Originally born in Los Angeles for the 1960 season, the “San Diego” Chargers franchise started its tenure in America’s Finest City in 1961. They competed in the American Football League up until the AFL/NFL merger in 1970. From there on out, they were playing as part of the American Football Conference inside the overall umbrella called the NFL. This lot features four different team-signed footballs from the Chargers during some of their early campaigns: 1962, ’66, ’69 and ’73. The first football, which is branded in gold “SAN DIEGO CHARGERS AUTOGRAPHS,” has faded since 1962 and along with it most of the ink signatures on it. It is inscribed, however: “To Mayor Charles Dail, A Real Champion, San Diego Chargers, 1962.” Dail served as the city’s mayor from 1955 to ’63. The second football, a Spalding AFL version, commemorates the 1966 season and includes 30 inked signatures on it including Hall of Famer Lance Alworth. The third football, a white panel version from 1969, features more than 30 autographs on it including Alworth, John Hadl, Jim Hill, Chuck Allen, Jim Campbell, Kenny Graham and Ron Mix. The fourth football, also a white panel variation from the 1973 campaign, boasts more than 35 signatures in ink and includes Hall of Famers Johnny Unitas, Dan Fouts and Alworth. Note: All internal bladders do not fully inflate.
Includes Letter of Provenance from the San Diego Hall of Champions.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.