(LOT 1145)
1985 Kevin Nelson USFL L.A. Express Game Worn Full Uniform & Helmet
Featured here is a rare Los Angeles Express head-to-toe uniform ensemble (everything but the cleats) game-worn by running back Kevin Nelson during the brief but significant existence of the United States Football League, better known as the USFL. The set is from 1985 season based on the LA logo on the jersey and the red stripe additions to the helmet, jersey and pants. A star at UCLA who rushed for over 2,500 yards and 20 TDs as a Bruin, Nelson was the primary ball carrier for the Express during his two-year stint as he led the team in rushing yards and rushing TDs. His quarterback was a young southpaw named Steve Young, who received a $40 million contract out of Brigham Young which at the time obliterated the record for a professional football contract.

The white road mesh jersey with red and blue striped sleeves has Kevin Nelson's number "3" in large navy (outlined with a white and red perimeter pattern) on the front and back, as well as smaller versions on each shoulder. The "LA" logo in navy with gray outline is pressed into each sleeve. "NELSON" in large navy letters on a white nameplate adorns the back. The "medalist Sand-Knit" logo tag with size "46" is sewn behind the collar along with a "Designed & Tailored Exclusively for the LOS ANGELES EXPRESS UNITES STATES FOOTBALL LEAGUE" tag directly above. The jersey exhibits good overall wear with sweat staining around the neck, minor fraying at the seams and a few black markings. The gray road pants with the same "medalist Sand-Knit" tagging, except they are size 28, have an elastic waistband and red, blue and white stripes running down the outer seams.

A number "83" is marked faintly in black about the manufacturer tag indicating these could have also been worn by another player (WR Duane Gunn wore #83 in '84 and '85) either before or after Kevin Nelson. They show excellent wear with pilling and staining from dirt and sweat. The interior foam thigh and knee pads, fabric belt with metal buckle, and dual lace/zip-up crotch system are completely intact. The Riddell size 7 5/8 helmet has the "LA" logo decal in navy with white outline on each side of the silver shell. The same red, blue and white stripe pattern on the pants runs over the center of the shell. The warning label is stuck to the rear All inner padding remains intact. The original ear pads and Riddell chinstrap are intact, as are the interior padding and blue facemask.

Inside the left ear hole is "82" marked in blue, indicating it could have also been worn by another player (WR Timmy White & TE Gordon Hudson wore #82 in '84 and WR Gary Lowell wore it in '85) either before or after Nelson. The helmet shows obvious signs of wear and game-use both on the shell and inside. A pair of long white athletic socks with the Express striped colors is also included, full of sweat, blood and other funk that comes with game-use. All items come as-issued and problem-free, rare memories from an extinct era of football that helped shape and strengthen the NFL we love today. Includes a Letter of Provenance from the Helms Athletic Foundation/LA84 Collection.

MIN BID $200
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