This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/3/2012
The Buffalo Bills were a frugal organization which used its equipment until it was nearly unsalvageable.
Such is the case with this #32 game worn jersey with a labeling period of about 1966-68 according to the MEARS database. We are attributing the use of this size "46" jersey to Gary McDermott who served as a running back in Buffalo in 1968 before giving way to OJ Simpson a year later. With that being said, the jersey could have also been sported by Jack Spikes from 1966-67 as well.
Following the jersey's NFL life cycle, it was handed down to The Juice during his Hall of Fame run. It was commonplace for teams to hand down jerseys which served as practice garments before they were absolutely trashed. The original owner of this knit garment obtained it from his father who played on a local Buffalo semi-pro squad. The semi-pro team received their jerseys from the Bills once their old ones were deemed not fit for gridiron action.
Extreme wear is shown with heavy puckering on the two-color tackle twill numbers and much of the red anchor stitching gone to time. The front "32" has pulled away in spots as has the left "2" shoulder number is partially disengaged as well. Two true team repairs are found on front. Remnants of where a nameplate once stood are visible and there are at least two "pulls".
Applied in the tail is a Rawlings manufacturer's tag (secured on one edge) and washing instructions label. Embedded sleeve striping and elbow reinforcements help seal the deal.
Overall, an impressive AFL heavy knit jersey handed down to one of the finest, and infamous, runners of them all.
r0688
LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS
(MEARS Auction LOA)