From Auction Central News:
Seattle buyer returns 1919 car to France

The Seattle man who purchased a 1919 Turcat-Mery roadster in France for almost $1 million has decided to return the car to its native country after the French government claimed it as a national monument. Charles Morse will ship the car back to France, hoping to find a buyer an antique-car show in Paris. The car was originally built for a descendant of Louis XVI, and as an original part of the Randan royal estate, is considered a French national monument.

From Bloomberg:
Koons Snubbed for Cheaper Art in London as Bargains Sought

In what was expected to be the highlight of Phillips de Pury’s London sale, Jeff Koons’ glass-vitrine sculpture failed to receive a single bid from buyers. Koons’ work was estimated to bring in at least $2.6 million at the sale, which sold two-thirds of the lots for a total of £4.2 million ($6 million). The Phillips de Pury sale is yet another indication that the contemporary-art market is far from healthy.

From ARTINFO:
Lincoln Reelection Speech Sets Auction Record

The handwritten text of Abraham Lincoln’s re-election speech sold at Christie’s in New York for $3,442,500, a new record at auction for an American historical document. Lincoln delivered the speech two days after his re-election to the presidency at the White House in 1864. The document’s previous owner was the Southworth Library Association, which had owned it since 1926. It was part of a sale that brought in a total of $5,565,063.

From The New York Times:
Glamour Girls for the Middle Class

Through April 7, the Center for Jewish History’s Leo Baeck Institute is hosting an exhibit of Goldscheider ceramics. The popular, kitschy collectibles were made in Vienna from 1885–1938 and are from the collection of Kathryn Hausman, who serves as president of the Art Deco Society of New York. Goldscheider figures were splashes of glamour that decorated middle-class homes. More than 9,000 different models were made, ranging from the Hollywood starlets of the 1920s to North Africans in native costumes.

From BBC News:
German court orders poster return

A Florida man whose German father’s collection of vintage posters was seized by the Nazis during World War II has won the court decision over the ownership of the posters. The 4,000 posters, currently in the German Historical Museum, will be returned to Peter Sachs. It’s only a piece of the 12,500 posters that made up his father’s collection, but Sachs is hopeful that the German court decision will help bring the rest of the collection together. The entire collection is thought to be worth about £4 million ($5.7 million) and includes a 1932 “Die Blond Venus” movie poster, featuring Marlene Dietrich, which was used at court to argue Sachs’s case.

From Bloomberg:
Hirst Opens Second Shop, Defies Slump With £3.50 Keychains

British artist Damien Hirst has no doubt been affected by the contemporary-art market slump and has decided to do something about it. Hirst recently opened a new shop, Other Criteria, in London’s Marylebone district, selling smaller, affordable items for as little as £3.50 ($5). The cheapest of Hirst’s wares are the £3.50 Hirst-designed key chains, limited-edition prints, books and sculptures.

From WTHR-TV (Indianapolis):
Fate of antiques at children’s home debated

An Indianapolis children’s home that started as an orphanage for children of Civil War veterans is may close its doors, and with that comes the question of what to do with the home’s vast collection of antiques. Items amassed at the home since its opening in the 1800s include old clothing, bathing suits, a box of diapers from the early 1900s, original artwork, antique fireplaces, handmade clocks and furniture, and stained-glass windows. For now, the antiques will stay put thanks to a lawsuit filed in hopes of keeping the items in place.

From The (Colorado Springs) Gazette:
Antiques preserve experience of world’s first skiers

Most collectors keep their antiques in their homes on shelves where the collectibles can be admired. A Carbondale, Colo., man who possesses one of the most extensive collections of vintage ski gear in the world, likes to use his antiques for their intended purpose: on the slopes. Richard Allen owns a ski shop in Carbondale and organized antique-ski races in Aspen, as well as renting out equipment from his extensive collection—boots, skis, hats, gloves, poles, posters, patches and pins, to name a few—for commercials and the like.

From BBC News:
Gandhi’s spectacles up for sale

Mahatma Gandhi’s iconic glasses, along with a pair of leather sandals and a pocket watch, will be auctioned in New York next month. The spectacles, which Gandhi once said gave him “the vision to free India” from British colonial rule, are valued at $42,000, partly because he had so few material possessions. The Zenith pocket watch, made in 1910, is expected to be the biggest sale at the auction.

From The Chicago Sun-Times:
Cars, collectibles worth millions saved from fire

A fire at an auto showroom in suburban Chicago went up in flames Monday night, but the business’ $500,000 Ford Mustang was saved from the blaze. Another Mustang—this one a 1964 car that was the first Mustang to ever come off the manufacturer’s assembly line and worth about $5 million—was also saved, along with multiple signed rock ’n’ roll records from Elvis, the Beatles, Buddy Holly and others. The fire department that responded to the call reported that the blaze started in a 1968 Oldsmobile in the showroom. The Oldsmobile was worth $75,000.

From Luxist:
Watch Owned by Kennedy and Onassis Up at Auction

A 14K gold watch that belonged to both John F. Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis is scheduled to be up for auction at Antiquorum in March. Estimated to bring in bids up to $200,000, the watch has 57 gemstones on it and has two inscriptions. Kennedy’s personal secretary found the watch in his desk after he was assassinated and gave the timepiece to Jackie Kennedy. She later gifted the watch to Aristotle Onassis.

From The Art Newspaper:
Design forgery ring uncovered in France

Double-check your collection if it contains pieces by Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand, Alexandre Noll and Pierre Chareau. French police have busted a counterfeiting scheme that reproduced objects by these famous 20-century designers. The artist behind the fake pieces died several years ago, but members of his family, in addition to other associates, were arrested on charges of counterfeiting, receiving counterfeit goods and fraud.

From The New York Times:
Artist Sues The A.P. Over Obama Image

Shepard Fairey has had quite a week so far. After being arrested in Boston—on his way to a retrospective in his honor at the Institute of Contemporary Art—for illegally papering the city with posters of his artwork, Fairey, in a pre-emptive strike against the Associated Press, has filed a lawsuit asking to be protected from a claim of copyright infringement. Fairey’s now-iconic poster of President Obama is based on an AP photograph of the then-candidate. Fairey’s lawyers believe he falls under the fair-use exemptions of copyright law. The AP has not taken legal action to date but contacted Fairey’s studio last month asking him to pay for the use of the image.

From The Associated Press:
Rare trove of Hebrew books displayed in NYC

The Valmadonna Trust Library, estimated to be worth $40 million, went on display at Sotheby’s in New York this week. The 11,000 works are thought to be the greatest collection of privately owned Judaica. Among the rare Hebrew books and manuscripts on display are a 16th-century Hebrew bible once used at Westminster Abbey, a 10th- or 11th-century Franco-German Hebrew bible and an almost-perfect complete edition of the Babylonian Talmud, printed in 1519-1523. The collection is the life work of London collector Jack Lunzer, who wanted it to end up eventually at the Library of Congress. Per his request, Sotheby’s will sell the collection as a whole to either a private collector or public institution.

From The New York Times:
Rare N.Y. Photo to Be Offered by Sotheby’s

A rare photograph of New York City, dated 1849, will be up for sale at Sotheby’s next month. The auction house claims that the daguerreotype is the oldest photograph found of the city, a landscape of what is now Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Because antique daguerreotypes of the New York City are quite rare, experts at Sotheby’s don’t have an estimate of how much the photograph will sell for at auction.

