This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/27/2021.
Hall of Famer Barry Sanders was perhaps the most electrifying athlete of the 1990s. Every time the Detroit Lions star running back touched the ball he had the ability to make something magical happen. He rarely disappointed. Sanders dazzled fans, frustrated defenses and thrilled teammates and coaches alike with his ability to elude defenders. Well on his way to eclipsing the all-time career rushing mark, Sanders opted to leave the game on top after the 1998 season. He finished his brilliant 10-year career with 15,269 yards rushing and 109 touchdowns. Sanders wore this jersey on October 14th, 1990 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Sanders finished the game with 135 receiving yards, 90 rushing yards and scored 2 touchdowns. On the front left tail is the MacGregor Sand-Knit manufacturer’s tag size “44”. Adjacent above is the “Designed & Tailored Exclusively for DETROIT LIONS” tag. Velcro material has been added to the front and back tail to help keep the jersey tucked in, which is a documented trait that we have seen in early photo-matched Sanders jerseys. The player number “20” appears on the front and back painted in blue on grey. The player number also appears on both sleeves in blue on grey vinyl numbering. Across the back on a white nameplate is the player name “B. SANDERS” in blue tackle twill. The sides have been taken in and the sleeves have been shortened per player customizations. Sanders signed the front of the jersey in black marker and in our opinion the signature rates an 8. This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows excellent use. This is the earliest known matched Sanders to enter the hobby. The jersey has been matched to an early season game by the repair on the sleeve which indicates prior use and possibly a carryover from his rookie season. Accompanied by a Photo-Match.com LOA confirming the match and grading the jersey a perfect 10 and a Full LOA From JSA.