2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Kevin Greene retired in 1999 and currently sits third all-time in career sacks. The outside linebacker spent his first eight seasons wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks with the L.A. Rams before stints with the Steelers, Panthers, 49ers and the Carolina Panthers again. Greene wore this offered helmet during his initial Panthers tenure in 1996 when he set an NFL record with five consecutive multi-sack games and led the NFL in sacks with 14.5. It was the second time Greene led the league in sacks during his storied career. More importantly, he helped lead Carolina all the way to the NFC Championship against Green Bay in just the franchise’s second NFL season.
The silver shell, with navy and royal blue decal stripes over the middle and Panther logo decals on each side, shows significant game use in the form of soiling and surface scratches. The size 7 1/4 - 7 3/4 helmet has proper Riddell VSR-4 interior labeling, with a “TM/@1995 NFLP” sticker next to the right earhole. The internal padding remains in good shape, as do the ear pads; the Riddell chinstrap does not appear to be the original. The facemask shows minor wear and tear, with “95” dated clips. Both ’95 year call-outs make sense as most helmets from that era were refurbished and carried over the following season.
What makes this helmet particularly special is the incredible inscription provided by Greene to his friend and regular counterpart, 49ers QB Steve Young. “STEVE, I ENJOY THE COMPETITION LEVEL YOU BRING TO THE GAME. THE CHALLENGE TO CONTAIN YOU IS TREMENDOUS. I’M NOT SURE IT CAN BE DONE! K GREENE #91 – 1994 + 1996 NFL SACK LEADER.” This helmet was given by Greene to Young after another one of the many NFC West inter-division battles the two had over the years. It comes with outstanding provenance from the personal collection of Dave Rahn, the 49ers former Director of Operations who passed away in 2014. Rahn was very close with Young during his tenure.
Includes letter of provenance from Dave Rahn’s widow. Autograph and inscription pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
Provenance: From 1986-2002, Dave Rahn served an integral role within the San Francisco 49ers organization. Starting as a public relations and media coordinator, he soon took over as director of travel and team services where he was responsible for all football operations, including travel and accommodations, practice schedules, lodging and meal planning. He later managed the concert tours for Fleetwood Mac, Sheryl Crow and Lionel Richie. In 2014, Dave Rahn passed away after a courageous 2-year battle with cancer. "He was like a wheel, and all these spokes from those years came from him," said his close friend, former linebacker Gary Plummer. "He kept the 49ers family from those times together." His collection includes dozens of game-worn and autographed items gifted by 49ers players and staff members.