This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/5/2022
Kevin Greene was a relentless pass-rusher, the quintessential "high motor" guy with a nose for getting to the quarterback throughout his 15 years in the NFL. Drafted out of Auburn in the 5th round by the Los Angeles Rams, Greene worked his way up the depth chart to become a very productive outside linebacker by his second season in the league. Presented here is his colorful helmet from that 1986 campaign in which Greene recorded seven sacks and helped L.A. to a 10-win season and a trip to the playoffs.
With a flock of wild blonde hair flowing out of his helmet, the relentless Greene spent eght seasons with the Rams before going on to star for the Steelers, Niners and Panthers. A character on and off the field, he also dabbled in pro wrestling and would regularly tag-team with fellow NFL player Steve McMichael at WCW events. Greene was named to five Pro Bowls and was the 1996 NEA Defensive Player of the Year. He retired following the '99 season with 160 career sacks and currently sits third on the NFL's all-time list (trailing only Bruce Smith and Reggie White). In fact, Greene has the most sacks ever by a linebacker. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016, Greene tragically died of a heart attack in December 2020 at the tender age of 58. He will long be remembered as one of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history.
The sturdy Riddell pro-model helmet with the Rams' patented yellow spiral horn design comes equipped with its quadruple-bar facemask and chinstrap. Both earpads are intact as are the interior foam padding and blue bladder. Blue dymo tape with "91 Greene" is affixed inside the left earhole. A tiny "86" (presumably for the year) is stamped on the rear of the shell to the left of the warning label. The two yellow Rams horn decals on each side of the shell are in excellent shape, as is the 'RAMS' sticker on the forehead. The outer shell shows an incredible amount of game use with dozens of deep scratches and gouges. The navy facemask is gashed, especially the middle bars. A fantastic mid-80s example of a dominant pass-rushers battle shield that saw some serious action in the trenches! Originally sold as part of the Newport Sports Museum Collection that we represented eight years ago.