From Auction Central News:
Santonio Holmes’ Super Bowl gloves in charity auction

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and Super Bowl star Santonio Holmes has donated his Reebok-made gloves to an auction to raise money for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc. The gloves, worn by Holmes when he made the touchdown catch to seal the Steelers’ victory over the Arizona Cardinals, have a current high bid of $15,200 on the Reebok Web site that is running the auction through Thursday. Holmes’ son suffers from sickle cell disease.

From BBC News:
Classic Bugatti makes 3.4m euros

After being discovered by its late owner’s children in a musty garage in England, a classic Bugatti automobile sold for 3.4 million euros ($4.43 million) at a Bonhams auction in Paris. The 1937 Type 57S Atalante has not been driven in more than 50 years and is considered to be one of the most coveted cars among automobile collectors.

By Elizabeth Hendley, a WorthPoint writer based in Seattle

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

An Ephrata, Pa., auction of Amish diaries brought in about $3,000—mostly from Amish bidders. The diaries aren’t exactly what most of us think of. Instead of juicy details about our high-school crushes, the writers of these notebooks recorded chores, recipes and other facets of daily Amish life, often completely devoid of any hint of emotion. Ranging from the 1850s to several written as recently as the 1990s, the diaries are an interesting peek into the largely unknown—to outsiders, that is—world in which the Amish live. Keeping meticulous records is a fairly typical practice in Amish communities.

From the Lake Oswego (Ore.) Review:
Antique barber pole theft brings out the vigilante in Lake Oswego barber

Lake Oswego, Ore., barber Tyler Atkinson is on the hunt for his stolen antique barber pole with the help of his community. The Marvy barber pole has been a fixture outside the shop for more than 50 years, and Atkinson estimates that purchasing and installing a similar pole would cost upward of $2,000. Adding a twist to the story, in recent years, several antique barber poles in the Portland area have been stolen. None have been recovered.

From BBC News:
‘Rediscovered’ art fetches £4.4m

At its first appearance at auction, Lucio Fontana’s 1961 painting, “Concetto Spaziale,” sold at Sotheby’s contemporary-art sale in London for £4.4 million ($6.5 million). The abstract white-and-gold work ended the sale with the largest price tag, even though it didn’t reach its £5 million low estimate. “Concetto Spaziale” had not been seen in public for more than 40 years. Other works at the sale were a Jeff Koons sculpture and a Gerhard Richter oil on canvas.

From Bloomberg:
Brandeis ‘Screwed Up’ in Handling Art Museum’s Fate

According to Brandeis University President Jehuda Reinharz, the university’s decision to close its Rose Art Museum and liquidate the museum’s assets was mishandled. After an outcry from university board of trustees and the public, Reinharz says the museum’s building will remain open, but no final decision has been made about whether the art will be sold. Originally, the plan was to sell off the museum’s collection for fundraising purposes, as the university’s endowment has decreased in the current economic climate. Insiders feel certain that this plan will be carried out to some degree.

From BBC News:
Monet painting auctioned for £11m

A Monet painting depicting his wife, Camille, reclining in a field of flowers sold for £11,241,250 ($16.4 million) at Christie’s in London. Though the sale was a triumph in the midst of the art-market recession, it failed to reach its expected price tag of £15 million ($22 million). “Dans la Prairie” was part of the auction house’s Impressionist and Modern art sale, which also included a Renoir, a Matisse and another Monet. All three failed to reach their reserve price.

From BBC News:
‘Lovejoy’ find sells for £8,800

A 15-inch Chinese scepter that was originally purchased for £300 ($441) was sold for £8,800 ($12,864) at auction in Dorset, England. The 18th-century piece is believe to bring good luck to its owner and is thought to have been originally made for Emperor Quinlong. For those non-British collectors and readers, “Lovejoy” refers to a BBC television show about an antiques dealer of the same name. Lovejoy had a knack for discovering good bargains.

From Bloomberg:
Japanese Emperor’s Chinese Box May Sell for More Than $5 million

A gift from China’s Tang dynasty to a Japanese emperor is expected to sell for at least $5 million when the 8th-century vanity box is auctioned at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong. The tortoiseshell box with mother-of-pearl and amber inlay was given to Emperor Shomu in the 700s. Its high value is due to its rarity, according to Sotheby’s.

From BBC News:
Dancer fetches £13.3m at auction

Edward Degas’ “The Little Dancer” set a record for the artist when it sold at Sotheby’s for £13.3 million ($19.2 million) during the auction house’s Impressionist and Modern art sale. The bronze statue was originally made from wax in 1879–81 and went for £1 million more than the previous record for a Degas statue. With this sale, Sotheby’s cleared the bar for the first major test of the art market this year. Sales totaled £32.5 million ($46.8 million).

From BBC News:
Prison for Rothschild book thief

A man who stole hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of rare books from the well-known Rothschild family has been sentenced to jail time. David Slade, an antiques-book dealer, will spend 28 months in jail after the theft of books from the Rothschild private library. Slade was hired to catalog the book collection by Sir Evelyn de Rothschild. Christie’s auction house estimates the value of the stolen tomes totals at least £230,000 ($332,000).

From Playthings.com
Mattel to preview ‘Ghostbusters’ collectibles

Fans and collectors of all things Ghostbusters will be excited to hear that Mattel is producing a line of collectible toys to coordinate with the 25th anniversary of the film’s release. The 12-inch figures will be available on the company’s Web site starting in June, but attendees at New York’s Comic Con and Mattel’s New York Toy Fair Collector Preview Night will get a sneak peek of several of the toys. Mattel will also sell a few 6-inch Ghostbusters figures, as well.

From the New York Times:
Treasure Hunters Say They’ve Found a 1744 Shipwreck

The wreckage of a ship found last year in the English Channel has been confirmed as British warship H.M.S. Victory, according to Odyssey Marine Exploration researchers. In a severe 1744 storm, the ship sunk with 900 men on board, as well as a speculated four tons of gold coins—worth an estimated $1 billion.

The discovery team verified the ship’s identity by examining 41 of its cannons that were visible through the water. In its time, the H.M.S. Victory was one of the most feared vessels that sailed, complete with 110 bronze cannons. The Odyssey group came across the shipwreck last April. After 20 years exploring the English Channel, the group finally hit the mother lode.

From Auction Central News:
Lost 1793 Trumball painting discovered in England

A mislabeled painting bought for $280 turned out to be worth almost 80 times more than its purchase price. The miniature painting, which experts now know was painted by Colonial-era artist John Trumball, is valued at $22,000. A researcher for the London art dealer who purchased the painting thinks that the inscription on the back of the painting was mistakenly read as “Humbert” instead of Trumball. Trumball, a Connecticut native whose works hang in the U.S. Capitol, painted the portrait of Philadelphia lawyer William West in 1793.

From Art Info:
California Biennial Sculpture Mistaken for Trash

Jedediah Caesar’s sculpture, “Gleaners Stone,” is back in place as part of this year’s California biennial after a Culver City resident supposedly mistook the artwork for debris and contacted local officials to remove it. Caesar’s cast-resin work is known for its use of found objects and trash, and was installed on a street corner—part of an off-site project for the biennial.

From BBC News:
Turner landscape sells for £9.1m

Despite gloomy times for the art market, JMW Turner’s “The Temple of Jupiter Panellenius” sold for £9.1 million ($12.9 million) at Sotheby’s in New York last week. The oil painting is the second-highest price paid for a Turner work and has been in a private collection for the past 25 years. One of only three Turner paintings depicting scenes from ancient Greece, the landscape features dancing figures and a backdrop of a classical temple.

