This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/11/2018
One of the greatest rivalries in modern NFL history is that between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers. Every game played between the two Ohio River blue collar towns carries a Super Bowl-like atmosphere. Front and center of the September 18, 2016, game between the two division foes was this jersey, worn by Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh came out the winner that afternoon, beating Cincy 24-16. Roethlisberger threw for 259 yards and 3 touchdowns. The experts at Resolution Photomatching have conclusively matched this jersey to photos of Big Ben taken during the game (Getty 607551530).
The black traditional home jersey has the Steelers crest sewn on the left front chest. The arms are ringed with gold and white striping. Roethlisberger’s No. “7” appears on the front, shoulders and back in white tackle twill. “ROETHLISBERGER” is sewn across the back shoulders in gold tackle twill on a black nameplate. The collar has the Nike size 46 +6” Length tagging, and although this jersey was worn during the 2016 season its tagging dates it as being manufactured in 2014. Roethlisberger has signed his back number in black pen.
The jersey exhibits outstanding evidence of game use, with abrasions, scuffs and other contact marks throughout. The tackle twill letters and numbers shows plenty of puckering and fraying. The back and front numbers show heavy soiling in the white. As if the photo-match and level of wear weren’t enough, there is piece of white medical tape across the front number with the game date and score labeled in black marker – a standard procedure by the Steelers equipment manager.
Big Ben gamers rarely become available in the hobby, especially ones as pounded and well-documented as this one. The only other example we have ever offered before sold for $16,147 in our Fall ’15 Auction. This jersey was originally sourced through Big Ben’s father, Ken, as explained in the letter of provenance from ProCamps. LOA from Resolution Photomatching with photo-matching details. Autograph pre-certified by PSA/DNA.