This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2018
The first quarterback in NFL history to surpass the 4,000-yard mark in a season, Hall of Famer "Broadway" Joe Namath will forever be remembered for his brash guarantee of victory in Super Bowl III, though facing the steep climb of a 17-point underdog. It was only fitting that Namath made good on his promise, bypassing the NFL to join the fledgling AFL and playing in front of the bright lights of the New York faithful. As a result, Namath's 1965 Topps "tall-boy" rookie card is considered by many to be the grand prize of all football cards and this SGC 84 NM 7 example is one prize worth pursuing. The offered specimen were it not for a slight centering preference for the left and an almost imperceptible clockwise turn, would certainly be in consideration for a higher grade. With above-grade corners and edges and a pack-fresh general appearance, this "butterfly variant," which is how hobbyists refer to the variety of Namath rookies that display the print mark on the left hand, offers extraordinary visual appeal. A clean, boldly-struck and well-centered reverse complements the obverse to perfection, leaving no doubt that this example is entirely worthy of inclusion in any top-notch football card collection.