From The Winchester (Va.) Star:
Citizens Petition for ‘Jake’

Fifty residents of Winchester, Va., have signed a petition to keep “Old Jake” close to home. A town fixture, the 6-foot-tall copper weather vane has sat atop Rouss Fire Co. for 137 years, and Winchester citizens want him to remain there. Jake failed to sell at Sotheby’s last month. Presale estimates were between $3 million and $5 million, but the highest bid was only $2.1 million—short of the minimum purchase price. While Rouss Fire Co. is still working with Sotheby’s to find a buyer, local residents wish the company would keep this piece of town history.

From The New York Times:
Hard Times Hit Auction Houses

Christie’s press officers are fending off rumors that François Pinault, the luxury-brands mogul who owns the international auction house, plans to sell the company. Amid the economic crisis, eyes have been on auction houses, especially after Sotheby’s downsized to the tune of 60 personnel layoffs and archrival Christie’s let go more than 100 staffers. Both auction houses claim to occupy the higher end of the art-market spectrum, but results from upcoming Impressionist, modern, postwar and contemporary art sales will do the talking.

From BBC News:
Funds Secured for Titian Painting

After an extended deadline, the National Gallery of Scotland and the National Gallery in London have finally raised enough money—£50 million (about $71 million) to be exact—to keep Titian’s “Diana and Acteon” in the hands and in front of the eyes of the British public. The painting’s owner, the Duke of Sutherland, announced plans to sell “Diana and Acteon” in 2007 to the highest bidder and gave a Dec. 31, 2008, deadline to raise the necessary funds to keep the painting, which had been on public display for more than 200 years.

From Forbes:
Bowl-Related Business Less Than Super

Leading up to kickoff of Super Bowl XLIII, purveyors of game memorabilia were seeing lackluster interest in their wares. With game attendance projected to be down at least 1 percent compared to last year, it’s not surprising that fans didn’t have much cash left over after flying into Tampa from Arizona and Pittsburgh. A pregame auction in the Hall of Fame room slashed prices, and still there were few takers.

By Elizabeth Hendley, a WorthPoint writer based in Seattle

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

As much as anything, this is a match-up between two quarterbacks. Remember, it was just a few weeks ago that Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was knocked out of a game with a concussion. No one was sure how he’d perform when he came back for the playoffs. Many wrote the Steelers off, saying he wouldn’t be ready to lead them to the Super Bowl. And they were wrong.

On the other side of the coin, we have Kurt Warner. At 37, Warner is essentially an antique in a league of young men. Time and time again, so-called experts wrote Warner off saying the gunslinger was far past his prime. And they were wrong.

So, what does this mean for the world of sports collectibles? It means one of these quarterbacks is about to have his demand and value shoot through the roof. Let’s not forget that both Roethlisberger and Warner have each won a Super Bowl. So, at the end of Super Bowl night, there will be a quarterback with two rings and who is several steps closer to being in the Hall of Fame.

Ben Roethlisberger Collectibles

If you’re the type of person who likes to get the collectibles before everyone else, you might want to go out on a limb and get some Roethlisberger pieces. Even if he doesn’t win this Super Bowl, he’s still young (26), and he has a great chance of being in this position a few more times in his career.

• Autographed Jersey—Autographed jerseys are always popular collectibles. They tend to hold their value well, and they’re great pieces to display on your wall. Right now, a Ben Roethlisberger autographed jersey goes for about $500-$600. Rest assured, if he leads his team to another Super Bowl, that price will shoot up rather quickly.

• Super Bowl Champs Helmet—Another popular Roethlisberger collectible is the signed Super Bowl Champs helmet. This is a full-size helmet with the Steelers logo on one side and Super Bowl XL Champions on the other. It sells for around $700 currently. Again, another Super Bowl win could change that.

• Autographed Football—This is a fairly common collectible. People like signed footballs because they’re easy to display and they’re usually less expensive than helmets and jerseys. Right now, you can find Big Ben-signed footballs for just more than $400.

Kurt Warner Collectibles

If Kurt Warner wins the Super Bowl, he’ll be the first starting quarterback to win two Super Bowls on two different teams. That’s the kind of thing that could get him in the Hall of Fame. As it stands now, the Cardinals are 6 ½-point underdogs. But this isn’t the first time they’ve been the underdog. In fact, it seems to be a role Kurt Warner enjoys.

• Autographed Football—Due to Warner’s performances over recent years, the value of his collectibles dropped. People assumed his best days were behind him. That’s why it’s a good time to pick up his pieces. For example, an autographed Kurt Warner football sells for well less than $300.

• Signed Super Bowl Photo—Can you believe it’s been nearly 10 years since Kurt Warner’s Super Bowl win in St. Louis? This signed photo captures the quarterback hoisting the trophy after the Rams beat the Tennessee Titans. You can find it in various sports-memorabilia shops for around $150.

The bottom line is this—Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks are always a hot commodity. Just the title of “Super Bowl winning” can make a quarterback an instant legend. If you’re thinking of buying some Super Bowl collectibles, you can’t go wrong with either of these great quarterbacks.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Move over Christmas. You, too, Thanksgiving. There’s a new holiday that brings families and friends closer together than all the rest. Sure, you won’t find this holiday mentioned on your calendar, and this holiday won’t cause Wal-Mart to close its doors for the day. But rest assured, it’s a holiday, nonetheless, and a big one at that.

Have you guessed what I’m talking about? It’s the Super Bowl, of course. Since its inception in 1967, the Super Bowl has been growing steadily each year into the international media juggernaut we see today. Last year’s Super Bowl drew around 97.5 million television viewers. All signs point to that number eclipsing the 100-million mark this year. Those are some serious numbers for a single sporting event.

But the Super Bowl isn’t just for hard-core football fans. In fact, about one out of every 12 people watches the game just for the commercials. Companies spend millions of dollars fighting for a 30-second TV spot to pitch their product. Hey, there are usually more articles after the Super Bowl analyzing the commercials than discussing the actual game.

Here’s another neat fact. The day after the Super Bowl, 5-10 percent of the work force calls in sick. Now, that’s a holiday.

Super Bowl Collectibles

Of course, I’m rambling. After all, this is a story about collectibles. So, what does the Super Bowl do for the world of sports collectibles?

The Super Bowl has made quite a contribution to the sports-collectibles coffer. Let’s review just a few of the more interesting (i.e. valuable) collector’s items from the Super Bowl.

Vintage Super Bowl Memorabilia—When you’re talking about Super Bowl collectibles, you have to start at the beginning. The Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls, so their collectibles from this period are highly desirable.

• Super Bowl II Ticket Stubs—If you’ve read any of my past blogs, you know I’m a sucker for old ticket stubs. Why? I’m not really sure. I think it has something to do with a ticket stub capturing a fan’s memory. I look back at my stubs, and they each remind me of a specific moment in my life where I viewed a piece of sports history in person.

A Super Bowl II ticket stub is pretty difficult to find, especially in good condition. However, if you can score one, you’d have a collectible worth well more than $1,000 in your hands.

• Super Bowl III Program—Super Bowl III is one of the most famous in history. It featured the New York Jets against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. Before the game, Jets quarterback Joe Namath boldly guaranteed a victory against the league’s best team, the Colts. And the young quarterback lived up to his word. The Jets shocked the sports world, beating the Colts 16 to 7.

Mint condition programs from Super Bowl III can still be found in various online auctions and sports-memorabilia shops. You could probably pick up one for just a few hundred bucks. It’s a collectible that would surely grab some attention from your friends.

