This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/1/2012
Speed doesn't always equate NFL talent. Numerous times, speedsters were pegged by NFL teams in hopes of future NFL glory.
One of the only times a track star became a Hall of Famer was when the unforgettable Bullet Bob Hayes was selected in the seventh round of the 1965 draft - fresh off a gold medal performance in the 1964 Olympics.
MEARS is proud to offer one of the only known Bullet Bob Hayes double star durene jerseys. As the story goes, the jersey was initially worn by Amos Bullocks during his tenure (1962-64) and handed down for Hayes usage during practice of his rookie year.
We have found multiple photos of Hayes wearing this jersey for practice his rookie season and the jersey was also used in promotional photos. Situated on the blue durene shoulders are numbers and stars - both crafted in single-color white tackle twill. A crossover V-neck is included on front. The main numbers are made in single-color navy blue tackle twill. A few runs are evident on the pullover, as would be expected for a hand-me-down. The Southland tag in collar is no longer present but remnants of where it once stood are visible. The jersey is custom cut and uneven in the tail. The top right Cowboys star has pulled away on one edge.
Now we offer the provenance. Roger C. Pettee, was drafted by the Cowboys in the fifth round of 1965. Our research indicated he was cut in camp in '66 so he may have been a practice squad player. Hayes personally gave this jersey to Pettee, which was handed down to a family member. A letter from a Pettee family member will attend and include the lineage.
Moderate staining if found on front, possibly blood. We have found an image of Hayes wearing this exact jersey. We have determined this because of the crinkling on the first "2" on front, which matches up perfectly to this jersey.
q0038
(MEARS Auction LOA)