This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/29/2012
One play can turn an everyday player into a star or work the other way around. Charles Martin was your ordinary defensive tackle who gained nationwide prominence for all the wrong reasons.
His one lapse in judgment changed everything and followed him to the grave. In a game in Chicago in 1986, Mark Lee picked off a Jim McMahon pass. Moments after throwing the interception, Martin went up to the punky QB and inexplicably threw him to the ground re-injuring his shoulder. The Bears Super Bowl hopes were all but extinguished and the Packers were known as a bunch of thugs. Tragically, Martin would die at age 45 from kidney failure, never quite able to live down his one bonehead move.
This size "52" jersey was worn by Martin in 1986 or '87 when he played at Lambeau Field. Heavy use is shown with at least 10 repairs throughout the shoulders and back. Hit marks are still evident on the right shoulder numbers. The right Packer "G" sleeve stripe is hacked to fit Martin's specifications.
Additional length is build into the sides, this was before spandex sides became chic among NFL teams. "MARTIN" is correctly spaced to a nameplate on back. A lone size "52" tag occupies the collar while the tail features Packers exclusivity (partially disengaged) and size tags.
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
n0053
(MEARS LOA)