Super Bowl Winning Quarterbacks—No player receives as much attention at the Super Bowl as the quarterback. A win at the Super Bowl can catapult a quarterback from mediocrity to an instant elite player. Just ask Eli Manning. During his Super Bowl season, fans and teammates alike were questioning if he had what it took to be an NFL quarterback. Months later when he took the Giants to a Super Bowl win, he was named the Super Bowl MVP, effectively silencing all his detractors.

That’s why you can almost never go wrong getting an autographed piece from a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Here are a couple of my favorite collectibles.

• Joe Montana Autographed 4 Rings Photo—Joe Montana is one of just two quarterbacks (the other being Terry Bradshaw) to win four Super Bowls. This autographed photo features the legendary quarterback showing off his Super Bowl jewelry. While it’s far from the most valuable Montana piece, it’s a favorite of mine because it shows how much of a winner he was on the field. You can pick this collectible up for around $250. Learn more about Montana collectibles by clicking here.

• Tom Brady Autographed Super Bowl Mini-Helmet—Tom Brady rose from virtual obscurity to lead the Patriots to three Super Bowl wins in four seasons. During these wins, Brady showed confidence and poise that’s rarely found in a quarterback. Some have called him the current generation’s Joe Montana. This autographed Super Bowl XXXIX mini-helmet sells for close to $600. Definitely worth picking up since Tom Brady could still end up snagging another ring or two before his career is over.

Which Super Bowl Collectibles Should You Buy?

All of this collectibles talk leads to one big question. “Which Super Bowl collectibles should I buy?” While there are no hard-and-fast rules regarding this, here are some of my guidelines.

1. Quarterbacks Rule—Like I said above, you can’t go wrong buying collectibles of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks. Here’s a good list of all the Super Bowl-winning QBs.

2. Look for Team-Signed Pieces—Team-signed Super Bowl memorabilia make for great collectibles because they reinforce the idea that it takes a whole team to win. In this era of “look at me” players, team-signed pieces are a welcome alternative. Of course, they can be fairly pricey, so be ready to spend a nice chunk of change.

3. Shop with Your Heart—Most importantly, buy what you like. Collecting is supposed to be a fun experience. As cheesy as it sounds, just follow your heart, and you’ll end up with a collection you truly love.

So, go Phoenix. Go Pittsburgh. Or forget that the team you really love didn’t make it to Tampa, and have fun on the Super Bowl Sunday holiday.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Throughout the NFL’s illustrious history, fans have witnessed great coaches of every style. From hard-nosed, in-your-face variety to subdued geniuses, many of the greatest teams of all time have a great commander in chief on the sideline.

While collectibles from head coaches tend to be less valuable than player memorabilia, they’re still important pieces that can enhance any collection.

Here are a few collectibles from some of the greatest NFL coaches.

Autographed Vince Lombardi Speech Collage

When the subject of great coaches comes up, the name Vince Lombardi is always toward the top of the list. His tenure with the Green Bay Packers is one of the most successful coaching achievements of all time. He won championships with the Packers in 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, and 1967. In short, he created a football dynasty.

This unique collectible is a signed collage of his two most famous speeches. Lombardi was known for his motivational speeches. Copies of them hang in offices of top corporate executives. In addition to copies of his speeches, this collectible has a signed personal check and a photo of the coach. It’s valued at well more than $2,000.

Don Shula Signed Orange Bowl Seat

Don Shula led the Miami Dolphins through the team’s most successful years. The pinnacle of his success came in 1972 when he coached the Dolphins to the NFL’s only full perfect season in history. He will forever be in the history books for this accomplishment.

The Dolphins experienced much of their success in the confines of the Orange Bowl. This collectible features the autograph of Don Shula on a seat from the Orange Bowl. It’s a stadium collectible that would stand out in almost any collection. Surprisingly, it’s quite affordable at $250.

Bill Walsh Autographed Football

During the 1980s, Bill Walsh popularized the West Coast offense. It was an exciting style of play that captured the attention of football fans across the nation. His record with the San Francisco 49ers was 102-63-1. During this time, he won three Super Bowl rings.

This Walsh collectible is an autographed football featuring the legendary 49ers coach. Collectors should store this in a glass case in a dark, cool area. Most Walsh footballs sell for less than $300.

Eric Brantner is a baseball fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

The quarterback is arguably the most important player on an NFL team. How many times have you seen a great QB leading a fourth-quarter drive to take his team to victory? It happens all the time, and the great ones know how to do it best.

While this article can’t cover every great QB to ever toss a pigskin, it will touch on a few I haven’t yet had a chance to honor.

Without further delay, here are some of my favorite collectibles from the game’s top field generals.

• John Elway Signed Pewter Helmet—When you mention great quarterbacks, John Elway simply has to be on the list. During his highlight-filled career with the Denver Broncos, Elway earned nine Pro Bowl selections, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, the NFL MVP, a Hall of Fame induction and two Super Bowl rings.  The truth is this short section isn’t enough to do Elway’s career justice. But true football fans know what he meant to the game. My favorite John Elway collectible is an autographed helmet made of 100-percent pewter. The helmet has the inscription “2004 Hall of Fame” and “Super Bowl XXXIII MVP.” Because of the pewter, this unique collectible weighs nearly 10 pounds! It’s valued at more than $2,000.

• Dan Marino Signed ’84 Jersey—During the same time that Elway was leading game-winning drives, Marino was terrorizing defenses with his passing abilities. He’s the only rookie quarterback to start the Pro Bowl. In his second season, he put together one of the greatest seasons ever, earning him the MVP. Marino was a regular at the Pro Bowl, and he holds more passing records than I have room to list. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, this Hall of Fame QB is undoubtedly one of the game’s all-time greats.  Signed uniforms are great collector’s pieces. These collectibles can easily be framed and displayed on a wall. This Dan Marino signed jersey is a 1984 model (the year he won the MVP) of the Dolphins home uniform. It’s a great collectible to remind fans of a historic NFL season in which the Dolphins went 14-3, advancing to the Super Bowl where they lost 38-16 to San Francisco ’49ers. The jersey’s value is just more than $1,000.

• Johnny Unitas/Peyton Manning Signed Helmet—Long before Manning was wearing the Colts uniform, Johnny Unitas was revolutionizing the game of football. During the ’50s and ’60s, Unitas was earning a reputation as the game’s greatest quarterback. He was selected to 10 Pro Bowls, won three MVPs and won a Super Bowl. And he led the Colts to victory over the New York Giants 23-17 in what has been called the Greatest Game Ever Played—the 1958 NFL Championship. He is a Hall of Fame quarterback that will never be forgotten.  I think the Johnny Unitas/Peyton Manning signed Colts helmet is a great collectible. It’s a piece that captures both the old and new era of the NFL through two of the game’s best QBs. This collectible can be found for around $2,500.

Eric Brantner is a baseball fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

Other stories by Eric Brantner:
Sports E-cards
Sports Collectibles Memories
Brett Favre collectibles
Mannings Spawn NFL Collectibles
Young NBA Stars: Collectors’ Slam Dunk
Verdict Puts Squeeze on O.J. Collectibles

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

I have to admit, it took me awhile to decide whether I should write this article. Most people are sick of the name O.J. Simpson, and frankly, I don’t want to give the guy any more attention. However, since this is a sports-collectibles blog, it’s necessary to discuss the most recent developments in Simpson’s controversial life.

After the “Trial of the Century” in 1995, the country was divided on O.J. Simpson. Many people felt O.J. got away with murder, and as a result, no one would touch his once-popular collectibles with a 10-foot pole. Whether it was a rookie card or a signed football helmet, collectors had no interest in most things with the name O.J. Simpson on it.

