This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/27/2010
Every great champion needs a nemesis, and for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s, that nemesis was the Oakland Raiders. The “bad boys” of the AFC, the Raiders didn’t want to just beat you, they wanted to hurt you in the process. While the Steelers were led by “aw shucks” country bumpkin Terry Bradshaw, the Raiders countered with a crafty southerner of their own, as Alabama graduate Kenny “The Snake” Stabler was one of the few field generals to successfully sneak a peek behind the “Steel Curtain,” knocking off Pittsburgh in the 1973 and 1976 playoffs, capturing a Championship in Super Bowl XI, and was twice named AFC Player of the Year. Presented is an amazing artifact from the 70s, a game-used Oakland Raiders home jersey, worn by “The Snake” during the 1973-1975 seasons, his first as a full-time starter. On the front left tail is the Sand-Knit size Large and Oakland Raiders exclusivity tag, with sewn-on vinyl silver numbers in correct font coupled with a screened-on name “STABLER” atop a cheesecloth plate, most prevalent during the ’75 season. Game use is moderate to heavy, with contact marks, rippling and minor cracking of the numerals, consistent fabric wear, and a tear to the upper left shoulder. Graded a perfect A10 by Dave Bushing, Troy Kinunen/ MEARS, and Lou Lampson concurs. Stabler gamers are extremely scarce, so there should be a good battle for this prize!
