This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/1/2002.
The Chicago Bears improved from 4-10 in 1975 to 7-7 just one season later and the player leading that charge was Walter Payton, who went on to become the NFL's all-time leading rusher. The first item in this lot is a Wilson football signed by 37 members of the 1976 Bears, including: Payton, Gary Huff, Roland Harper, Ron Shanklin, Randy Burks, Wally Chambers, Steve Schubert, James Scott, Noah Jackson, Mike Adamle and Terry Schmitt. The blue and green ink signatures grade an 8 overall and the vintage Payton is a near 9. The ball is partially deflated and grades EX-MT with some light staining. Also included is a near-mint brown and white Wilson football signed in red and blue ink by 36 1976 Pro Bowlers, including: Merlin Olsen, Chuck Foreman, Mel Gray, Dan Dierdorf, John James and Harold Jackson. These signatures grade an 8 overall. The NFC edged the AFC 23-20 in the game, which was played in New Orleans. The autographs come with a letter from PSA/DNA.