However, through all the controversy, his rare pieces still remained valuable. While you might not be able to get much for his football cards, a rare piece like the suit he wore when acquitted for murder could fetch anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000, according to memorabilia experts. Other rare personal effects were still gaining high-price bids on eBay and other online shops.

These unique personal belongings were the types that Simpson was “trying to get back” during the now-infamous confrontation in the Las Vegas hotel room. The question today is this: In light of the recent prison sentence, will O.J.’s rare personal items lose all their worth?

O.J. Simpson pleads his case at the sentencing hearing after he was convicted of 12 felonies in connection with an armed robbery in a Las Vegas hotel. Simpson maintained he was trying to recover collectibles that were legally his. (Pool photo by Isaac Brekken)

In the mainstream world of sports collectibles, it appears this is the final nail in the coffin for Simpson memorabilia. Most shops stopped dealing his pieces years ago, but now virtually all interest in “The Juice” has vanished. Controversy might help some athletes gain popularity, but for Simpson, it has made him a nationally despised ex-athlete.

For the typical sports collector who buys cards and game-used items, O.J. cards will no longer be bought because of his impressive athleticism but rather because they are needed to complete a set. As the Washington Post puts it, “Simpson makes Michael Vick’s gear look upscale.”

But what about that small sect of collectors who were bidding on Simpson’s personal items before this most recent case? These collectors don’t care about his athletic achievements. Instead, they’re fascinated with the celebrity surrounding his off-field controversy. So, will they continue to scour the Internet for rare memorabilia of the incarcerated ex-star? Or will even this market dry up?

eBay sales vanish

Just one day after the O.J.’s sentencing, I checked eBay to see if there was any action on his collectibles. As expected, his normal sports collectibles were getting no bids. This isn’t anything new as true sports fans stopped collecting these pieces years ago. However, what I found interesting was that the rare pieces (i.e. original courtroom sketches of O.J., collectibles of O.J. and his attorney, Johnnie Cochran, from trial of the century) were also getting no bids.

So, has this niche market of ambulance-chasing collectors finally lost interest in Simpson? For now, the answer is unclear. I expect there will always be those few collectors caught up in the controversy of this once-revered athlete who continue to buy his rare, sometimes disturbing, memorabilia. But it seems that even this market is shrinking quickly.

Eric Brantner is a baseball fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

Other stories by Eric Brantner:

Chicago Cubs Collectibles

Antique Baseball Gloves

Red Sox Collectibles

Brett Favre Collectibles

Honus Wagner

Sports E-cards

Olympic Baseball Collectibles

Sports Collectibles Memories

Yankee Stadium Legacy Cards

Brett Favre collectibles

Sultan of Swat Collectibles

Mannings Spawn NFL Collectibles

At Least Cubbies Have 1908 Series

Rays Collectibles—Buy Now

Young NBA Stars: Collectors’ Slam Dunk

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

Montana was best known for his ability to stay cool under pressure. As the quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, Joe Montana started in four Super Bowl games. The 49ers won all four of those championships. In short, the guy just knew how to win. He always seemed to find a way.

Montana was selected to eight Pro Bowls, he led the NFC in passer rating five times, he was a three time Super Bowl MVP, and a two time AP NFL MVP. This doesn’t even begin to cover all of Montana’s amazing career achievements.

Joe Montana is probably best remembered for his playoff performance against the Dallas Cowboys in 1982. During the NFC Championship Game, Montana completed one of the greatest comeback drives in league history. With over 4 minutes left to play, the 49ers were losing 27-21. Montana led his team steadily down the field into Dallas territory. With about a minute left on the clock, San Francisco faced a third down from the Dallas six yard line. Montana made an off-balanced pass to Dwight Clark who made a leaping catch in the end zone to win the game. It was truly a defining moment in Montana’s Hall of Fame career.

So, which Joe Montana collectibles should you keep your eyes open for?

- 49ers Autographed Helmet- Although Montana played his final seasons as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, he’s best known for his 14 year stint in San Francisco. Guiding the 49ers through their most successful era in franchise history, Montana established himself as one of the greatest players to ever step onto a football field. Autographed Joe Montana 49ers helmets can be found for around $500. I think they make a great addition to any sports memorabilia collection.

- Joe Montana Signed Football- Montana’s ability to toss the football might never again be matched. When I think of Joe Montana, I remember all the times he brought his team back from what seemed to be sure losses. He always knew how to win. A signed Joe Montana football is worth around $400. You should store it in a glass case, and keep it in a dry place away from excessive sunlight.

- “The Catch” Autographed Picture- As I mentioned earlier, the defining moment in Montana’s Hall of Fame career was the pass he threw to Dwight Clark. This is known in the sports world simply as “The Catch.” Since this is such an important moment in football history, I think an autographed picture of the moment is a must have for any football memorabilia collector. With the signatures of both Montana and Clark, this 16×20 collectible is valued at close to $600.

But things weren’t always like this. Back in the day, most players flew under the radar and always said the right things.

Then, along came Joe Namath. In my mind, Namath is the first NFL media star. The guy had the presence of any rock and roll star. He knew how to command attention wherever he went.

But to say “Broadway Joe” was just a publicity hound is to sell his career short. Make no mistake about it, Namath loved to talk, but he also loved to play the game of football. And he was pretty darn good at it. Enough so be selected to 5 Pro Bowls, win a Super Bowl, win 2 MVP awards, have his Jets number retired, and be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

As a result of both his huge personality and his on-field success, Joe Namath collectibles are always in steady demand.

Here are a few of the more commonly sought after collectibles.

- New York Jets Signed Helmet- Joe Namath played all but his final season with the New York Jets. He’s certainly the most well known player in the history of the team. For this reason, fans love to collect Jets helmets autographed by the outspoken quarterback. Namath autographed helmets are sold regularly for $600.

- 1969 Team Signed Photograph- One of Namath’s most renowned moments was when he guaranteed his team would win Super Bowl III. Fans and media got in a frenzy over the prediction, and Namath lived up to his word capturing the title. A team signed picture of this momentous occasion makes for a great collectible. It also makes for an expensive on as they regularly sell for close to $1000.

- Joe Namath Signed Super Bowl III Program- If you’ve followed this blog at all, you know how much I love programs. They are flimsy documents that fans can get their hands on, but I think they make for great collectibles. They document important moments in the history of sports. Unfortunately, they are rarely preserved properly. A signed Joe Namath Super Bowl III program is a unique collectible that would stand out in any collection. It’s value is just over $300 making it an affordable piece for most collectors.

You see, Sanders really was like something out of a video game. His ability to stop on a dime and to turn what should’ve been a loss into a 50 yard gain was absolutely magical. His career accomplishments are noting short of amazing. A few of them include Heisman Trophy winner, 10x Pro Bowl selection, Rookie of the Year, NFL MVP, and 2x Offensive Player of the Year.

In July 1999, Barry Sanders stunned the sports world by announcing his retirement at the age of 31. He was just one season away from breaking the all time record for yards rushed. Had he played a full career, he certainly would have put that record in a place that would never be broken again.

Here are a few of my favorite collectibles from this electric running back.

- Autographed Heisman Trophy Helmet- In 1988, Sanders was a junior at Oklahoma State. Many people regard this season as the greatest college football year in history. That season, Sanders led all running backs by averaging almost 8 yards per carry. He also averaged over 200 yards rushing per game. Sanders set several records during the 1988 college football season, and he was awarded the Heisman Trophy. This autographed helmet commemorates his Heisman Trophy season. It’s valued at just over $500.

