Gridiron Greats auction ends Tuesday
An auction benefiting the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund ends Tuesday, evening but there’s still time to examine some interesting football memorabilia that includes hand-drawn plays from Vince Lombardi and a smattering of autographed items for football, soccer and hockey.
The Lombardi page, above, was donated by Vince Lombardi Jr. and is at $2,500 with one bid. There’s no question that something like this is much rarer than a pricey Lombardi autograph — and probably more interesting too.
Gridiron Greats is a non-profit corporation established to provide financial assistance and social services to retired NFL players who are in dire need due to inadequate disability, pensions or other circumstances.
Among the other auction items are …
Dinner with former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka — and Steve McMichael, Kevin Butler and Dan Hampton. There are no bids with a $1,500 opener. McMichael has to make it worthwhile — if “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair has stories about McMichael’s days as a wrestler, you could only imagine what could happen with this crew.
A round of golf with Ditka and PGA star Peter Jacobsen — no bids but with a starter of $10,000.
Several memorabilia pieces are up for grabs, with a Stan Mikita signed Chicago Blackhawks jersey sitting at $188.88 after six bids. Same for a Raymond Berry autographed Colts jersey, while a Ronnie Lott 49ers jersey is $145.
Several more items are up for grabs, including a Gale Sayers autographed official NFL ball ($100 after one bid), a chance to attend a Pittsburgh Steelers game with Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier ($3,500, no bids), a Ronaldinho autographed FC Barcelona jersey ($210 after two bids), a Dallas Cowboys jersey signed by Troy Aikman ($270 after 15 bids).
Other experiences include dinner wth former Miami Dolphins Mercury Morris and Jim Kiick at Don Shulas Steakhouse in Miami ($1,000, no bids), the chance to spend a day with former New York Giant Harry Carson ($2,000, no bids) and chances to play golf with Thurman Thomas and Vinny Testaverde.
To see all of the auctions, click here.
And remember, Gridiron Greats gives you the chance to help out some of those guys who destroyed themselves on the football field so you could have something to watch and someone to cheer for on Sunday afternoons.
Chris Olds has collected sports cards and memorabilia since 1987. Before coming to Beckett Media, he wrote about the hobby for the Orlando Sentinel on his blog, SportsStuff, and for the San Antonio Express-News and The Tuscaloosa (Ala.) News. Do you have a comment, question or idea? Send e-mail to him at colds@beckett.com.
