This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
Presented here is a vintage Jon Arnett Chicago Bears game-worn and signed white road jersey, circa 1964-65. Arnett played 10 years in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams (1957-63) and Chicago Bears (1964-67). The All-American halfback out of USC was a do-everything back in the pros as well, taking handoffs and catching balls out of the backfield, lining up as a split end, and returning punts and kicks. He was named to the Pro Bowl five years in a row from 1967-61. In 1965 for the Bears, Arnett amassed 477 yards from scrimmage with 5 rushing TDs and 679 all-purpose yards. He even threw for a TD. This white jersey has Arnett's number "21" in dark blue with orange trim both front and back with smaller numbers on the sleeves. King O'Shea size 44 tag sewn in front shirttail. Arnett has signed the left chest area in thick black marker. Jersey exhibits heavy use with soiling throughout and four teams repairs--two flanking the front numbers, one on the right shoulder and another five inches below the left armpit. So rare to find early gridiron gamers like this, especially ones with such impeccable provenance!
6/17/06 LOA from Jon Arnett documenting its use during the '65 season. Letter of provenance from the Newport Sports Museum. The founder of the museum, John Hamilton, is a fellow USC alum and chairman of the USC Athletic Hall of Fame. He has been a good friend of "Jaguar" for 30 years. Hamilton himself was enshrined in 2015 for his role in essentially developing the USC Hall of Fame in 1994 as well as his many charitable endeavors, including the museum.
Autograph pre-certified by PSA/DNA.