- Barry Sanders Signed Lions Jersey- During his 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions, Barry Sanders earned a reputation as one of the greatest running backs of all time. His Hall of Fame career is full of highlights no other player could achieve. Autographed jerseys always make for great collectibles as they help bring the game to life. A signed Barry Sanders Detroit Lions jersey can be purchased for around $400.

- Signed Barry Sanders Photos- Look around online and you can find all different types of Barry Sanders autographed photos. Most of these pictures capture the dynamic running back making a move to brush off several defenders at once. It’s these type of moves that caused Sanders to be a fan favorite and a Hall of Famer. You can find autographed picture collectibles of Barry Sanders for $150-$200.

The further we get from this historic accomplishment, the likelier it seems their record will hold up. It just seems too difficult to completely run the table in today’s NFL season. It’s a long, grueling season, and any team can win on a given Sunday.

Of course, any time a historic moment occurs in sports, there are many collectibles produced to document it.

Here are a few of my favorite collectibles from the 1972 Miami Dolphins perfect season.

- 1972 Dolphins Team Signed Helmet- This collectible contains the signatures of 8 vital members of the 72’ perfect team. Some of the more notable names on this helmet include Don Shula, bob Griese, and Jim Langer. To me, this autographed helmet is a collector’s dream. No other team has accomplished what these guys have. This collectible is valued at just over $800.

- Don Shula Autographed Orange Bowl Seat 17-0- I’m a sucker for unique collectibles. Any NFL collection is brimming with signed helmets, footballs, and cards, but few can boast an autographed Orange Bowl seat from legendary Dolphins coach Don Shula. The Orange Bowl was the venue for the 1972 perfect season. This collectible is a seat from the stadium with an autograph from Don Shula and the inscription “17-0.” For all discerning collectors, this piece can be purchased for around $300.

- Super Bowl Program- At Super Bowl VII, the 72 Dolphins completed their run toward football history. They did what no other team before or after them has done. They completed the perfect NFL season. Since I always talk about how much I love programs from great sporting events, it’s only logical that I’d include a Super Bowl program from the perfect season on this list. If you can find one preserved in good condition, I highly recommend picking it up. You’ll be holding a piece of football history in your hands!

In short, the name Manning is synonymous with great football. They are nothing short of football royalty.

As such, it’s no surprise that this football family has produced a laundry list of highly desirable collectibles.

Here are a few of the top collectibles bearing the Manning name.

• Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning Autographed Photo—Is there a better collectible to start off this list than an autographed 16-by-20-inch photo of football’s first family? It features a collage photo of each of the three Mannings in action. It’s a great collectibles for documenting the family tree of one of the NFL’s most influential and recognizable families. This signed photograph is valued at $600.

• Peyton Manning Autographed Super Bowl MVP—For years, fans questioned Peyton’s ability to win the big one. All throughout his career, he came up short during the most important games. It seemed as if he might never win a Super Bowl. Then, in Super Bowl XLI, Manning led his team to victory, and he earned the Super Bowl MVP in the process. This signed Manning Colts helmet has an inscription of Super Bowl XLI on it, making it a unique, valuable collectibles. It’s estimated worth is $800.

• Eli Manning Team Signed Super Bowl Jersey—Just one year after his brother, Peyton, made Super Bowl history, Eli followed it up with a win of his own. The Giants shocked the undefeated Patriots in one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history. This collectibles is an Eli Manning jersey signed by the entire 2007 Giants team. It’s a great testament to the power of being united as a team and never giving up. This rare collectible will set you back well more than $2,000.

More stories by Eric Brantner:

How to Start a Baseball Card Collection

Where to Find Baseball Cards

How to Store Your Baseball Cards

Chicago Cubs Collectibles

Antique Baseball Gloves

Red Sox Collectibles

Brett Favre Collectibles

Honus Wagner

Sports E-cards

Olympic Baseball Collectibles

Sports Collectibles Memories

Yankee Stadium Legacy Cards

WorthPoint—the premier Web site for art, antiques and collectibles

Every NFL off-season, there are always a few stories that capture fans’ interest for the long summer months leading up to the next season. Unquestionably, the main story of this past year revolved around NFL legend Brett Favre. On March 4, 2008, Favre tearfully announced his retirement from football.

Just a few short months later, it was reported that Favre had changed his mind and that he was interested in coming back to play for the Packers. Unfortunately, the Packers had already groomed Aaron Rodgers to take over the role of starting quarterback. For several weeks, the Brett Favre saga unfolded before our eyes. It dominated sports talk shows.

On August 7, 2008, the Green Bay Packers traded the future Hall of Fame quarterback to the New York Jets. For the first time since 1992, Favre would be on a new team. To many, it just doesn’t seem right that Favre would end his career in anything but a Green Bay Packers jersey. He was Green Bay. No other player has ever been as widely identified with a single franchise.

As the 2008 season kicked off, the world was watching Favre take the field against the Miami Dolphins. To add to the soap opera, the Dolphins were being led by Chad Pennington, who had been the Jets quarterback until . . . As for me, I’m watching Brett Favre’s collectibles. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Brett Favre Rookie Card—In general, football cards aren’t worth as much as baseball cards. Due to overproduction, Brett Favre rookie cards can be found for a very affordable price. For less than $20, you can find eight different rookie cards of the legend. Perhaps the most famous of these is his Stadium Club rookie that incorrectly spells his last name as “Farve.”

• Favre Signed Packers Helmet—As I mentioned earlier, Brett Favre will always be known as a Green Bay Packer. All of his amazing accomplishments came with that team. His three MVP awards, Super Bowl championship and laundry list of passing records were all achieved as a Packer. For this reason, I think a Green Bay Packers helmet autographed by Favre is essential for any football fan’s collection. These collectibles tend to sell for at least $600.

• Brett Favre Signed Official NFL Football—Obviously, Favre is best known for his work with the football. His laser-beam passes have cemented his standing as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Favre holds several passing records (most career yards, most career passing TDs, most completions and a whole lot more). An autographed Favre football makes for a great collectible. Since he’s still playing, they can be found at a relatively affordable price of $400. This price is sure to increase when he enters the Hall of Fame in several years.

Don’t wait. Score some Brett Favre collectibles soon.

P.S. The Jets beat the Dolphins 20-14.

Some bloomin’ collectibles

An English woman packed away stockings she inherited from her mother. Now 82, Mary Youings decided to put them up for auction with a listing of £150 to £200. (That’s approximately $265 to $350.)

Imagine the former teacher’s surprise and delight when the gavel came down at $14,000. Oh, did we fail to mention her mother wasn’t the first owner of the stockings? That would have been Queen Victoria. The BBC reports that the “auction house believes the quality of the hand stitching, the black and white two-tone silk finish and the fact they include the Royal Crest is evidence that they were worn by the queen in the 1870s.”

Fifty-inch bloomers once worn by the queen brought in $8,000 at the same auction near Derby, England.

Fired-up collectibles

At least Queen Victoria’s collectibles were in good shape.

Rock ’n’ roll legend Jimi Hendrix had a penchant for, well, getting fired up during performances. Hendrix was filmed burning his guitar at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. In the same year, he torched his Fender Stratocaster guitar while performing in England.

Somehow the damaged instrument ended up the garage of the parents of Hendrix’s publicist, Tony Garland. More than 40 years later, Garland came across the guitar and didn’t some hmmming, wondering if it was worth anything.

