This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/2/2018
The 1983 NFL draft produced three Hall of Fame quarterbacks, headlined by number 1 overall pick John Elway of Stanford. Offered in this lot is an early career jersey dating to his 1985 season with the Broncos, when he lead the team to an 11-5 record with an NFL best 6 fourth quarter comebacks, displaying an early flair for the dramatic which would follow him throughout his career. Full details of the MEARS evaluation are as follows...
Style: Full white mesh body, ribbed V neck which extends below the chest seam. Blue,orange, blue sleeve stripe applique with 3/4 sleeve with factory hem. Numerals, front, back, shoulder are blue on orange applique. Nameplate is blue block single tackle twill on mesh nameplate. Jersey style compare favorably to available images.
Tagging: Russell tag (1983-95, Verifed via the MEARS Tagging Database). Manufacturer is correct for the era. Other examples to have entered the hobby include:
1986-88 Clarence Kay
1986-87 Karl Mecklenburg
1984-88 Rulon Jones
1987-88 Ricky Nattiel
1986-88 Orson Mobley
1986-88 Keith Bishop
1986-88 Greg Kragen
1986-88 Vance Johnson
Dating: Per the MEARS database, the history of team supplier for the Broncos were:
1971 Sand Knit (unconfirmed), last year of durene
1972 Russell Southern
1973 Sand Knit
1974 Sand Knit
1975 Russell
1976 Sand Knit
1977 Russell
1978-1983 Wilson
1984 Russell (1stYR “V” Neck) neckline extends below chest seam. Broncos 25th Anniversary Patch Right Side)
1985 Russell (“V” neckline extends below chest seam)
1986 Russell (“V” neckline meets chest seam)
1987 Russell (“v” neckline meets chest seam)
1988 Russell (“V”neckline meets chest seam)
1989 Wilson
Therefore, based on the “V” neck which extends below the neckline and the lack of the Broncos 25th Anniversary patch found on the right side (no visble signs), we date the shirt to 1985.
Game Wear: Jersey exhibits modern wear with an on field stain on front.
Size 46: Jersey is labeled as size 46 on the Russell tag. Chest measurements confirm the shirt is accurately sized.
Autograph: Elway has also signed the reverse of the jersey in black marker along with an "SB XXXIII MVP" inscription.
Final Grade (MEARS A10): When examining and comparing the jersey to the 5 categories of evaluation per the MEARS Official Worksheet, there was no point deduction.
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS
(JSA Auction Letter)