The late George Blanda played 26 pro football seasons, winning three AFL titles and a league MVP award while setting countless passing and kicking records. He threw for 26,920 yards and 236 touchdowns, kicked 335 field goals and 943 extra points and retired in 1976 at the age of 48 as the game's all-time leading
scorer with 2,002 career points. This lot features a pair of Blanda keepsakes including his 1949-58 "Halas University" Chicago Bears Football Club's Bachelor of Professional Football certificate, bestowed upon him on Dec. 3, 1979.
The fictitious university's paperwork states: "Has conferred upon George Blanda the Degree of Professional Football for his dedication, loyalty, teamwork, qualities of leadership and football skills as a member of the Chicago Bears Football Club 1949-58." Blanda had, in essence, graduated from "Papa Bear" Halas's school of hard knocks. It includes a pair of machine-print signatures in black from George Halas Jr., President, and George Halas, Chairman of the Board. The impressive looking certificate measures 14"
wide by 11" tall.
The second piece is Blanda's 1994 Bears team-issued throwback jersey, which was produced during the NFL's 75th Anniversary celebration. The throwback style, blue-and-orange mesh jersey (size 48) includes "Champion" manufacturer's tagging on the left front tail ("DESIGNED & TAILORED EXCLUSIVELY FOR CHICAGO BEARS 1994"). On the front left shoulder is the NFL's embroidered 75th Anniversary patch. Blanda's uniform number "16" shows up in white tackle twill outlined in orange on both the right front shoulder as well as across the back, the latter numerals stretching 11.5" tall. His last name "BLANDA" finishes off the back of the jersey in white tackle twill letters outlined in orange sewn directly onto a dark blue nameplate that was sewn across the
shoulder blades.
LOA from Blanda family.