Wilson Official League ball); Gale Sayers (Rawlings Official League ball); Jim Taylor, added “HOF 1976” and “‘31’”; Michael Irvin (Rawlings Official League ball); Thurman Thomas, and Elvin Bethea*, signed a side panel. The College Hall of Fame autographs are by: Donny Anderson (Rawlings Official League ball); Bill Yeoman*; Herschel Walker* and Bubba Smith** (died 2011). The other players are David Klingler* (Rawlings Official League ball); Carl Mauck, signed the sweet spots and a panel (Rawlings Official League ball); Ken Norton Jr.* and Dwight Clark**. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Current Bid $73
Lot 264. 34 Autographs – 8 by HoFers: Graham, Harris, Lott, Roaf, Stenerud, Trippi, Etc. Unless otherwise noted, these autographs are nm-m 8 and better on color 8” x 10” photos. Kevin Keating authenticated the signatures: Bobby Bell, John Brodie, Aaron Brooks (2 different), Larry Centers, Ben Coates, Troy Davis, Al Del Greco, Tyronne Drakeford, Marshall Faulk, Jeff Garcia, Abe Gibran (b&w), Otto Graham (b&w), Jim Grabowski, Steve Grogan (from a calendar page, personalized), Franco Harris, Joey Kent (Leaf 97 Authentic Signature 8” x 10”), Leon Lett (nm 7 to nm-m 8), Ronnie Lott (2, Oakland Raiders), Wayne Martin, Eugene Marve (nm 7 to nm-m 8), Cade McNown (with UCLA), Rick Mirer, Bam Morris, Jerome Pathon, Willie Roaf, Marcus Robinson, Heath Shuler (1994 Beckett magazine cover), Rohn Stark, Jan Stenerud, Yancey Thigpen and Charley Trippi (b&w). Also, Steve Atwater and Rod Smith on a composite photo honoring the 1997 AFC champions. Five New Orleans Saints are in this collection: Brooks, Davis, Drakeford, Martin and Roaf.
Current Bid $75
Lot 265. 5 Vintage College HoF Autographs – Horrell, Little, Meyer, Snavely and Spurrier. All of the autographs are on photos. Babe Horrell, Lou Little, Dutch Meyer and Carl Snavely all appear to have signed at a Boys Club event, possibly in Detroit, in 1940. In their inscriptions, all make some reference to the Boys Club. The first three autographed 8” x 10” b&w photos; Snavely signed a 5” x 7” b&w photo. Spurrier’s autograph is on what likely is an early to mid-1990s color 8” x 10” photo. Little, Meyer and Snavely are in the Hall of Fame as coaches; Horrell and Spurrier are enshrined as players, although both have coached at the college level. Horrell (died 1992) played for California and coached UCLA. His signature is mint 9. Little (d. 1979) played for the University of Pennsylvania and the NFL Frankford Yellow Jackets before coaching Georgetown and Columbia. Among the players he coached were Sid Luckman and Jack Kerouac. His signature is nm-m 8 with light coverage on the “u” and part of the second “L”; it is personalized to George Moeller. L. R. “Dutch” Meyer (d. 1982) led TCU teams to national championships in 1935 and 1938. He coached football there from 1934-52 and also had turns at coaching basketball and baseball. He coached Sammy Baugh and was a key contributor to development of the modern short-pass offense. His signature is ex-m 6. Above it, he wrote, “Hoping all you boys reach the zenith of your desires.” Snavely (d. 1975) compiled winning records at Bucknell, North Carolina, Cornell and Washington University of St. Louis. He was the first coach to use films to evaluate his opponents. His signature is nm-m 8 to mint 9. Spurrier place a nm-m 8 to mint 9 autograph on a photo that pictures him with Bobby Bowden and Dennis Erickson. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Current Bid $61
