This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/11/2001.
Hugh "The Jet" McElhenny earned a place in both the college and pro football Hall of Fame, but this absolutely stunning jacket was his very first honor. The year was 1949, his first at halfback for Washington University, and McElhenny's spectacular rushing won him the letter that proudly adorns the jacket. McElhenny was the kind of runner who made the spectacular seem routine, often leaving would-be tacklers grabbing at air on his zig-zagging runs. As a Husky, he ran one 84 yards against Washington State, and he ran a punt back 100 yards against USC. That led to him being drafted first in the NFL draft in 1952 by the 49ers. He rushed for a 40-yard TD run on his first play from scrimmage and would win Rookie of the Year honors. McElhenny had a 15-year pro career, yet he may have valued the jacket above all else and kept it in his possession for 50 years. The jacket is made from blue wool and has tan leather sleeves and pocket tops. Two gold bars border the neck and bottom. The bright gold "W" letter with purple border is sewn onto the left breast of the jacket, which has snaps up the front. The "Lasley Knitting Company" label is in the neck, under an additional sewn-on label with "H McElhenny"stitched in red scripted lettering. Even with half a century behind it, the condition of the jacket is near flawless. It comes with a letter of authenticity from McElhenny.