This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2018
The bruised and battered jersey offered here is the perfect visual example of how the mid-1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers played ball. This example was worn by defensive tackle Ernie “Fats” Holmes, one fourth of the famed "Steel Curtain" defense along with "Mean" Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood and Dwight White and the one opponents feared the most. Fats was known throughout the league as a fierce competitor, virtually unstoppable on the field due to both his determination and sheer size. He helped Pittsburgh win two Super Bowls during his brief but efficient career (1971-77), and recorded multiple double-digit sack seasons. During the '76 season in which he battled it out in the trenches wearing this jersey, the Steelers advanced to the AFC title game where they fell to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Raiders.
This black duren's jersey is literally covered with team repairs. The front has Holmes’ feared number “63” in white tackle twill, the same number appearing on both shoulders. The back has “HOLMES” in Steelers gold on a black nameplate above his number “63” in white. The tackle twill displays puckering from laundering and loose threads abound. A "76" year tag appears on the front right tail. If you're looking for a pounded gridiron gamer from one of the most storied NFL dynasties, look no further.