This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2023
Pro Football Hall of Famer George Blanda had an outstanding and seemingly evelasting career with the Chicago Bears, Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders. His versatility as a quarterback, placekicker and punter was a throwback to early gridiron legends like Jim Thorpe. On the field, he led his teams to three AFL Championships, won AFL MVP in 1961, AP Player of the Year in 1970, and set many passing and kicking records along the way. His record 26-year run in the NFL and AFL began in 1949, and he remains one of just two players to appear in four different decades (other being John Carney who was just a kicker). Blanda passed away in 2010 and SCP represented his personal memorabilia collection through his widow, Betty (college sweetheart from UK) in our Winter 2017 Auction.
Offered here is a rare 1954 original portrait photograph of Blanda in his Chicago Bears uniform that was used for his 1954 Bowman rookie card. The striking 8x10 image with pinpoint clarity, a super clean surface and sharp corners is encapsulated and designated Type I by PSA/DNA. This is the first example of this shot we've ever seen.