(LOT 643)
1965 Topps #122 Joe Namath Rookie PSA 8 NM-MT
NAMATH ROOKIE!!! One of the most renowned gridiron rookie cards belongs to Joe 'Willie" Namath with his iconic 1965 Topps inaugural subject presented here in a breathtaking PSA 8 holder! Bested by only a mere 8 PSA encapsulated copies, this extraordinary "Broadway Joe" offering represents the pinnacle of football card collecting, for every esteemed rookie card enthusiast highly covets Namath's initial Topps keepsake. While not achieving the finest lifetime statistics, Joe Namath's impact to the game itself secures his place in football history. The legendary New York Jets Hall of Fame quarterback guaranteed Super Bowl III victory over the mighty Baltimore Colts changed professional football forever.

He forever earned a place in immortality when his upstart Jest pulled off the impossible; upsetting the virtually unbeatable Baltimore Colts 16-7 in Super Bowl III and ending the NFL's dominance over the then perceived inferior AFL. It was this sole victory that led to the eventual AFC and NFC conferences BOTH being part of a solitary National Football League. True, other quarterbacks have thrown more touchdowns, completed more passes and compiled a significant higher number of passing yards, but Namath deserves a majority of the credit for two separate football leagues being united as one. Synonymous with Mickey Mantle's incomparable mystique, while other players produced far better statistics, Namath's and "The Mick's" unparalleled impact on their respective sport's card markets are driven by their inaugural Topps cardboard subjects!

Most of the technical attributes of this rookie card gem are consistent with its appropriate assessment, starting with the ultra-popular image that exhibits immaculate clarity and contrast. Namath's quintessential pose is set against a nearly flawless radiant yellow hued background as he prepares to launch another one of his perfectly spiraled passes. Atypical for most Namath rookie cards is the well-centered image and four blinding white borders. Brilliant surfaces, razor-like corner tips, and vivid print registration complete this majestic offering that synonymous with "Broadway Joe's" immortal stature, has only been bested by a handful of "Mint 9" specimens!

MIN BID $17,500
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