(LOT 12)
1948 Leaf #26 Bob Waterfield Black Name on Front Rookie PSA 8.5 NM-MT+
ULTRA TOUGH!!! Of the 98 football cards produced by Leaf for its famed 1948 football set, perhaps no single card is more desired than the high-grade issue of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Bob Waterfield. Only two examples are known above the grade of PSA 8, this 8.5 and one PSA 9. For the true football enthusiast, this museum grade relic represents the highest standard the Leaf set has to offer. The scorching red background envelopes Waterfield's image with perfect registration. A pack-fresh sheen glows along the card's surface, accentuating every detail of this masterpiece from the leather helmet era. The blinding blues resonate from the card's surface and are perfectly aligned at every point. Every corner defies the odds as they are perfect. Bob Waterfield captured the attention of Los Angeles long before his days with the Rams. During his senior season at UCLA, he married actress Jane Russell, then proceeded to lead the Bruins to the Rose Bowl.

Drafted by the Cleveland Rams, as a rookie in 1945, Waterfield carved apart enemy defenses, leading his team to the NFL title, while becoming the first player in league history to be named Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. A dangerous two-way and special teams player, as well as All Pro quarterback. After the Rams moved to LA, Waterfield was platooned with teammate Norm Van Brocklin at quarterback, forming the most dangerous passing tandem in NFL history. The dynamic duo led the Rams to three straight NFL title games, culminating in a championship in 1951. Fittingly, the two-time NFL player of the year was enshrined in Canton in 1965. And no other Rams player will ever wear the number 7 again. When considering this card, consider the opportunity; consider the rarity; and consider that this vintage representation of football should not be seen as a card, but rather as a living piece of history celebrating one of the NFL's greatest quarterbacks. Sold in 2010 for over $31,000.

MIN BID $7,500