This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/29/2012
Unequivocally, Charles Martin is the most infamous Packer of them all. Troubled Times in Titletown, authored by Sports Illustrated feature writer Frank Deford, amply described Green Bay's fortunes of the mid '80s. Free agents shunned the little city team that could, poor personnel decisions kept the team mired in mediocrity and the on-field product resembled more backyard football than anything.
The entire decade of the '80s could be basically summed up with one play - the Charles Martin hit on Jim McMahon. The NFL handed down Martin a two game suspension, then the harshest penalty for an infraction. Martin punched hit ticket out of town a year later following a "nightclub incident."
MEARS is pleased to offer Martin's game used helmet. Scott Waters secured this from the Packers helmet supplier and it has never seen the light of day until now. We have viewed and reviewed footage of the hit on McMahon and although we can't determine if it was worn during the late hit, there is high probability it was.
The offered headgear shows extreme use with deep gouges, helmet scrapes and scratches from trench battles. This is what a true game used helmet should look like. Light use need not apply with the offered relic. The left decal has a gouge through the "G". "94" is dymo labeled on the reverse, a white warning sticker is also apparent, although there are a few scrapes, and a near undecipherable size "7 7/8" sticker is also affixed.
Martin signed the back "Charles M" in bold black felt tip. WD1 padding is on the inside of the plastic shell.
We are safe in assuming this helmet was worn by Martin during the majority of his tenure in Green Bay. Was it worn during his most heinous act? Our guess would be yes given the extreme use.
Employed by the Green Bay Packers from 1984-2000, Scott Waters had on field access for each game, and mingled along the sidelines with the players. Several candid photos document his presence on the field. This lot originated directly from the Scott Waters collection. Detailed LOA’s personally signed by Scott Waters will be included with each item from his collection. Letters of authenticity: Scott Waters & MEARS / Troy Kinunen
n0028
(JSA Auction Letter; MEARS Auction LOA)