1954 Weeb Ewbank Baltimore Colts Coach's Contract in Framed Display - JSA

Sold For:

Unsold

Year:

1954

Auction:

2025 Spring

Lot #:

3080

Category:

Football Cards and Memorabilia

Official coach's contract dated February 1, 1954, between Weeb Ewbank and Baltimore Football Inc. Signed in blue and black ink by "Wilbur C. Ewbank," team president and general manager Donald S. Kellett, and NFL commissioner Bert Bell, among others. The three-page agreement calls for Ewbank to receive a salary of $15,000 as head coach during the 1954 and 1955 seasons, with a team option to renew the contract for an additional two years, provided the club notified Ewbank in writing no later than December 1, 1955. In addition, the agreement called for Ewbank to receive five percent of the club's net profits for each calendar year. Ewbank was hired by the Colts in 1954 after a successful multi-season stint as an assistant coach of the Cleveland Browns under the legendary Paul Brown. While the Colts struggled the first few seasons of Ewbank's tenure, the club's trajectory quickly changed upon acquiring quarterback Johnny Unitas in 1956. With a superstar quarterback and several other Hall of Famers in tow, Ewbank led Baltimore to consecutive NFL Championships in 1958 and 1959. Fired by the Colts after the 1963 season, Ewbank would later get the ultimate revenge, leading the New York Jets to victory in Super Bowl III over the Colts. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1978. The offered contract is presented in an ornate framed display (30 x 18 inches), with a cut signature and black-and-white photo (modern print) of Ewbank plus a Colts logo positioned below the final page of the contract. The contract displays normal fold lines and presents in Excellent to Near Mint condition. Full LOA from James Spence/JSA. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.