1965 Topps Football #122 Joe Namath Rookie Short Print PSA EX-MT+ 6.5

Sold For:

$3,840

Year:

1965

Auction:

2019 Fall

Lot #:

2503

Category:

Football Cards or Memorabilia

Graded EX-MT+ 6.5 by PSA. Very sharp looking, high-grade example of one of football-card collecting's great classics, the rookie card of "Broadway" Joe Namath from the very popular and condition-sensitive 1965 Topps "Tall Boys" football series, also noted as a short print within the set. The offered example presents with bright colors and a flawless image. The card displays four strong corners and centering slightly toward the bottom right. Clean reverse. It takes a certain type of athlete to guarantee victory. An even more select group is composed of those who have made good on their victory guarantee, and perhaps none of these athletes was as confident, exciting, successful, and outstanding as Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath. Namath's New York Jets, the AFL Champions, were 19-1/2 point underdogs to the NFL Champion Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, yet "Broadway" Joe guaranteed a Jets victory. Sure enough, Namath vindicated himself by leading his Jets to a 16-7 win, paving the way for the AFL-NFL merger by essentially legitimizing the AFL in the eyes of its critics. His legend was assured. This is a beautiful example of Joe Namath's rookie card, which is the key card from the set, and one of the all-time classic football cards. Reserve $1,000. Estimate (open).