The "man behind the curtain" is a phrase that invokes memories of The Wizard of Oz, a scene where the trusty watchdog named Toto pulls the curtain back to reveal the man behind this frightening persona. In 1974, the Pittsburgh Steelers discovered their own man behind the curtain—a second-round draft pick from Kent State named Jack Lambert—who would punish ball carriers who … [Read more...]
The Pittsburgh Punisher: A T.J. Watt Rookie Card Review
Trent Jordan Watt is the youngest of three football playing brothers.He followed his two older brothers footsteps and suited up and stepped on the gridiron at the University of Wisconsin.Although he's now known as an All-Pro, All-World outside linebacker, he actually started his college career as a tight end.The Pewaukee, Wisconsin native suffered a serious knee injury in 2014 … [Read more...]
Iron City Icon: A Ben Roethlisberger Rookie Card Review
Some didn't make it through a season. Others were done by the end of the decade. Some had long careers but have since retired. The Pittsburgh Steelers' top pick in the 2004 NFL Draft is not only still playing, he's still among the best at his craft. Yes, you have to go back a ways to recall a time when Ben Roethlisberger rookie cards were something … [Read more...]
Card Back Q&A: Dwight Stone Talks Blazing Speed, Steelers Mini Camps and FBI Agent Aspirations
Florala, Alabama native Dwight Stone went undrafted coming out of Middle Tennessee State in 1987 but still managed to forge a 14-year NFL career, playing the bulk of it with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After stints with the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets, he retired after the 2000 NFL season. The multi-threat back was known for his blazing speed. ‘Stoney’ was a running … [Read more...]
Gus Frerotte Q&A: NFL Trading Card Glamour Shots, Collecting Clemente and Punting in a Pinch
Quarterback Gus Frerotte was a standout during his time at the University of Tulsa. Drafted in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, he went on to play 15 seasons in the NFL for seven different teams. His finest season was the 1996 campaign, one in which he threw for nearly 3,500 yards and was named to the Pro Bowl. In 2008, Frerotte tied the NFL … [Read more...]
Levon Kirkland Q&A: Card Backs, Fun Facts, Encyclopedias and Signing Body Parts
The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the richest traditions of linebacker greats in the history of professional football. One name that probably isn't mentioned as often as it should be is that of Levon Kirkland. The Clemson graduate and South Carolina native was a two time Pro Bowler, a two time All-Pro, a two time team MVP and he was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Steelers Jerseys at Auction Cross the Decades
As part of its partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Lelands is offering another stack of game-worn jerseys in its current auction. The franchise kept hundreds of jerseys in storage, many dating back decades. The current group includes Steeler gamers dating back to the 1970s and 80s "Steel Curtain" era and even a couple worn by players in the … [Read more...]
Dream Team Signed Shoes Headline Lelands Auction
The 1992 Dream Team was the greatest basketball team ever assembled and a global phenomenon. Now Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Scottie Pippen signed, game-worn shoes from the team’s historic run to the gold medal are up for bid in the Lelands 2020 Spring Classic Auction, which runs through June 19. Offered publicly for the first time, the shoes were worn by the NBA … [Read more...]
Game-Used Jerseys from Steelers Greats Heading to Auction
Through its partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Lelands has secured 20 game jerseys from some of the team's all-time great players for its upcoming Spring Auction. Among the items that will be on the block are jerseys donned by Pro Football Hall of Famers Jack Lambert (1977), Andy Russell (1975), Mel Blount (1976), Rod Woodson (1992) and Jerome Bettis, along with … [Read more...]
1914 Baltimore Minor League Photo with Ruth Brings $190,323
A panoramic photo of the 1914 Baltimore Orioles including a smiling young Babe Ruth sold for $190,323 in as Lelands wrapped up its 2019 Spring Classic catalog auction early Saturday morning. The 6x14 photo pictures Ruth at age 19, lined up with other members of the minor league squad he joined after spending much of his youth at St. Mary's Industrial Home for … [Read more...]