Try $497,5000 of worth something, according to the Associated Press. Other items sold at the same London auction were the Beatles’ first contract with manager Brian Epstein ($426,000), Elvis Presley’s application to carry a concealed weapon in California and as an added bonus, a set of his fingerprints ($81,740), a bathrobe worn by John Lennon in the 1960s ($7,000) and a silk scarf Margaret Thatcher sported in 1979 ($700).

Collectibles auction tinged with sadness

Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor was killed in a home invasion last year in Miami. Last weekend, contents of his Washington-area estate were put up for auction with proceeds going into a trust fund for his infant daughter who was reportedly left out of the will.

One attendee told the The Washington Post that he was “tore up” by Taylor’s death and was “getting goose bumps talking about it now.”

There was wide array of items from a couple of bars of Irish Spring soap to a 9-mm German handgun. Interspersed among the fishing poles and Fabreze were only a few true collectibles, a rack of custom Cowboys/Redskins billiard balls for one, a signed Redskins football for another.

Joyce Brooks of Brooks auctions reported that $7,375.50 was raised for the fund. The Brooks commission, she said, is between 30 and 50 percent.

I do not follow sports, but even I was amazed to see my wife pull this jersey out a drawer one day. She was friends with UNL Black Shirt Grant Wistrom while she was in college at University of Nebraska Lincoln. She went to all the home games, along with several of the away games.

After the Huskers won the Orange Bowl in 1995, Grant gave my wife his Orange Bowl jersey to wear at games. After college, Grant Wistrom played for the Rams and helped them win the Super Bowl in 2002. Then he played with the Sea Hawks until being released after the 2006 season.

Injuries are a part of any professional player’s day. Much has been made of the injuries to quarterback Tom Brady before Super Bowl XLII on Sunday, February 4th. But, rest assured, he will play, injured or not.

And that what’s worrying former NFL players like Dave Pear. A hero in the 1980 Super Bowl, Pear is now physically unable to walk, sleep, or live pain free. Spinal, neck and hip injuries have plagued him since before his retirement from professional football in 1982. With numerous operations, he has reduced his savings to zero and debt is mounting. He is on Social Security Disability with advancing dementia from numerous concussions. He tires easily and sleeps 12 to 15 hours a day. He gets a small pension from the NFL, $606 a month. Pear is 54. He and his wife will lose their home soon.

“When I got hurt, I just made sure to get myself back into a game as soon as possible. It was do-what-you-have-to-do, and I did it all,” says Dave Pear.

While doing a story on the injured lives of former NFL players, Dave Pear remembers something to the reporter he wants to give to his children.

I’m going to quote directly from the Washington Post Magazine story titled “The Pain Game” by Michael Leahy, about NFL players who suffer after their days of glory are televised and sometimes forgotten except in trivia questions and official stats.

Quoting now:

The items are a reminder of all that went wrong for him – though, in their hands, who knows? Maybe they can hawk them and make a nice piece of change, he says. He pulls his secrets out of an envelope and hoists them the way a precious metals salesman would show off gold ingots.

“Two tickets to Super Bowl XV,” he says. “We all got tickets. I completely forgot about selling these two. I’ll let the kids sell them or do whatever with them. Bet those memorabilia collectors would like them, huh? I got a lot of memorabilia that can go to the kids one day.”

“Hope the kids will like the tickets,” he says. “It’s the Super Bowl. Everybody likes the Super Bowl.”

End quote.

A ticket stub to Super Bowl XV was selling for about $56 on Ebay with 3 days left to bid.

There are others whose memorabilia comes with stories, too:

Conrad Dobler, offensive tackle, St. Louis Cardinals, 1970s, degenerated knees and hips, physically and financially crippled.

Mike Webster, center, Pittsburgh Steelers, dementia, died age 50.

Brian Demarco, offensive guard, Jacksonville and Cincinnati, 1990s, debilitating spinal and knee injuries.

Earl Campbell, running back, Houston Oilers, 70s and 80s, uses a walker.

Go to http://www.washingtonpost.com to register and read the full story.

There are benefit funds for players who no longer qualify for a livable NFL pension or medical benefits:

Gridiron Greats:

http://www.gridirongreats.org/aboutthefund.html led by Hall of Famers Mike Ditka and Jerry Kramer

Fourth and Goal:

http://www.fourthandgoalunites.com/ le

AFC EAST

1. Pats

2. Jets

3. Fins

4. Buffalo

If the Randy Moss trade happened in one of my Fantasy Leagues, there would have been a freaking riot. (Not so) quietly, the Pats have surrounded Brady with more quality receivers than at any other time in his career. My only question is if this officially acts as an apology from Robert Kraft for leaving him with Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown. Reluctantly, I put the Jets ahead of the Fins, only because I believe in Mangini a whole lot more than I believe in Cam Cameron. Even though I believe in Trent Green more than Pennington, neither team has a dominating running game to set them apart. All I know is Mangini led a very bad team to the playoffs last year, and Cam Cameron no longer has LDT to depend on.

The Bills have J.P. Losman playing quarterback.

AFC NORTH

1. Baltimore

2. Cincy/Pitt

3. Pitt/Cincy

4. “Browns”

I don’t care how anemic and old Baltimore looked in the playoffs against the Colts, that team can make any other look mortal (see Bears, Chicago). This was a 13 win team last year, and hopefully my grandma’s favorite player from Alcorn State still has some left in the tank. As we leave the University of Miami’s Mid-Atlantic alumni association, I find myself torn between two teams with reams of potential. The Cincin-Attica Bengals would be higher, and no where near a toss-up with Pitt, but I have to take into account all of the inevitable arrests. How has the commish not penalized the entire city of Cincy? Mike Tomlin’s team has some questions to answer, with the disgruntled nature of some players and the departure of Joey Porter, but I think they’ll manage. No one got hit by an old lady this off season, and Big Big looked pretty good throwing the pill in the preseason thus far. They should at least be battling for a playoff spot.

The “Browns” have Romeo Crennel coaching.

AFC SOUTH

1. Indy

2. Oilers

3. J’Ville

4. Houston

Peyton Manning did it. He infiltrated our society with commercials and ads and exceptionally funny, self deprecating SNL moments. He tricked us all into liking him, something I was sure he could never do, and something I thought would forever haunt his statistically proficient career. Oh, and he won a Super Bowl too. Vince Young is one of the brightest young stars the NFL has seen in years, but I question the ability of the running game to compliment. Plus, when his arm falls off due to the Madden Cover Curse, I question Kerry Collins’ ability to take a hit in a beer helmet. Jacksonville shocked a lot of people last year, but I think the coaches messing with the QB situation have done way more harm than good to the team as a whole.

The Texans have made no upgrades on the offensive line.

AFC WEST

1. San Diego

2. Denver

3. KC

4. Oakland

My LDT rant aside, I can’t deny the obvious talent the TCU alum is. Watching film from last year, coupled with his kickass new Nike commercial, I am completely in awe of the ability he displays on the field. He is one of the greatest to carry the ball in recent memory, maybe of all time. And he will be carrying my Fantasy Team to greatness. The Horses looked great, until all those injuries during that meaningless preseason game. Note to the AFC West: just don’t throw at Champ Bailey. Don’t do it. Its not worth it. Kansas City has two mediocre QBs, a weak, injury riddled receiving corps, a bad defense, and no running back. When Larry Johnson signs, and his knee promptly implodes, don’t say I didn’t tell you so.

The Raiders have a teenager coaching.

