This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/3/2012
One of the toughest and by some standards the best college player ever to play at the University of
Florida. Standing 6’4” and weighing 245 pounds, Jack Youngblood played in 201 consecutive games. His
hard nose play and gritty persona earned Youngblood the nickname, “The John Wayne of Football”.
Upon retiring in 1984, Youngblood held the following Rams records:
Most Consecutive Games Played (201)
Most Career Sacks in the Playoffs (8.5)
Most Playoff Starts (17)
Most Career Safeties—tied (2)
2nd Most Career Sacks (151.5)
2nd most Career Blocked Kicks (8)
As a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his game worn jerseys are in high demand. Quality
examples are few, and forgeries are abundant. Offered for this sale is one of the finest 1980-84 circa Jack Youngblood Rams game worn jerseys extant.
Vintage photography documents Youngblood wearing this 1980-84 circa white body shell with blue and
gold trim on the road. The V neck with heat appliqué numbering and lettering was manufactured in
knit material supplied by the Medalist Sand Knit company. Per the policy of the day, no manufacturer’s identification was issued nor was there a league logo, which wasn’t adopted until 1991.
Examination of the Medalist tag when compared to the MEARS tagging database verifies this style of tag being issued during the 1980-84 era. The tag reads, “Designed & Tailored Exclusively for the Los Angeles Rams, National Football Conference”. An additional “MEDALIST” tag appears below. The jersey is tagged size 52.
Medalist was verified as the correct supplier of Rams jerseys during the 1980-84 era. Other examples
used for comparison include:
1980s Jack Youngblood Medalist
1982 Bert Jones Medalist
1983 David Levin Medalist
1984 Eric Dickerson Medalist
Therefore, this jersey boasts the correct tagging style and correct manufacture for a 1980-84 Rams game worn jersey.
Tagged as size 52, this is also verified as the correct size for Youngblood. MEARS examined another size 52 that has entered the hobby (MEARS database). The chest measures 20” across and we have a 35”
torso measurement. The longer 35” torso is appropriate for someone measuring 6”4” and is expected.
The 20” chest measurement is a result of tapering and elastic insert side panels.
The name “JACK YOUNGBLOOD” (3”) appears on appliqué letter applied to a name plate. Available
images support that Youngblood had his both his first and last name on the back of his jersey.
Per the NFL reference, number 85 was the correct uniform number for Jack Youngblood while with the
Rams. The numbering appears on the front (10”), reverse (12 1/2”), and sleeves (4”), and is applied with appliqué.
Examination of the name plate on a light table reveals the nameplate is all original and there are no signs of restoration.
Regarding game wear, we have evaluated this example as having moderate game wear. This is
refreshing as we often see high end jerseys bearing fabricated, heavy game wear. In my opinion, the
wear is authentic. On the upper left shoulder, is one team repair. In an 8” diameter around the repair are signs of contact marks. On the upper right shoulder, are two team repairs. In the same area are two white paint (helmet?) transfer marks. The front numerals show light scuffing. This combination of wear is indicative of a medium overall amount of use, albeit clearly visible.
Final Grade (MEARS A8): With the jersey matching all characteristics of manufacture, style, sizing,
numbering, lettering, tagging, etc, 10 base points were assigned. 2 points were subtracted for the
medium amount of use found.
Overall, one of the finest, all original Jack Young blood examples known.
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS