This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/3/2012
Kickers take a beating and are often ridiculed for trotting on the field, avoiding contact at all costs and looking dainty compared to their behemoth teammates.
Garo Yepremian is famous, well infamous, for trying to gather a blocked kick and throw a pass. His attempt was thwarted as he fumbled in mid throw. A defender picked off the pass and returned it for a touchdown. We didn't mention that it was during the Super Bowl so the grandest of stages was when this untimely mishap occurred.
While the play set back kickers street cred for decades on end, Yepremian was a solid, if not spectacular, kicker who pocketed two Pro Bowls. This interesting helmet was donned by Garo when he called Detroit home in 1966-67. What makes it noteworthy is that no facemask is found on front and we don't believe one was ever used by the kicker. We have found an image which we will provide showing Yepremian wearing a similar helmet, with no facemask, although it is not a direct photo match.
The inner right ear hole has "1" markered in vintage pen and "B 365" stamped which we believe means it was made for the 1965 season. The opposite side has "1" and "YARO" written. Numerous gouges and signs of use are shown on the silver headgear. The left leather jaw pad is missing. The decals appear more green than blue but are correct.
s0412
LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS
(MEARS Auction LOA)