(LOT 5)
Extraordinary Walter Payton c.1975-'78 "Rookie Era" Chicago Bears Game Worn Road Jersey – MEARS A10
For 13 incredible seasons (1975-1987), Walter Payton was the "eye of the Windy City's apple", captivating Chicago's zealous fans to the tune of 16,726 rushing yards and 110 touchdowns, while leading the Bears to their only Super Bowl victory in January 1986. "Sweetness", his popular nickname, could "stop on a dime and cut back" against the most formidable defenses possible, with his running style similar to other elusive icons such as Gale Sayers, O.J. Simpson and Barry Sanders. His list of accolades is seemingly infinite including 9 All-Pro appearances, the 1977 rushing leader, the 1977 Most Valuable Player, 1970's & 1980's All-Decade teams, the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time team and a member of the Football Hall of Fame.

He was loved by an adoring football nation, and his tragic death at the tender age of 45 due to a rare liver disease sent shockwaves throughout the NFL circuit. It is therefore with little surprise that avid football enthusiasts actively seek his most treasured artifacts with NONE OF THEM more desirable than a "ROOKIE ERA" game used jersey from his 1970's playing days. That said, we at Memory Lane are proud to present this remarkable Walter Payton c.1975 – '78 Chicago Bears game worn road jersey that has been assessed with a perfect A10 score by the prestigious MEARS authentication company!

Showing significant game use, this Wilson manufactured mesh garment reveals Payton's retired #34 on the front, verso, and both his shoulders, with all of the #34's as well as Payton's hallowed name affixed to the back (heat pressed to a standard name plate) revealing bold midnight blue and orange border fabric hues. The Wilson label indicates size "44" with that style tag and size verifying the 1975 – 1978 period as designated on the critical MEARS A10 LOA. Synonymous with the "mid to late 1970's" is the wide spacing of the orange and blue stripes along both sleeves, and some of the game use includes pinkish/red turf stains situated on the top/back of the left shoulder, several team repairs and various areas of obvious contact.

One of the finest Walter Payton game worn jerseys in the hobby, it rekindles fond memories of the great Walter Payton's earliest playing days, and how this sensational running back could easily make the finest defensive lineman and linebackers look foolish as he gracefully eluded them time after time towards his opponent's end zone. Dubbed by Mike Ditka as the greatest player he ever coached as well as being the consummate team player, one of Walter Payton's all-time favorite quotes ironically was: "we are stronger together than we are alone!" - FULL MEARS A10 LOA Specifying the 1975-1978 Era.

MIN BID $4,000
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