NFC EAST

1. Philly

2. Dallas

3. Giants

4. Wash

The Illadelph looks very good this year. While I’m not as sure as Donovan F. about the prowess of this years Eagles squad, I do know that I believe in Brian Westbrook, Reggie Brown and that DF McNabb was a fantasy gem until his injury a year ago. Since Dallas is insisting on starting Tony Romo, they default to second in the East. Until he proves he can catch field goal snaps, I cannot in good faith put him any higher. The New Jersey Giants are bad, really bad. They have Kerry Collins Jr. under center…and that is the nicest thing I can say about them. No wonder Strahan doesn’t want to come back, even if his wife took half.

The Redskins have a psychopath as an owner.

NFC NORTH

1. Chi-Town

2. Minnesota

3. GB

4. Det

Due to what can only be described as an instance of mass idiocy, Rex Grossman remains the starting quarterback for the returning NFC Champions. Cedric Benson will have to step his game up, as the running game is finally all his. Apparently, Devin Hester is going to be playing offense some too…he’s not even that good of a DB, why confuse him more. Minnesota had a great draft, made some key summer moves, yet will still be letting Jackson steer this Viking ship. Even two years later, boat humor still floats. Get it? Floats. Speaking of Bret Favre passes, I actually find myself rooting for him to overcome his old-man stubbornness, and to drag his team to the playoffs. It’s just been too long since an opposing team had to play in Lambeau in January.

The Lions have Matt Millen running things.

NFC SOUTH

1. Nawlins

2. Tampa

3. Carolina

4. Birds

The team formally known as the Ain’ts looked great last year…until Reggie Bush tempted the football gods by teasing Brian Urlacher in the NFC Title game. Bad Reggie. That said, they actually look like a contender to repeat in the most competitive division in football. Between the continued heroics of Drew Brees and the two-headed monster backfield, they should hold up fine. I like Tampa because I like Jeff Garcia, and the way he carried a Philly team that could have imploded. Jon Gruden loves quarterbacks, he loves tough guys, and Jeff Garcia is a tough-guy QB. Carolina doesn’t look good. Not even a little bit. But, they still aren’t the dregs of this division.

The Falcons have Joey Harrington playing quarterback.

NFC WEST

1. St. Louis

2. Zona

3. Seattle

4. San Fran

I hate the Rams. Hate ‘em. But, this off season, Bulger got paid, Stephen Jackson got better, and the receiving corps got younger. Ah, two outta three ain’t bad. A refocused offense, a retooled defense, and a weak West screams of opportunity for the Rams. And an ailing, aging Shaun Alexander screams problems for Seattle. Hassleback and his pass-catchers benefited immeasurably in the Super Bowl season from Mr. Alexander’s greatness, I just think he’s a little worn down from carrying a team with a bird mascot (see Anderson, Jamal). I think Arizona could leap ahead of them, if ‘ol 37 is indeed wearing down as it appears, since those receivers are a BEAST. Though Matt Lienart would have to get them the ball. But, Edge will be there to keep the pressure off of the noodle armed former Trojan. Hence them being 2^nd.

The 49ers have an injured Frank Gore.

PLAYOFF PICTURE AFC

1. Pats

2. San Diego

3. Indy

4. Baltimore

5. Denver

6. Titans

Indy blows by Kerry Collins and his squad, while the Denver/Old Browns match-up is a lot more interesting. Two defensively minded teams who don’t meet in the regular season, I have to give the nod to the more (historically) dependable running game in Denver. Jay Cutler notwithstanding, I think Shanahan learned from last year, and is ready to take this team deep into the playoffs.

The second playoff weekend looks to be much more interesting, where the Pats welcome Denver to Razor Stadium. The Super Pats’ firepower might be too much for the powerful for even the dominant Denver defense, and I don’t think the Horses can keep pace with New England. Speaking of Horses not keeping pace, Indy has lost way too much on the defensive side of the ball to hope to contain the Super Chargers. Game over Peyton.

NFC

1. The N.O.

2. St. Louis

3. Philly

4. Chicago

5. Dallas

6. Vikes

Inter-divisional battles will define the first round of the playoffs, as the North and East see rematches. Obviously, I give the nod to whoever has the regular season edge, and as I would predict it, I see both higher seeds holding out against the Wild Card teams.

Round 2 sees a rematch of last years NFC title game, but things change this time: Rex Grossman serves to sink the ship that the defense has been carrying. If he’s under center, and the Bears make it this far, then the wheels get to come off a little earlier than last year. The other game sees the Eagles coming into the dome of the Rams, and leaving with a big, fat L. The history of Philly sports futility continues. This is a city that celebrated the Phillies losing the most games ever this season. And the story continues.

Super Bowl

New England Patriots over New Orleans Saints.

It hurts me to say it. Tom Brady gets another ring. Look at the roster, its almost not fair. These guys are like a Madden 08 team where the owner made a bunch of one-sided trades to build a super team. Except it’s a real team. Barring Laurence Maroney stabbing himself in his heart with that ridiculous Kool-Aid necklace, nothing can stop Robert Kraft from adding to his collection of Lombardi Trophies

On the one hand, I’m not under the punishing August sun, which beats down the same from New York City to College Station, Texas to Cocoa Beach, Florida. I’m not driving a sled across a field, or taking on rushing defensive tackles in one-on-one drills, or running sprints after practice. I’ll never ride a bus to Florida again, never spend all my time away from the field in a meeting room, or start fast and finish faster. I’ll never again wake up scared. On the one hand, I don’t have to do these things ever again.

On the other hand, I never get to.

We all miss playing (winning) games, clean out blocks, great throws and catches, amazing picks, and knock out hits. That’s universal; everyone mentions this stuff in what they miss from the game. But, I think it is more than just the good times former players miss. Gone is the grind of the weight room, the tedium of the meeting room, but a part of everyone who has ever put on pads, or laced up cleats, or picked up a ball misses the part of the game that goes unseen. In some sort of masochistic way, we all enjoyed the grind, the hardness, the sacrifice. It is one of those unique things in life that you detest as you are in the midst of it, but the second it’s gone, you feel like almost a part of yourself is missing. Today, I’ve traded my life as a student athlete for something else; something that, to be honest, doesn’t even feel like me. My cleats for dress shoes, my playbook for a laptop, I’m reminded of this shift every time I walk into my new apartment, as my helmet stares back at me. Some people call this growing up, entering the next phase of my life. I don’t yet know what to call it, all I have known is what came before. And I miss it.

The strength of our team, as far as the deepest talent, is at running back, and more specifically in the running game. Justin Griffith, Jerious Norwood, Warrick Dunn, any one of these could be the feature back, and in time they may be. Our offensive line was put together by the same man who devised the one-cut zone system in Denver, Mr. Alex Gibbs. Now, that said, Atlanta fans want to believe that super-mobile Joey Harrington ought to stand behind an undersized line, with extra ‘protection’ provided by smallish running backs and deliver the ball to stone handed receivers whose biggest ability is that to block downfield, allowing a back who breaks into the third level keep going. This pass happy fantasy is just not the team that Mr. McKay was brought here to build. But, because Mr. Blank listens to us, and Mr. Mora listened to Mr. Blank, Mr. Mora is now out of a job. Because he missed the playoffs, thanks to us. Now, he wasn’t the laughing stock of a league (Dennis “he was what we thought he was” Green), he wasn’t suffering Super Bowl hangover (Bill “my quarterback was hit by on old lady. I need a drink” Cowher), he wasn’t a dirty turncoat (Nick “just leave us SEC fans alone” Saban), and he wasn’t frozen in carbonite (Art “…” Shell). No, Mr. Mora just listened to his boss, who listened to us, and an injury riddled team missed the playoffs. Let’s just hope Mr. Petrino has a bit more sense than Mr. Mora.