March 24, 2022: Spring Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/24/2022
Presented is an outstanding specimen of a decidedly difficult Chicago Bears road mesh jersey, a style used only two seasons and in this instance linked to a popular figure as much for his 30 years as a University of Illinois radio broadcaster as his brief tenure with the Bears in 1971. The lightweight mesh jersey as the single-ply shoulders with midnight-navy round collar and Wilson-style diagonal shoulder seams. It has the ½ sleeves with screened-on traditional Bears striping and decidedly non-traditional full-block screened-on numerals that were only used in 1971 and 1972 Bears road lightweight jerseys. Unrestored NOB is very nice, sewn on and very rare to find the original NOB on these shirts. Wilson XL tail label is straight-stitched in white at the tail seam. Shirt reveals light overall wear that is consistent for a player with only 50 rushing attempts on the season, with only 19 carries in road contests. Grabowski played five seasons in backup roles for the Packers, earning a pair of Super Bowl rings along the way, then finished his career with the Bears before moving to the radio broadcast booth on behalf of his alma Mater Illinois.
1971 Jim Grabowski Chicago Bears Game-Worn Road Jersey
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