This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
Those who thrill to the sight of pigskins flying through their owe a nod to Slingin' Sammy Baugh, the man who brought the forward pass to prominence. Baugh, a standout at TCU in the mid-1930s, came to the Washington Redskins in 1937 with the radical idea that the ball could be moved not just in a thundering herd but spiraled in the sky. He opened passing lanes for other QBs, and in his 15-year career Baugh was clearly ahead of the pack, setting records that stood for decades including most passes thrown (3,016), completed (1,709), and yards gained (22,085), and he led the league in passing six times. Baugh, who took the 'Skins to two titles, was also a nonpareil punter, averaging 44.9 yards per boot. He was elected to both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame and in 1960 was the first coach of the New York Jets (Titans). For outstanding contribution to the game, Baugh was named to the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team, and was presented with this stunning green and brown octagonal trophy featuring a silver engraving of yesteryear players mounted to the 8" x 8" wooden base. Baugh's name and feats appear on the base along with the silver anniversary NFL logo. The trophy, which invokes the ruggedness of early heroes like Baugh, is in near mint condition and comes with a certificate of authenticity from Baugh himself.