Thirty-five years ago, the Chicago Bears dominated the NFL like few teams. With a rock-solid defense, the Bears went 15-1 and steamrolled New England 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. One of the feelgood stories that season centered around a 335-pound rookie defensive lineman, William “The Refrigerator” Perry. Coach Mike Ditka would insert “The Fridge” in the backfield on goal-line … [Read more...]
Chicago Greats Have Collectors, Fans Excited for Autographs
Christmas came early this year for Chicago sports fans planning on attending the National Sports Collectors Convention. Of the more than one hundred former athletes that will be signing at the Tristar Autograph Pavilion, close to three dozen of them have called The Windy City home at some point during their career. “The National always has a great lineup of legends,” … [Read more...]
George Halas’ 1940s Coach’s Jacket Expected to Generate Big Price
He founded one of the NFL’s cornerstone franchises and was still coaching five decades later. Now, a rare piece from the career of George Halas has made its way to the auction block. A former Bears’ player wound up with of his coach’s old jacket, telling the tale in a handwritten note 20 years ago. It’s one of the top items In Heritage Auctions’ current memorabilia … [Read more...]
NFL’s First #1 Draft Pick in 1936 Got a Football Card–19 Years Later
For a guy who isn't in the Hall of Fame, Jay Berwanger sure has a couple of pretty significant football "firsts" behind his name. He was named the winner of the first Heisman Trophy for his efforts at the University of Chicago in 1935. A couple of months later, the NFL held its first college draft and Berwanger was the top choice, taken by the lowly Philadelphia … [Read more...]
Chicago Bears Launch Auctions on Team App
The Chicago Bears have launched an auction site that will include game-worn and game-used memorabilia, autographed items and various fan experiences. The auctions will be conducted throughout the year on the team’s free app. Proceeds from the auctions will benefit Bears Care, the team’s charitable arm. Items offered with the Auction launch include: A game-worn … [Read more...]
1926 Shotwell Candy Cards Honored Red Grange
Red Grange was one of American football's first collegiate and professional stars. Grange rose to stardom first at the University of Illinois and later with the Chicago Bears. In 1926, Grange was out of college and starring in a motion picture, called "One Minute to Play." That year, the Shotwell Manufacturing Company sought to capitalize on his fame and created two card sets … [Read more...]
Gale Sayers Collection to Highlight Super Bowl 50 Auction
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gale Sayers has chosen to sell his personal collection and came to the National Sports Collectors Convention Wednesday to unveil some of his items that will be up for bid at the Super Bowl 50 Live Auction in San Francisco early next year. After a brilliant college career, Sayers spent seven seasons in the NFL during the 1960s and early … [Read more...]
Walter Payton Rookie Cards Show Consistently Strong Growth
Forty years after he first donned a training camp jersey (#21) at the Chicago Bears’ new Lake Forest, IL training camp, Walter Payton rookie cards remain among the most popular of the modern era. Prices for high-grade examples have been rising at a steady pace since the beginning of the decade. In fact, it’s safe to say they’ve been a pretty good investment. Walter … [Read more...]
Photo of the Day: Last NFL Player to Refuse a Helmet
Edgar “Eggs” Manske got about all he could out of life. A small town walk-on who became a college football star. An NFL standout who played in one of the most famous games ever. A World War II veteran who married an Olympian and spent 53 years with her. Earned a law degree. Moved west and taught high school for 20 years. He was also the last NFL player to suit up … [Read more...]
Acquired for Cash…and Chicken…1975 Payton Jersey Goes on Block
MEARS Online is offering a Walter Payton rookie jersey as part of its June auction. The current owner of the #34 home mesh Chicago Bears shirt originally obtained it from the personal collection of long time Chicago White Sox clubhouse man, “Chicken” Willie Thompson in the early 1980’s, according to MEARS. It is now being offered to collectors for the first time. It’s the … [Read more...]