This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/25/2015.
Hayes wore this jersey during his 1977 rookie season with the Raiders where he would go on to be a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl Champion. The NFL has a rule bearing his name, which bans the use of the sticky substance known as stickum. On the front left tail is a “Sand-Knit” manufacturer’s tag with size “LARGE (42-44)” and wash instructions. Adjacent above is another “Sand-Knit” tag that reads “Designed & Tailored Exclusively for the Oakland Raiders”. Across the front, on back and on each sleeve is the cracking player number “37” in silver vinyl. Across the back is the player name “HAYES” in silver tackle twill on a black nameplate. Hayes has signed the “7” on the front and back of the jersey in black marker with the added inscription “#37”, in our opinion the signatures rate a strong 7 overall. Experimental vinyl numbering was issued for use in the '74 season. The jersey is a 1974 shell, which was carried over for use when issued to Hayes his rookie year in 1977. Jersey characteristics match a common hobby exemplar (Terry Robiskie). The spacing of the NOB and plate are exclusive to Hayes’ early career from which they subsequently transitioned to a more truncated variation. Video highlights from the Raiders 1977 season reveals what appears to be the start of the diagonal crease in the rear numeral "7" where the number is now cracked (one of the main reasons the league did not adopt the vinyl material). Resolution isn't great, but it should be noted that the spacing of the name "HAYES" in relation to the "3" and "7" is spot on. The start of the "H" is parallel with where the top of the "3" turns down. The end of the "S" is also in line with where the "7" starts to curve down. It is difficult to fully make out, but it appears that the right portion of the nameplate shows a slightly lighter color in the game shots, appearing the same way on the jersey and lines extending a little beyond the "7". The jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows outstanding use. Accompanied by a LOA from JSA.