First time seen by our staff, this is a ultra rare, all original, 1977-78 Art Best Chicago Bears Game Worn Monday Night Football jersey. Manufactured by Wilson, this size 44 jersey is properly tagged, shows heavy game wear with multiple team repairs, and comes with the ultra rare, intact, Monday Nite Football yellow nameplate.
On the front of the jersey approximately 4" below the front 25 numerals, is a horizontal "v" shape team repairs (4" long). Below that area is an approximate 6" diameter area of contact marks which have compressed the fabric and left white transfer marks outlining the general area as described. The Wilson manufacture tag is heavily worn, with the anchoring stitching broken on left side and upper right corner, damage associated with heavy game wear. In the panel of the right shoulder yoke is 5 small contact holes, in the area that would have made contact with the shoulder pads during game contact. The right shoulder 25 shows heavy scuff marks and a blue transfer mark. There is one small hole in the same general area of the right should 25.
In the area of the left shoulder yoke section, there is a 2" team repair along with contact marks and bruising to the shoulder numerals.
The front numerals exhibit heavy bruising to both numerals.
The nameplate is Wilson supplied tackle twill material which has been double sewn onto the reverse of the jersey. The players name "BEST" appears with yellow on orange screened lettering. The defining difference is the yellow lettering.
Jersey grades a MEARS A9.5, with one 1/2 point deduction for the loose tag.
Collection of MEARS Staff.