This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2014
1976 USC Trojans home jersey game-worn by running back Ricky Bell in his senior Heisman runner-up season. At 6'2" 220 lbs. Bell was a behemoth running back for that era, and he ran more like Earl Campbell than O.J. Simpson. After moving from fullback to tailback, he put together two of the greatest back-to-back seasons in Trojan history, finishing in the top three in the Heisman voting as a junior and senior. Bell was chosen with the 1st overall pick in the 1977 NFL draft, but soon contracted a rare tissue disease that forced him into early retirement at the age of 27 and took his life two years later.
The red nylon mesh jersey has Bell's No. 42 front and back in yellow with USC themed striped sleeves. The bottom has been cut off, perhaps taking any manufacturer's tagging with it. "RICKY BELL" is neatly printed in red marker on the bottom of the '2' front and back. The jersey shows solid wear, with a couple holes in the mesh fabric and minor soiling to the back '4'. Style match photo from 1976 attached. Great piece to honor a legendary Trojan.
Includes Letter of Provenance from the Newport Sports Museum, plus a Letter of Authenticity from the USC Athletic Department.