ADDENDUM: RESEARCH INDICATED HELMET COULD BE PRACTICE WORN. PHOTO AND TAGGING EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT PANTS AND POSSIBLY OTHER ITEMS WERE WORN IN DIFFERENT SEASONS OR MULTIPLE YEARS.
When Carson Palmer first set foot at the University of Southern California, the once proud Trojan football program was in a state of flux. Legendary coach John Robinson was fired in 1997 after a couple of lackluster seasons and the team was looking for a new leader and a new identity. USC hired Pete Carroll in 2001 and things quickly turned around thanks primarily to his big, strong 6'5" quarterback from Fresno, CA. Palmer won the starting job late in his Freshman year of 1998. An injury in 1999 forced him to redshirt, but he started every game for the Trojans from 2000-2002. As a senior in 2002, Palmer won the Heisman Trophy while leading the 11-2 Trojans to the PAC-10 title, a victory in the Orange Bowl and a #4 national ranking. He set numerous PAC-10 records during his collegiate career and will long be remembered for rejuvenating the storied USC program, which won two straight National Championships and six straight PAC-10 titles following his departure to the NFL. Featured here is an incredible opportunity to own a complete set of Carson Palmer USC game-worn uniform pieces from his impressive sophomore, junior and senior campaigns.
The white mesh/cadora pullover garment with red epaulet shoulders features Palmer's number "3" on the chest, each sleeve and the back in red tackle twill. Each sleeve bears stretch knit sleeve cuffs. His right sleeve cuff is cut at the bottom, a customized preference evident in game photos to give his throwing arm more room to operate. A red Nike "swoosh" appears near the left shoulder. An interlocking "SC" logo appears at the "v" of the collar. A size "48" label appears on the left front tail with a small flap tag reading "S". Palmer has signed the left cadora shoulder in 7-8/10 black marker with his uniform "#3" inscribed. It has an abundance of wear, with stretching in the neck and sleeves, contact marks throughout, and a couple small tears in the fabric. There's a team repair the left of the back numeral. Based on photos and an LOA from USC, this road white jersey was game-worn during his 2002 Heisman season.
The yellow pants with red stripes down the side come with no manufacturers tag, but have Palmer's uniform no. "3" marked in black inside the waistband. The size "32 R" is also marked inside the waistband, along with scribbles of what appears to be a couple other Trojan players who wore these pants before Palmer. The pants come with an Adams brand butt flap for extra padding and both sets of thigh and knee pads tucked inside the legs. A size 34 yellow belt is included as are the original laces for fastening the crotch. These pants are beat up, with four team repairs and a small hole in the rear. With no Nike swoosh across the right leg, they were most likely worn during the 2001 season.
The red helmet shows a ton of game and/or practice use. It has two Trojan decals on each side and the 'BIKE' brand stamped at the forehead. It looks like some labels and decals were removed from the rear as there are sticky remnants. Some of the interior padding has been removed or worn out. Size 'LARGE' is stamped in the foam roof of the remaining padding. Both ear pads are missing as is the chinstrap. The facemask indicates this helmet was most likely worn during the 2000 season when the Trojans sported red-coated bars. (They switched to gray bars in 2001). It could be that this helmet was worn in practice by Palmer during the 2001 and 2002 seasons, as the triple-bar cage was not typical for quarterbacks. There are so many gashes and contact marks on the shell; it certainly has seen its share of hits. Palmer has signed the front of the shell with his "#3" in 7-8 black marker.
Also included are Palmer's game-worn Douglas shoulder pads and Nike cleats. The yellow size XL Douglas 'QBKXL' pads come equipped with all straps and plastic protection plates completely intact. They show appropriate game use. The black Nike cleats have Palmer's no. "3" and his size "13" painted in white on the heel. The individual cleats on the bottom are covered with mud from field action giving them that true game-used feel. They come with original laces intact and the exterior black leather discolored with dirt and chalk. A hole was made in the right shoe insole for display purposes on the mannequin. You won't find a more authentic game-worn uniform set than this from Carson Palmer, who remains one of the best signal callers to ever lead the Trojans into battle.
Include a Letter of Provenance from the Newport Sports Museum. Jersey comes with Letter of Authenticity from then USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
Note: Mannequin not included.